How Do All-on-4® Dental Implants Differ from Dentures?

Patients who prefer a more long-term alternative to dentures but are worried about whether they have enough bone density to support a full mouth of dental implants may be excited to learn about All-on-4® implants. At The Pacific Coast Center for Oral, Facial & Cosmetic Surgery in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Husam Elias offers All-on-4 dental implants to help men and women achieve a beautiful, complete, functional smile they can feel confident about — without many of the worries and inconveniences that go along with removable dentures. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between All-on-4 implants and traditional dentures, and find out why All-on-4 dental implants may be the restorative dentistry treatment you’ve been searching for.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants, in general, are restorative dentistry devices that are surgically inserted into a patient’s jaw. These screw-like posts integrate with the jawbone and provide a sturdy, long-lasting structure that supports a custom restoration, like a dental crown. Dental implants and implant-supported restorations are suitable for patients who are missing one or more teeth and have good underlying bone density and adequately healthy gum tissue. Not only do dental implants help to restore a more complete smile, but they also prevent degradation of bony material and the facial structure overall.

What are All-on-4 implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are placed just like traditional dental implants, but they are used to replace a full upper and/or lower arch of teeth without needing an implant for each tooth. Instead, dentures are affixed to just four implants, making All-on-4 implants a suitable option for patients who may prefer a less invasive, more affordable option compared to a full mouth of implants, as well as patients who may not have enough bone density to support multiple implants.

Should I get dentures or All-on-4 implants?

All-on-4 implants provide a number of compelling benefits compared with traditional dentures. Perhaps the most exciting difference between dentures and All-on-4 implants is that the dentures attached to All-on-4 implants remain in the mouth — meaning they do not need to be removed or cleaned in a certain way. Instead, patients are able to care for their dentures supported by All-on-4 implants the same way they would care for their natural teeth, and they do not have to worry about their dentures coming loose or falling out while eating, chewing, laughing, or talking.

Am I a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants?

During your initial consultation for All-on-4 implants in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Elias will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and jaw and may perform (or review) dental x-rays to assess your bone density and underlying oral structures. Based on these findings, Dr. Elias will determine whether you may qualify for All-on-4 implants. Generally speaking, candidates for All-on-4 dental implants should:

• Have adequate bone density
• Have healthy gum tissue
• Need to restore a full arch of teeth
• Prefer a more permanent alternative to removable dentures

Don’t worry about loose dentures any longer with All-on-4 dental implants in Pasadena, CA

If you aren’t interested in a full mouth of dental implants but don’t want to have the worry and upkeep associated with removable dentures, you may be a candidate for All-on-4 implant-supported dentures. To learn more about the benefits of All-on-4 dental implants, call The Pacific Coast Center for Oral, Facial & Cosmetic Surgery in Pasadena, CA to schedule your consultation with Dr. Husam Elias today.