We get a lot of questions about dentures and implants as patients decide what’s best for them. At Brighton Dental in San Diego, we’re committed to answering your concerns about every aspect of dentistry. Here are some frequently asked questions about All-on-4 dentures – and the answers too:
How Is All-on-4 different from traditional dentures?
All-on-4 implant-supported dentures are a set of permanent teeth that are made in a lab and then set in your mouth on surgically implanted posts. Once the process is complete, your All-on-4 dentures look and feel like natural teeth – and work like the real thing too.
All-on-4 dentures are never taken out, don’t need adhesives, don’t press on your gums, don’t block the feel of hot and cold foods, allow for biting with increased force, prevent bone loss and restore natural facial features.
How Is All-on-4 different from other kinds of implants?
All-on-4 restores an entire arch with just 4 implants. Single-tooth implants each restore only one tooth. Other implant-supported denture techniques require 6 or even 8 implants per arch, meaning more time in the chair and more places in your mouth that must heal.
This simplified process is possible because the implants for All-on-4 dentures are angled to allow for greater contact, require no need for bone grafting in most cases and feature other improvements. Plus, you save both time and money when you choose All-on-4 from Brighton Dental in San Diego.
How long does the implant surgery take?
For All-on-4 implant-supported dentures, you’ll need oral surgery to place the implants that takes about 2.5 hours per arch. This could mean a total of 5 hours of surgery, but that’s much less time in surgery than with other similar procedures.
What is the All-on-4 dentures success rate?
This is one of the amazing things about this dental solution for missing teeth. Published research and our own observations indicate that a success rate of about 98 percent is expected. There are few medical or surgical procedures that can boast such a high success rate.
What kind of person is the best candidate for All-on-4 dentures?
The best candidate is someone missing all or most teeth and not currently using dentures. Those who have loose or ill-fitting dentures are also good candidates. And age is not a factor as long as you’re in generally good health and able to have the necessary dental surgery. Those with well-fitted dentures don’t necessarily need to change to All-on-4, and there are other solutions available for those with many remaining healthy teeth on either the top or bottom arch.
Why don’t I get permanent teeth the day the implants are placed?
You’ll leave our office with beautiful temporary teeth so you can heal and recover from the process of placing the implants. While you’re healing, your permanent teeth – which should last a lifetime – will be made for you. The temporary teeth can last a long time, and the healing process may require several months. Expect to get your permanent teeth about 6 months after your surgery.
Can I have both upper and lower implant-supported dentures done at the same time?
Yes. If you need both the upper and lower arch restored, this can be done at the same time. If you don’t, however, you can have only one arch done and then a different kind of restoration or no work at all done on the other arch. Dr. Woods will carefully examine your situation and explain to you the actions that will lead to the best outcome for you.
Learn more at our All-on-4 page. Or contact us. At Brighton Dental in San Diego, we’re here to help.
