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All-on-4 Dental Implants

May 27

If I can’t afford a luxury car how can I afford all on 4?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

If I can’t afford a luxury car, how can I all of a sudden afford All-On-4 implants? I would need upper and lower implants and now I am finding out how much it really costs. Where I live it is over $60k. I saw 3 different implant dentist and their story about what I need done and how much it will cost is pretty much the same. There is no way ever I could go into debt that much. I feel helpless. Can I get this done cheaper elsewhere? This is really making the quality of my life difficult. – Elon W.

Elon– If you visited three different implants dentists and were quoted comparable rates, you were given a reasonable quote for All-On-4 implants, based on where you live in the country. If you find a dentist who will do the procedure for considerably less, be concerned about the quality of the implants and the quality of the procedure.

There are other options. Find an experienced implant dentist to discuss them with you. If All-On-4 implants are not within your budget, you may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures with as few as two dental implants.

You can speak with the same dentists with whom you discussed the All-On-4 implants, or you can find other qualified implant dentists and explore your options.

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

May 18

Clear Choice for a second opinion?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

I saw one dentist already about implants and he recommended all in 4 but I want to get a second opinion. I am considering Clear Choice for the second opinion but I don’t know much about them or anyone who has used them. Just trying to explore my options for implants other than all in 4? Serg

Serg – All-on-4 dental implants are preferred by Clear Choice. If you want a second opinion to learn about your options, you may not receive much information on other alternatives from them.

Clear Choice will likely give you more information about All-on-4 and why you should receive this treatment, but if another treatment is better for your case, you will probably learn more about it elsewhere. If you decide to go to Clear Choice for a second opinion, we suggest that you also get a third opinion.

Seek your third opinion from a skilled implant dentist who offers both All-on-4 implants, as well as other options. You will more likely receive information on all of your options and what you can expect from each of them. Ask questions and take good notes to help you make an informed decision.

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

Mar 20

Can more implants be added to All on 4?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I like the All on 4 idea, but I am wondering if I can add 2 to 4 more implants so that it would be really All on 6 or All on 8? Thanks Donovan

Donovan – All-on-4 implants are an affordable way to secure upper and lower restorations with four highly angled implants. Four is the minimum number of implants used, but you can choose more.

Six to eight implants per arch will give your new smile even more stability. They will also increase the area in which jawbone shrinkage is prevented. The additional implants can be placed right away, or you can choose to wait and have them added later.

This procedure is not for everyone. It must be performed with care and precision to avoid implant mistakes. Speak with a board-certified prosthodontist to find out if All-on-4 implants are right for your case, and to discuss your interest in increasing the number of implants that are placed.

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

Jan 28

1 of my all on 4 implants is loose

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants, Second Opinion

I got all on 4 implants last October. 1 of the implants is loose. I know it because I feel the movement around it that I didn’t feel before. Is the All on 4 going to fail? Kyle

Kyle – A loose All-On-4 implant doesn’t necessarily mean implant failure, but you do need to notify your implant dentist of the problem right away.

There can be several causes of a loose implant. Some possible causes are listed below:

  1. Infection – Infection in the surround gum tissue or bone can cause implants to loosen.
  2. Failure of bone to fuse the implant (osseointegration) – If this fusion does not occur, dental implants will become lose. The implant can be removed, repositioned, if necessary, and replaced. Before it is replaced, your jawbone density will be reassessed to ensure proper placement. There are several things that can cause an implant not to fuse. A skilled implant dentist can identify the cause.
  3. Insufficient implants – In some cases, the load on the four implants is too heavy, putting the implants under stress. Additional implants may be needed to support your restoration.
  4. Improper hygiene – Poor oral hygiene, as well as smoking can delay or interfere with the healing process. Patients must be diligent about oral hygiene and avoid smoking during the entire healing process.

An examination is required to determine the cause of the loose implant. You can consider receiving a second opinion on the cause of the loose implant and what needs to be done to correct it. If you choose to seek a second opinion, find a skilled implant dentist. A prosthodontist has two years of post-graduate training specific to the replacement and restoration of teeth. An experienced prosthodontist has placed many types of dental implants and will be able to discuss a variety of options for you.

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

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.

Jul 18

Prosthodontist recommends bone grafting but Clear Choice doesn’t. Why?

By Blog, All-on-4 Dental Implants

I always get a second opinion whenever I am having any major medical or dental work done. So when I decided to get implants I saw a prosthodontist and Clear Choice. The prosthodontist was recommended by my dentist and Clear Choice was recommended by a co-worker. The prosthodontist recommended 6 implants and bone grafting for some bone loss that started about 4 yrs ago. Clear Choice says no bone grafting at all is needed, just All-on-4 implants. Is bone grafting really needed or not? Who do I trust? Cleo

Cleo – You received different recommendations regarding bone grafting because two different procedures were recommended.

When you receive standard dental implants and have bone loss, your jawbone needs to be built up to support the implants. Based on that treatment, the prosthodontist appropriately recommended bone grafting. In this case, without bone grafting, the implants can loosen or fail.

The All-on-4 procedure that Clear Choice recommended for you is designed for patients who have experienced jawbone loss. The angled implants assist the bone in supporting your prosthetic teeth, and eliminate the need for bone grafting. Not everyone is a candidate for All-on-4.

The prosthodontist that you visited is, no doubt, familiar with the All-on-4 procedure. You can discuss your concerns with him or her and ask why All-on-4 was not recommended for your case. You can also inquire about the risks for the procedure, as well as the anticipated results for All-On-4 versus standard implants for your case.

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.

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