All-on-4 – Plano, TX
A Faster Way to Get New Teeth
If you wear dentures, you might be thinking of getting dental implants to give yourself a stronger, more stable smile. Unfortunately, in many cases wearing dentures means that the bone density in your jaw has diminished, meaning you might not be able to get implants until you’ve undergone a lengthy bone grafting procedure. Luckily, the All-on-4 approach can make bone grafts unnecessary, and in many cases, you’ll be able to enjoy new teeth sooner than you would have normally. Make an appointment with Dr. Shannon Stokes today to see if dental implants are right for you.
How Do All-on-4 Implants Work?
This procedure can replace an entire arch of teeth in your upper or lower jaw with dentures that are supported by just four dental implant posts. The posts are placed in specific positions and angles so that they use the front portion of your mouth where the jawbone is denser. The surgery itself is similar to the procedure for traditional dental implants; however, instead of waiting for months for your mouth to heal before prosthetic teeth can be placed, you can often receive a lightweight temporary denture to wear until your jawbone and gums are ready for permanent ones.
Am I a Candidate for All-on-4 Implants?
All-on-4 is an option for replacing an entire row of teeth. To be a good candidate for the procedure, your mouth needs to be free of gum disease. (Oral infections are one of the biggest reasons why dental implants can fail.) You also need to be in good health overall to ensure proper recovery. Before starting the dental implant process, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stokes so that he can perform a thorough examination and help you develop a plan based on your situation.
What are the Benefits of All-on-4 Implants?
Placing your dentures on dental implants can help reduce, prevent or even reverse bone loss in your jaw; this is because the implants replace the root structure of lost teeth that’s needed to stimulate the jawbone. You’ll find that All-on-4 implants are easier to take care of than traditional dentures since they can be brushed and flossed like your natural teeth. And since dental implants last for decades, you can look forward to a lifetime of smiles.
All-on-4 VS Traditional Dental Implants
There are a few benefits of using the All-on-4 procedure instead of a traditional approach:
- You can completely avoid the need for a complicated bone grafting procedure.
- Fewer implant posts and fewer appointments means you’ll pay less for your treatment.
- Your mouth will heal faster since there aren’t as many surgical placement sites.
- Temporary dentures are often an option.
All-on-4 Dental Implants FAQs
What Foods Can You Eat after Getting All-on-4 Dental Implants?
After receiving all-on-4 dental implants from Dr. Stokes’ dental office in Plano, it’s important to stay hydrated and stick to a soft diet of items like yogurt, avocado, eggs, fish, bananas, and soup while your mouth is recovering. This will help your implants form a sturdy bond with your jawbone tissue during the osseointegration process, which will allow your restorations to enjoy the powerful hold they need to exert maximum chewing power and potentially last for life if they receive excellent care. Keep in mind that eating crunchy or chewy foods like nuts, popcorn, crusty bread, and sticky candy during the healing process may work your new dental implants out of place and set them up for misalignment and failure.
Are All-on-4 Dental Implants Removable?
Dental implants are designed to fuse with the jawbone through the natural process of osseointegration, which gives them the sturdy foundation and leverage they need to chew easily and last for decades if they receive proper care. You should never be able to remove your dental implant without the help of a qualified dentist like Dr. Stokes, so please contact our Plano office if you find you are able to separate your device from your gums on your own. Most All-on-4 dentures are designed to remain attached to the dental implants at all times, which means you’ll need to clean them with the same oral hygiene regimen you should use to clean real teeth. However, some implant-supported dentures are designed to be removed by the patient for hygiene purposes.
Does Food Get Stuck Under All-on-4 Dentures?
There is a small space beneath an all-on-4 denture that can accumulate food debris and plaque deposits, and it’s usually best to use a water flosser to clean this area. If the patient is fitted with a removable denture, they can still use a water flosser to clean their gums and the area around their implants. Proper oral hygiene will be a crucial part of ensuring that your implants and dentures stay in good shape as well as avoiding oral infections.
Can All-on-4 Dentures Become Stained Like Real Teeth?
The artificial teeth of your all-on-4 denture may develop unsightly stains if they are too frequently exposed to discoloring agents such as those found in coffee, tea, cola, juice, red wine, berries, candy, and colorful sauces, but they are more resistant to staining than natural enamel. The best ways to prevent stains from developing on your dentures are to:
- Drink plenty of water
- Practice excellent oral hygiene
- Limit your intake of discoloring foods and beverages
Remember that any food or beverage that can stain white cloth can also stain dentures or natural enamel if given enough time, so be sure to brush and floss frequently and thoroughly.
