All-On-4 Dental Implants: 7 Things Patients Want to Know
If you're tired of dealing with missing teeth or dentures that slip at the wrong moment, you should consider All-on-4 dental implants. It's a revolutionary system where just four titanium posts support an entire arch of teeth, giving you a smile that looks, feels, and functions like the real thing.
This approach is considered the premier standard of care for patients who've lost their teeth, because it preserves bone density and jaw muscle strength. At Avalon Dental, Dr. Cliff Broschinsky helps patients in San Ramon, California, regain their confidence with these advanced restorations.
Choosing to restore your smile is a big decision, and it's natural to have questions. We've compiled the most important facts to help you understand how this procedure changes more than just your appearance.
What are the top things to know about All-on-4?
Here are the seven most important things to know about All-on-4 dental implants including their durability and the heart health benefits.
They're a lifetime investment
While traditional dentures usually need replacement every 5-8 years as your jaw changes shape, the titanium posts we use in All-on-4 are designed to fuse with your bone and last a lifetime.
Your brain rewires to feel your bite
Through a process called osseoperception, the nerves in your jawbone learn to sense the vibrations from the implants. This means you'll eventually feel the pressure of your bite again, which you can't do with traditional dentures.
Dental implants protect your heart health
Replacing failing or infected teeth eliminates deep pockets of bacteria. Research shows that reducing this oral inflammation can lower your risk for systemic issues like heart disease.
You can eat real food again
Because these implants are fixed in place, you regain nearly all your natural biting force. You'll be able to comfortably eat fibrous vegetables, nuts, and proteins that are often impossible to chew with dentures.
The psychological impact is massive
A recent study found that patients' social confidence and psychological health improved after receiving implants.
The first 30 days are critical
While the teeth look ready to use on day one, the implants are still fusing to your bone. You need to stick to a soft-food diet for the first month to prevent micro-movements that could cause the implants to fail.
Hardware vs. software
Think of the titanium implants as the permanent hardware and the bridge of teeth as the software. The implants should last forever, but the prosthetic teeth on top may need to be replaced every 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear.
Is All-on-4 right for you?
Most patients are surprised to learn that age isn't the deciding factor for implants. Instead, we look at your overall health and the quality of your bone. Even if you've been told you have bone loss, the angled design of All-on-4 often allows us to move forward without the need for complex bone grafting.
Our team at Avalon Dental focuses on dental implant restoration that prioritizes your comfort and long-term health. We walk you through every step of the process, from the initial 3D imaging to the day you walk out with your new smile.
You don't have to live with the discomfort of missing teeth or the hassle of removable plates. If you're ready to see if this life-changing treatment is right for you, contact our San Ramon office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Broschinsky today.
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