With the All-on-4® procedure, your periodontist can replace all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw with four strategically placed dental implants. But while this treatment has been growing more and more popular over the years, it’s a better fit for some patients than others. If you’re trying to figure out whether All-on-4® is the right choice for you, it’s important to consider its pros and cons.
How Does All-on-4® Work?
Like any other dental implant procedure, All-on-4® involves surgically inserting sturdy implant posts into the jaw so that they can act as artificial roots for replacement teeth. What makes All-on-4® stand out, however, is that the four posts used for the treatment are positioned in a way that lets them bond with the thickest areas of the jawbone. As a result, even people who have experienced bone loss in their jaws can still potentially enjoy the many benefits of dental implants.
What are the Pros of All-on-4®?
If you choose All-on-4® to replace your missing teeth, you’ll be able to enjoy the following advantages:
- Once the implant posts have finished fusing with the jawbone, your new smile will have enough stability and chewing power to handle most foods without issue.
- Taking care of All-on-4® is relatively simple. All you need to do is brush and floss your prosthesis at least two times every day.
- Your replacement teeth will look and feel very natural, which can go a long way toward helping you feel more confident about showing off your newly rebuilt smile.
- All-on-4® has a very high success rate and can potentially last for decades with the right care.
What are the Cons of All-on-4®?
While All-on-4® comes with many benefits, it also has a few disadvantages that should be noted:
- Compared to other tooth replacement options, All-on-4® often has a higher upfront cost. That said, many patients find that it is still worth the investment thanks to its longevity and other benefits.
- When you have your implant posts placed, there may be some temporary post-surgical discomfort. In particular, the gum tissue at the implant site may be somewhat tender until your mouth has fully healed.
- In rare cases, the jawbone may be unable to form a lasting bond with the implant posts, resulting in dental implant failure. Fortunately, if an implant post fails, it’s often possible to replace it.
It’s essential to make sure that you have all the information you need before you move forward with the process of rebuilding your smile. If you schedule a consultation with your periodontist, they’ll be able to give you a detailed explanation of the pros and cons of All-on-4® and help guide you toward the tooth replacement option that’s ultimately right for you.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman graduated from the University of Tennessee with his Masters of Dental Surgery in periodontology. Over the course of his career, he has become a respected member of the periodontal community, and he has earned the distinction of being a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. At Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester, he offers All-on-4® as a solution for patients who are missing an entire arch of teeth. If you would like to schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Handsman, you can visit his website or call (508) 753-5444.
