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.
