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All-on-4 Dental Implants

Nov 07

If all on 4 fails will I have to get dentures?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I have neglected my teeth for most of my life. I have 2 dental bridges and 1 needs to be replaced. My dentist is recommending implants. I saw one perio who said all on 4 will work for me. He explained the good benefits and the risks. I smoke and I drink. My biggest concern is what happens if all on 4 fails. Are dentures the only other option? Alan T.

Alan – All-On-4 is a highly successful procedure when performed by a dentist who specializes in it. Be certain that the dentist is using quality dental implants by Nobel Biocare. There are other techniques that may be called All-On-4, but they are substandard, and the results you get will be unpredictable. Look for a board-certified prosthodontist who is experienced with this procedure.

This may be a good time to consider getting a second opinion on whether All-On-4 is the best treatment for your case. Another skilled implant dentist may recommend supporting your restoration with more than four implants to increase the rate of success. Or it may be found that All-On-4 is a good fit for you. The second opinion will give you confidence in making a decision about which implant procedure you want.

Dentures are not a given if a dental implant fails. It is unlikely that all four implants will fail. If one of them fails, it is possible to replace it. A highly skilled implant dentist uses computer-guided placement. It is likely that, with the same guided placement, a failed implant can be replaced in available bone that will support it. At times, bone grafting is required, and additional implants may be needed.

You will be advised of the benefits if you stop smoking  at least two weeks before your implant placement and throughout the healing process. Smoking can decrease your blood flow and hinder the healing process, which is so important to the stability of your dental implants. Also, ensure that you take care of the implants and practice excellent oral hygiene to prevent infection.

Be certain to find a skilled implant dentist and to do everything you can to help make the surgery a success.

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

Sep 23

Is All-on-4 safe or do I have to worry about failed implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

My teeth and gums have been problematic for most of my life. I am at the point where I am finally giving in to dentures. I have too many teeth missing or that need to be extracted. I don’t want a bunch of partial dentures in my mouth. Since I have to get dentures I want them to be stable. I have friends with dentures and I have seen laughter turn into embarrassment when the dentures fall out. I can’t go there. My dentist and I have talked several times about dentures and implants. This topic was worth a second opinion to me. My dentist seemed to be somewhat put off about me getting a second opinion but it is my mouth, and I feel that she is too young to wear dentures to understand. The second opinion came with a surprise for me. That dentist recommended All-on-4 which I had heard of but not considered. When my dentist heard me mention All-on-4, she kept saying, “Don’t do it. They don’t work.” Now I feel like I need a third opinion. If All-on-4 doesn’t work why does it exist, and why would a dentist recommend it for me? Thank you for your help. Gina

Gina – Much of the success of dental implants, including All-On-4, depends on diligent planning for placement, the quality of the implants, and the skill of the implant dentist. Implant dentists, who are skilled in the use of the All-On-4 technique, have great success with this procedure.

The comments from your dentist indicate that she is familiar with All-On-4, but she doesn’t use it. The dentist who recommended All-On-4 for your case likely has successfully completed many cases with the procedure. But that’s a question you want to ask any implant dentist who is recommending any particular treatment for you—how many cases has he or she successfully completed? Why is the particular treatment being recommended for you, and what are your options?

If you decide to receive a third opinion, it will likely help put you at ease. We suggest that you visit a prosthodontist or other skilled implant dentist who uses multiple techniques, including All-On-4. You should be informed of more than one option for stabilizing your dentures.

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

Jun 04

All on 4 or snap on dentures?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I need dentures and I definitely want implants for them. Should I ask my dentist for all on 4 or snap on dentures? I want to have in mind which option is best before he recommends something else just for money. – Elijah W.

Elijah – Before you receive dental implants, find a qualified implant dentist to determine if you are a candidate for them. Candidacy depends largely on your medical history. The dentist will also perform diagnostic studies to determine if you have enough bone density for implants.

Depending on the amount of bone density you have, All-On-4 procedure may be recommended, or bone grafting for standard implants or snap-on dentures may be the best option for you. The All-On-4 procedure is commonly used for patients who lack the bone density needed for standard implants. We suggest that you not ask for a specific procedure until you find out your options from an experienced dentist.

After you receive your initial recommendation, it is advisable to get a second opinion before you make your final decision.

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

Apr 14

Can All on 4 implants be used for upper dentures?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

My bottom denture is the one that’s really giving me lots of problems. They lift up with I talk, when I chew, when I laugh. It is both annoying and embarrassing. My dentures have been relined but it has not helped a bit. My daughter-in-law convinced me to think seriously about dental implants. I am looking at the All on 4 implants. Are they only for lower dentures or can I get them for upper dentures too? I don’t need them right now but I want to know for the future. Marsha

Marsha – The All-on-4 dental implants procedure can be performed on both upper and lower dentures. You should find a skilled implant dentist to receive diagnostic studies and an exam to find out if this treatment is right for you.

If you are a candidate for All-on-4, the implants will be placed and temporary dentures will be attached to them. After your jawbone fuses to the implants, which takes several months, you will receive customized dentures that look completely natural.

Request a consultation with a few implant dentists to discuss your options.

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

 

Feb 27

Can I switch implant dentists in the middle of all on 4 treatment?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I got the all on 4 implants in early December last year. Everything seemed to be going well until late last month. I started feeling sharp pain in the lower right part of my gums. I immediately got an appointment with the implant dentist, and he said, “We will have to keep an eye on this one.” I asked him what was wrong and he said that he wasn’t sure yet, but we need to watch the implant. I still have the pain. It’s not ongoing, just a few times a day, but when it hurts, it is very intense. I have seen the dentist twice and his response is the same, that we need to watch it. What is he watching if he doesn’t know what the problem is? This is scaring me. Did it fail? Can I switch implant dentists before the all on 4 is really completed? – Lien

Lien – Yes, you can switch dentists. It is your right as a patient to do so.

But don’t just pick any implant dentist. Find a skilled, credentialed implant dentist to examine your All-on-4 implants and determine what needs to be done to alleviate your pain and correct the situation.

Occasionally, an implant will fail. If that’s the case, new implant positions will need to be located, and adjustments will be made to align the bridge, or a new bridge, to the new implants. In some cases, bone grafting is needed. Only an exam and diagnostic study will determine the cause of your pain and the proper treatment.

The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can get through the healing process and enjoy your new smile.

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

Dec 29

Surgeons won’t give me all on 4 implants

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I have been to 3 different implant surgeons and none will give me all on 4 implants. They say I will do better with standard implant. I want the all of 4s. How can I find a surgeon who will do them for me? – Andre

Andre – All-on-4 dental implants are for denture wearers who are in good health. This process allows the implants to be placed if you don’t have a lot of jaw bone density for standard dental implants.

Implant surgeons take a lot of steps to identify your treatment options and ensure the success of your implants. If three surgeons indicated that you are not a candidate for the All-on-4 process, it is likely that you will receive the same response from a fourth implant surgeon.

Consider your alternative options for implants to secure your dentures. You will likely have better success with the healing process and the duration of your implants by selecting alternate treatment.

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

Oct 30

Received all on four implants and ready to smoke my cigars again.

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

Hello, I am a social cigar smoker. I am one of the committee members for a local cigar club. Our group also attends regional events. On 10/2 I received all on four implants. I quit cigar smoking three weeks before I got the implants.That was the best I could do. I am told that I have to continue without smoking through the healing process. We have another event coming up for the holidays and I want to be a participant not an onlooker. My dentist said that I need to give it more time before I start smoking again. I want an answer independent from my dentist. Is this really necessary? T.D.

T.D. – Smoking will affect the healing process of your All on 4 dental implants. It can even cause the implants to fail completely. During the two to six month healing process for the implants to become fully anchored in the bone, smoking should be avoided. There are several good reasons:

  • Slower healing – Smoking reduces the oxygen supply in your blood and slows the healing process. It will make it more difficult for your jawbone to heal around your implants, which can lead to implant failure.
  • Inflammation – When you smoke during the healing process, the area around the implants can become inflamed and pockets of pus can develop. The inflammation can interfere with the healing process or completely prevent healing.
  • Increased risk of infection – Smoking can increase the risk of infection in the area of the implants. Your body will have difficulty fighting the infection and the implants can fail.
  • Reduced effectiveness of medication – Smoking inhibits the effects of antibiotics prescribed to help fight infection. If an infection is not eliminated, the risk for losing the implants increases.

Refraining from smoking during the healing process is best to ensure that your implants are successful.

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

Sep 27

Process for getting teeth for All-on-4 implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

Hi. I just want to know a little more about the process for getting the teeth for All-on-4 implants. Do I get teeth the same day as the surgery or do I have to wait? – Marshall

Marshall – After the All-on-4 dental implants are placed, new teeth are attached to them. The teeth will be fitted and adjusted. Your teeth will be stable and functional. Although they won’t be the permanent teeth you will receive, you will be able to leave the dental office with a full smile.

Over the next several months, you will return to your implant dentist or prosthodontist for progress checks. When the implants and your jawbone have fused together, impressions of your mouth are taken to create stronger, beautiful, permanent teeth.

The waiting period for permanent teeth ensures proper healing of your mouth. The temporary, or provisional teeth, place less stress on the implants. The permanent teeth be beautiful, will provide maximum function, and will be made to precisely fit your bite and healed gum tissue.

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

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