Truths about All-on-4 Dental Implants in Dentistry

Mar 05, 2020

Restorative dentistry incorporates many different techniques to ensure that the health of teeth is sustained. The techniques work to improve the structure of teeth, which then impacts the functionality thereof. One major area of restorative dentistry is tooth replacement. Many approaches can help replace your teeth, including oral implants.

What Are Oral Implants?

They are oral fixtures used to replace missing teeth. They feature a metal titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone and underneath the gum tissues. The metal post serves as a replacement for the root part of a tooth.

Types of Implants

The types of implants used depends on your preference as a patient, as well as your current situation. Patients with few missing teeth require a different treatment plan from those with all teeth missing or just one missing. The different types include:

  • Endosteal implants – they are very common in dentistry, not to mention, the safest. They are generally placed in the jawbone of your mouth.
  • Subperiosteal implants – they are the next safest alternative for Endosteal implants. They are not usually inserted in the jawbone. Instead, they are placed above the jawbone, but beneath the gum tissue. This means that the implants will not be drilled inside your bone, but rather, rests on top of it.
  • All-on-4 implants – they are special types of implants that are used for replacing multiple missing teeth. Ideally, they can be either Subperiosteal or Endosteal implants. The only thing is that they are used for replacing the entire sets of teeth in a human mouth. In a case where a patient has no teeth, it would be illogical and quite expensive to replace every missing tooth with an implant. So, instead, 8 implants are used, so that 4 are in the lower jaw, and 4 in the upper one. They are strategically placed to provide balance. After the gums have healed, dentures are placed over the implants.

The Procedure of Getting Dental Implants

Part of the process of getting implants is affected by the type of implants you are getting. However, in general, you should expect some of the following steps during your treatment:

    Local anesthesia – the procedure involves minor surgery. It means that you need some type of sedation to alleviate the pain and discomfort.

    Incision – a small opening or cut is made on your gum tissue. The incision allows your dentist access to the inside of your bone structure.

    Inserting the fixture – the metal post is inserted into the bone socket where the tooth is missing.

    Closing the incision – your gums are seen back together and allowed to heal.

    Installation of a dental crown – it is the final step. The crown covers the metal posts for proper functionality as well as cosmetic benefits.

Implants Recovery Time

Your recovery time after your surgical procedure will differ from other people. It ultimately depends on how well you take care of your mouth, and how quickly your body heals. However, it still takes a long period for the gums to heal and fully integrate the metal fixture within it. It typically takes between 6 to 8 months.

Why Are Implants So Expensive?

The cost of teeth implants can seem overwhelming, especially while there are other alternatives you can consider for restoring missing teeth. Even then, the cost is not as exaggerated, if you are to consider the value you are getting.

For one, the implants feature titanium metal posts. They closely match the strength of natural teeth, like no other type of dental appliance. Further, the implants are inserted in your jawbone and underneath the gum tissues. This offers unmatched stability if you compare it with a dental bridge or even dentures. Given than the process of inserting them is surgical it also explains part of the expense.

Over and above, to complete your treatment, you need the installation of dental crowns or dentures. This means that you will be benefiting from two treatment options. The cost of implants combines with the cost of oral crowns or dentures, which makes them even higher.

Another reason is the fact that most insurance companies do not cover the cost of getting implants.

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