Missing teeth can make it impossible to feel confident in one’s smile. Additionally, it can impact function and health. When patients are missing several teeth, they need to work with a restorative dentist in the Scottsdale, AZ area who can help them repair the smile. Drs. Marissa Mandap and Rogel Carlos of AZ Dental Wellness of Scottsdale are dedicated professionals who can advise patients as to the best solution for their needs. For patients who are missing many teeth within the dental arch, our staff may suggest all on four dental implants and dentures.
Can four implants replace all the teeth in the smile?
Dental implants have been used for many years by dental professionals to restore the smile after tooth loss. The dentist places these titanium posts into the bone of the jaw. The jawbone grows around the implant through a process known as osseointegration, which gives the implant the proper foundation. The implant is then restored over the abutment. This can be done with several different restorations, including:
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Dentures
Scottsdale, AZ patients replacing an entire arch of teeth can achieve this with the use of implant-retained dentures, or “all on four dental implants.” This requires the dentist to place four dental implants along the dental arch. Then, a unique custom denture is fabricated to match the patient’s existing smile and then placed along the arch with the implants. The denture restores the smile and allows patients the chance to wear full dentures without having to worry about their stability and strength. Traditional dentures, when used alone without dental implants, may be troublesome for some of our patients. Dental adhesives may not keep the dentures in place, and dentures can shift and rub the soft tissues of the mouth resulting in sores.
How effective are all on four dental implants?
Because dental implants meld with the mouth through bone growth, these restorations are firmly set in place. This gives them the proper foundation to be restored in many ways. While dental crowns over an implant are used to replace a single tooth, a denture over a set of implants can replace an entire arch. The dentures use the implants as support, ensuring proper functionality. Patients can enjoy their favorite foods without having to worry about their dentures falling out of place. These all on four dental implants and dentures are incredibly effective in not only addressing the aesthetics of the smile but improving overall function after full tooth loss.
Who is a candidate for all on four dental implants?
Dental implants require bone to ensure a successful placement. If patients are interested in dental implants or implant-retained dentures using all on four dental implants, they need to have a full evaluation completed with their dental team. This evaluation includes dental x-rays. The x-rays allow the dentist to determine if patients have sufficient bone available for the successful placement of their implants. Without this, the implant procedure could fail. Patients who do not have enough bone but are serious about obtaining all on four dental implants are encouraged to ask about bone grafting. This is a method of repairing the bone of the jaw to provide a proper foundation for the placement of implants. This is an added cost but allows patients the opportunity to have the restorative treatment they desire. Patients having implants placed should also have conditions such as periodontal disease under control, as this inflammatory condition can result in the loss of bone which, in turn, can result in the loss of dental implants over time.
Find out if all on four dental implants and dentures are right for you!
Implant-retained dentures can be a fantastic solution for patients who need to address many missing teeth within the dental arch. This option is highly desirable for patients of all ages. With the team at AZ Dental Wellness of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, AZ, patients can ask about this and other restorative techniques to repair the smile after tooth loss. Call Drs. Marissa Mandap and Rogel Carlos today for an appointment at (480) 747-1352 and visit the practice in Suite 104 at 3014 North Hayden Road. New and existing patients are welcome to work with our team to enhance the smile and address oral health with general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry treatments under one roof!
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