All-on-4® Palmer, AK

Causes and Effects of Tooth Loss

According to WebMD, tooth loss is a common but not inevitable part of aging. Tooth loss can occur from an accident, such as a slip or fall that knocks out one or more teeth. Injuries such as hard blows to the face from playing sports or being involved in a vehicle accident could dislodge teeth as well. Over time, excessive decay or gum disease can compromise a tooth's structure and effectiveness. Teeth may wear down, fall out, or a dental professional may have to pull them.

Extreme tooth decay can cause severe pain and irritation. Aesthetically, a toothless smile can have emotional implications on a patient. Other effects of missing or damaged teeth include:

• Sensitivity to certain foods and beverages: When a patient has large cavities or failing teeth, it can be challenging to consume hot or cold food and drinks.
• Discomfort in the gum area: Patients who have no teeth may have trouble eating and speaking. Some may find wearing a complete set of dentures less comfortable.
• Social discomfort: Patients who are missing teeth may avoid smiling or even being out in social settings.

All of these effects can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Luckily, there are many tooth replacement options. Our team can help patients determine if All-on-4 is the right solution for them.

How the All-on-4 Implant Treatment Works

Replacing the top or bottom arch of teeth with standard dental implants would require an implant for each tooth. Alternatively, All-on-4 uses just four implants to replace the top or bottom row of teeth. The treatment works even if the patient has no teeth at all. As explained in this article by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the four implants support the entire arch of replacement teeth. Also, this treatment does not require bone grafting. The implants will fuse with the existing bone and become part of the jaw. Because some of the implants are set at an angle, they are longer and offer more support.

All-on-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster. First, the doctor will take impressions and X-rays and send those to a lab. At a subsequent appointment, our staff will use a local anesthetic to numb the patient and may have to remove any remaining damaged teeth. Then, the dental professional will insert screws into four places in the upper and lower jaw. These titanium anchors will help support the artificial teeth throughout the mouth.

After the Procedure

Our team will send you home with specific aftercare instructions that you should follow exactly for proper healing and prevention of infection. Instructions commonly include brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush, sleeping with your head elevated and eating only soft foods. Immediately following the procedure you may be sore, have swelling and light bleeding. As always, call our office immediately if these symptoms get worse rather than subside.

Patients should maintain proper care of the implants and their oral health. Just as with natural teeth, patients need to continue brushing and flossing daily. Regular dental checkups are essential. A dentist should routinely examine the implants and artificial teeth to ensure that everything looks the way it should.