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All-on-4 Dental Implants

Jul 14

What Is the Cost to Have My All On 4 Implants Replaced?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants No Comments

I’m wondering how much it would cost to have my all on 4 dental implants replaced. I don’t like the way they look. Would I have to go through the whole thing all over again? Before I decided on all on 4, my dentist talked a lot about how much I would like them better than regular dentures because they look and feel natural. Neither is true. It looks and feels like I have buck teeth. The implants make my lips poke out and they are very uncomfortable. My appearance has actually changed. I really want to find a new dentist or a prosthodontist to take them out and start all over again. How much would this cost? Jeff

Jeff – Dr. LaVacca would need to examine your All-On-4 dental implants, as well as the prosthesis (dentures) secured to them. But your description sounds as if only the denture portion of your implants needs to be adjusted or replaced.

It is possible that the denture teeth used in your All-On-4 implants are slightly longer than your natural teeth. Sometimes this is done to give you a more youthful appearance. Even so, longer teeth shouldn’t be placed in the denture base without your approval.

Cosmetic Dentures for All-On-4 Dental Implants

Cosmetic dentures look completely natural.

  • They are made of high-quality denture material.
  • Care is taken to ensure that the size, shape, and color of the teeth complement your facial features. That’s the difference a prosthodontist can make.
  • A prosthodontist who is trained in cosmetic dentistry is picky about ensuring your smile looks like your own natural teeth.

Although it’s unlikely you need new dental implant fixtures, if they do need to be replaced and you switch to a new dentist, the cost of diagnostic studies, surgery, implant fixtures, and other phases are applicable. But your current dentist should be willing to correct the flaws in your smile without additional cost to you.

Speak with your dentist about your concerns and ask him about the options for correcting your smile. He should willingly work with you to ensure you’re happy with your All-On-4 implants. Don’t compromise. People who are hesitant to smile have reduced self-confidence. It can even affect your social life. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to get the issues properly resolved.

If you want a second opinion, schedule an appointment with a board-certified prosthodontist—a specialist in tooth replacement and restoration.

This post is sponsored by award-winning Naperville implant dentist and American board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

 

Jun 09

All-On-4 implants still hurt and I’m dizzy and nauseous

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I got All on 4 implants after wearing full dentures for 15 years and seeing my face gradually drop and make me look 10 years older. I knew dental implants were the answer so I spoke with my general dentist and she referred me to 2 different specialists for consultations. My dentist and I worked together to decide which specialist really sounded like he was interested in me and my situation. I made the final decision with my dentist’s help. I thought I would need bone grafting with all of the bone shrinkage until I learned about All-On-4 implants. It seemed like an answer from above but now I’m beginning to wonder if it was actually a curse. I’ve had the implants for 5 weeks. I’m still in pain, still dizzy, and still nauseated. Of course I called the specialist. He examined my implants and asked me to follow up in 2 weeks. Meanwhile I’ve lost 15 pounds. Yes, I wanted to lose weight but not lightning fast. I do want to be able to eat. Does this 2 week waiting period sound valid? What else could I do to speed things along? Jordan

Jordan – In short, we recommend that you get a second opinion for your All-On-4 dental implants. You should not be experiencing the symptoms you describe. Your description indicates you have an infection or another condition that is making you dizzy and sick. You shouldn’t have the pain you describe either. You need to act quickly to avoid dental implant failure.

We’re not sure why your dentist would recommend a two-week waiting period. If anything, you are likely to get worse. Your symptoms should have prompted the specialist to take diagnostic studies or consult with another specialist if he is unsure of what’s causing the problem.

While You’re Waiting for an All-On-4 Second Opinion

  • Meanwhile, it’s important that you get enough nutrients. If your body is trying to fight an infection, it will struggle without good nutrition.
  • Even if you have to eat soft foods, soften protein in a blender, or drink nutritious shakes, your intake is important.
  • If your condition worsens over the next day or two before you can see another implant specialist, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. He or she can tell if you have an infection. Your doctor will also give you suggestions on how to build up your strength with proper nutrition.
  • Keep your general dentist informed of what’s going on.

Don’t wait two weeks to get help.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca

 

Apr 27

Will All-On-4 Implants Conflict with My Metal Allergies?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I have metal allergies and I’m wondering how I would react with All on 4 dental implants. Since 2001 I’ve worn dentures and I’ve started noticing some bone shrinkage and difficulty keeping my dentures in. I went to an implant dentist who recommended All on 4. Whenever any dental treatment is recommended to me, I ask about the metal. I’m told that titanium is used for the implant fixtures. The implant dentist quickly said that it won’t be any problem but I’m not sure that he understands metal allergies. My ears, neck, and wrists easily break out from jewelry. I switched to cotton cord jewelry and I only wear sterling silver post earrings. I’m going to get a second opinion, I think. Before I schedule anything, I’m wondering if you know anything about dental implants and how they work for people with metal allergies. I can’t move forward with a maybe it will be okay. Thank you. Madeleine

Madeleine – If you have a metal allergy, it usually presents in a reaction like hives or anaphylactic shock. Your description of breaking out only in places where you’re wearing jewelry is a localized reacation—not throughout your body—so it’s considered a metal sensitivity. It’s unlikely that All-On-4 implants will present a problem.

Nickel is the most common metal that causes sensitivities. The fact that you can tolerate sterling silver suggests that your sensitivity is mainly to nickel. You might have other metal sensitivities that you’ve been tested for or are aware of.

So what should you consider?

  • Visit an allergist to be tested for metal allergists.
  • Ask your implant dentist about the composition of the All-On-4 implant fixtures that will be used in your case. It makes a difference whether the fixtures are all titanium or titanium alloy.
  • It might help to get a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist. Find a prosthodontist or implant surgeon who has successfully placed at least hundreds of implants.

Most manufacturers list the composition of implant fixtures on the packaging. An implant dentist who uses high-quality fixtures will have no problem identifying the composition of the fixtures for you.

Ensure you’re comfortable with the response you get regarding your metal concerns before you get All-On-4 or any other type of implants and before you select a provider.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist and implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 14

Are All on 4 implants from Greece safe?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

It looks like Greece is the new travel dentistry hotspot, including All on 4 implants. That’s what I read online. I know South America and Mexico are suspect but is Greece different? If the cost of implants will drop 70% by going to Greece, I think even with the plane ticket and lodging I will still come out ahead. I’ve always wanted to go to Greece anyway. This sounds like a no brainer. Has your office received any reports, good or bad for dental implants there? Thanks. Mildred

Mildred,

Although we haven’t received any reports for or against dental implants from Greece, the country is known for sub-standard medical care. Although the British frequent Greece for fast and low-cost dental care, it’s not risk free. Several years ago, British women over 41 were alerted that Greece was the most dangerous place in the world for them to visit. Personal safety is a serious concern.

There are some critical factors that make All-on-4 dental implants successful:

  • Diligent implant planning, surgery, and several follow-up visits are required.
  • A highly skilled dentist who is experienced in the procedure is needed.
  • High-quality implant fixtures must be used.

The plummeting economy in Greece has caused many of its residents to be conservative with medical and dental care. This is likely the reason that medical and dental professionals are promoting tourism and cheaper fees than other countries. It also means that dental professionals are performing fewer implant surgeries, which can increase the risk of implant failure.

Before you decide to receive dental implants abroad, there are a few things you should consider:

  • If you experience complications, where will you go for follow-up visits? It’s unlikely that you will return to Greece for treatment, because it no longer makes your All-on-4 implants more affordable.
  • How will you verify that the oral surgeon and his or her location are properly certified to provide implants?
  • Can you hold the implant dentist accountable if something goes wrong?

Traveling outside of the U.S. for All-on-4 dental implants, or any other type of implants, comes with great risk. We recommend that you compare options and costs with several implant dentists in the U.S. and choose high-quality implants that will last.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca

 

 

Jan 06

Do I have to get All-On-4 if bone grafting didn’t work?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Bone Grafting

I need some advice on whether or not I will have to get all-on-4 dental implants. My current dentist was recommended to me by my former dentist. My former dentist moved to Florida. Before she moved, my former dentist had given me a referral to a periodontist for a dental implant. I have a tooth that was damaged during a root canal by yet a different dentist and the tooth had to be pulled. I never made it to the periodontist because I couldn’t afford it at the time. Now that I can afford the implant my new dentist insisted on placing it because he had training in doing implants. When I asked him how many implants he had placed, he told me that he had done hundreds of implants. He also assured me that he could do the bone grafting too. The bone grafting is done, but when my dentist tried to place the implant 3 weeks ago, he said the graft couldn’t support the implant. He recommends a dental bridge instead. I asked for time for me to think about it. I knew that I should have gone to a periodontist. I don’t think I would have this same outcome. Is there any chance that I can go somewhere else and get it done, or will I have to get all-on-4 because bone grafting doesn’t work for me? Thanks Morris

Morris

It’s unlikely that you would have this same experience with a periodontist or a prosthodontist. Some dentists, including prosthodontists, have advanced training in implantology. They specialize in bone grafting and implant surgery. All-on-4 dental implants aren’t suitable for your case. That treatment replaces a full arch of teeth—not a single tooth. Even when a full arch of teeth is needed, an experienced prosthodontist can successfully complete bone grafting.

It sounds like your dentist might have experience with dental implants, but bone grafting is a more complex procedure. He might not have sufficient experience in grafting to successfully complete your case. It’s good that your dentist isn’t trying to place an implant without sufficient bone density. That would be a disaster that leads to implant failure, so be thankful that he won’t proceed.

Your dentist wants you to have a successful form of tooth replacement. He must feel confident about producing better results with a dental bridge than with an implant. If you really want a dental implant, we suggest that you get a second opinion from a prosthodontist. He or she will examine the location of your missing tooth and let you know your options for bone grafting. All-on-4 isn’t among your options for replacing a single tooth.

Your current dentist might be willing to give you a referral. If not, schedule consultations with a few board-certified prosthodontists, compare your options and the cost, and decide which dentist will provide your implant.

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist and implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Oct 24

Can I convince a dentist to give me All-On-4 dental implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I want all on 4 implants. I have 8 missing teeth and the rest are crumbling. I won’t go into the details about how this happened, but I am 37 years old. So you know all of this is happening prematurely. Rather than trying to restore crumbling teeth I think it is better for me just to get them extracted and get all on 4. I hope I can find a dentist who will respect my wishes and not try to get me to save teeth. I am really tired of the whole thing and have resigned myself to the fact that my teeth are ruined. I am partly responsible for it, so I will suffer the loss. I just want to know if due to my age I can anticipate any push back about getting this treatment. Thanks. Robyn

Robyn – All-On-4 dental implants are a good way to stabilize dentures and help them feel like natural teeth. The process is designed for people who have lost jawbone density.

If you choose an option to have your dentures secured by only four dental implants, your jawbone will significantly deteriorate in the areas where there are no implants. Over your lifetime of 40 to 50 more years, this might present a problem.

Although you might be able to find a dentist to provide you with All-On-4 dental implants, it might not be the best option for you. Find a skilled prosthodontist and schedule an appointment for an exam and diagnostic studies. A prosthodontist is skilled in tooth replacement and restoration.

An implant dentist who offers All-On-4 as well as other procedures will let you know your options for long-term oral health. If preserving your natural teeth is in your best interests, consider it seriously. All-On-4 might seem to be the simplest solution, but trust a skilled dentist to help you get the best outcome.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Sep 25

All-on-4 dental implants and metal sensitivities

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I have severe metal allergies. Is it safe for me to have all on 4 done? My allergies developed within the past 5 years. I had to stop wearing jewelry because of it. All on 4 sounds good to me because I cannot afford to get an implant for every tooth that needs to be replaced. Also I want my denture to be secure and not floating around in my mouth or clacking. I have several relatives who wear dentures and they only have bad stories about them. I hope all on 4 is the answer but I do need information on the metal issue. My dentist said that she doesn’t think it would be a problem, but that isn’t a definite answer. Do patients with metal allergies get all on 4? Thanks BJ

BJ – People who have metal sensitivities or allergies usually don’t have a reaction to all types of metal. Your inability to wear jewelry indicates that you have nickel sensitivity. You might know other metals that cause sensitivity or an adverse reaction.

Dental implants for All-on-4 and other techniques are usually made of titanium. Some implant fixtures are made of titanium alloy, which includes other metals, and possibly nickel.

The first step is to find out if you are a candidate for the All-on-4 procedure. Not everyone can receive this treatment. Be certain to receive an examination from a highly skilled implant dentist who is experienced in using different types of implant fixtures and different types of implant procedures. Tell the dentist about your metal sensitivity.

He or she will select dental implant fixtures—whether it’s for All-On-4 or a different procedure—that don’t contain metals that cause an adverse reaction.

If you are unsure of which metals you are sensitive to, schedule an appointment with an allergist for testing. It is best to identify what causes the reaction to ensure you receive dental implants that are safe for you. If a particular metal causes a reaction and you receive implant fixtures that contain that metal, it will make it difficult for your implants to heal properly. If you qualify for All-on-4 and have a reaction to the metal, one or all of the implants can fail.

Your allergist and implant dentist can work together to help achieve a successful outcome.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Aug 07

Can All On 4 implants really last lifetime or will I have to replace them?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I am seriously thinking about getting all on 4 dental implants. I didn’t know that they were such a huge investment until I asked my dentist about them. She said that they will last for the rest of my life. She doesn’t place implants herself though. I would have to be referred out to another dentist. Can I really expect the implants to last a lifetime or will I have to replace them? Thanks – Abigail

Abigail – All-On-4 dental implants can last decades, if not a lifetime, depending on several factors, including:

  • your age;
  • the quality of implants;
  •  implant placement;
  • your health;
  • and how well you take care of them.

A younger person who is prematurely missing all of his or her teeth and needs All-On-4 implants may find that later in life, the implants need to be replaced. This is only reasonable. Additionally, although the dental implant fixtures might last a long time, depending on your lifespan, the implant crowns, or the dentures that are secured to the implants, will need to be periodically replaced.

As you mentioned, All-on-4 implants are an investment in your oral health. Some people want to save money, so they look for bargain implants. Very often, bargain implants result in cheap implant fixtures or shortcuts in the planning and placement phases. These factors can cause implants to loosen or fail. They won’t last a lifetime.

There are other factors that affect the success of dental implants:

  • Poor oral hygiene after receiving All-On-4 implants, or any other type of dental implants, can also cause them to fail.
  • Plaque buildup can lead to periodontal disease, bone loss, and implant failure.
  • Smoking immediately before, during, and immediately after implant placement can prevent proper healing and cause implant failure.
  • Alcohol promotes dry mouth, which can increase bacteria. It also dilates blood vessels. Both of these factors can interfere with the healing process.
  • Uncontrolled diabetes can prevent proper healing of dental implants.
  • Teeth grinding puts pressure on dental crowns and implants and affect their longevity.

If you receive All-On-4 dental implants, you must be diligent in following the guidelines to keep them clean and functioning proper. If you do, they can last a lifetime.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and American board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jun 30

If my All on 4 implants are healed, can I smoke every now and then?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I got All on 4 implants in January 2015. Before I got the implants my surgeon told me that I had to quit smoking, so I did quit. I wanted to implants to heal correctly and I just found out 2 weeks ago that they are completely healed and everything is fine. I have actually enjoyed the benefits of not smoking. I feel healthier and my skin looks better. Part of my smoking though, was for social reasons. I still hang out with the same guys. After a few rounds of golf we get a few drinks and smoke cigars. I have been tempted to smoke a few times lately. Now that the implants are healed can I smoke every now and then with minimal risk? Thanks. David C.

David – Any smoking, whether it’s long- or short-term, can increase the risk of dental implant failure—even if the implants have already healed.

Smoking poses a risk for dental implants becauseit can cause gum irritation and inflammation. The inflammation promotes periodontal, or gum, disease. If these problems occur around the dental implants, it can cause an infection and implant failure.

Blood flow is also restricted when you smoke. Sufficient blood flow is needed for healthy gums and jawbone. Healthy gums and jawbone are essential for the longevity of All-On-4 dental implants.

It is possible that you can smoke during social occasions and maintain healthy gums, but is it worth the risk? There is no way of determining when or how your gums will be affected by smoking. Smoking socially increases the risk of completely returning to the habit.

We advise that you remain a non-smoker. Your oral health and the longevity of your dental implants will only benefit from it.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

May 02

Will smoking prevent me from getting All on 4 implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dentures

I am so tired of my dentures. I want All On 4 but I smoke. I have tried to quit several times but it isn’t working. I don’t think that I will ever be able to stop. My dentures are stressful for me because I have been wearing dentures for 15 years. They slip more times in a day than I can count. Is there any way possible for me to get All On 4 even though I smoke? Jamison

Jamison,

Much of the success of dental implants, including All-On-4 implants depends on the healing process. Your jawbone must fuse to the implants for them to function properly and to support your dentures.

Smoking inhibits the healing process overall—not just for dental implants. It also affects your oral health. The healing process will be slower, or the fusion of your jawbone to the implant may not occur at all. There is also an increased risk of implant infection when you smoke. One study showed that of 165 participants showed that 16% of smokers experienced implant failure, compared with a 1% failure rate for non-smokers.

Although we can’t say that your implants will definitely fail or succeed, if you stop smoking before you receive them, the success rate will increase. It is also important not to smoke after implant surgery. Some dentist won’t complete the All-On-4 procedure unless a patient has stopped smoking.

Speak with your primary care doctor about your desire to stop smoking. He or she can provide you with resources and option that you may not have considered before.

As time progresses and your jawbone continues to shrink, it will become even more difficult to eat and speak with dentures. If you are a candidate for All-On-4, or some other dental implant treatment, now is a good time to pursue your options.

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

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