All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants: Which Is Right for Me?
Tooth loss can have profound effects on your oral and overall health. But, tooth-replacement options, like All-on-4 dental implants, allow you to regain control of your health while enhancing your natural aesthetic.
At Bell Dental, our Lake Jackson, TX, dentist, Brian Bell, is uniquely trained in neuromuscular dentistry, which is an accomplishment that only 5% of general dentists can claim. With such specialized expertise, Dr. Bell can deliver quality restorative treatments with a level of precision and finesse that is unmatched by his peers.
If you’re considering tooth-replacement solutions, then you might be wondering: What’s the difference between All-on-4 vs. traditional implants, and which is right for me? Here, we’ll delve into each so you can make the best decision for you and your smile.
Traditional Dental Implants
Dental implants are surgically-implanted titanium posts upon which Dr. Bell can place a lifelike restoration, like a dental crown. As such, they act as a natural tooth root; thereby, offering optimal bone, nerve, and soft-tissue support. With a success rate of over 97%, dental implants are a sturdy and permanent tooth-replacement option.
All-on-4® Dental Implants
Both traditional dental implants and All-on-4® dental implants require the surgical implantation of titanium posts into the jaw bone. Traditional dental implants, however, can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or an entire arch. All-on-4 dental implants use four titanium posts to support a full arch restoration, or dentures.
All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants: Dentition
Experts estimate that nearly 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Subsequently, these patients may be suitable candidates for traditional dental implants.
Alternatively, approximately 40 million are missing all of their teeth. These patients can restore their smile using only four dental implants and a complete restoration.
All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants: Bone Grafts
Traditional dental implants require a healthy jaw bone. Otherwise, a preparatory procedure, known as a bone graft, may be necessary to reconstitute the bone tissue before proceeding with implant surgery. All-on-4 dental implants, however, are placed into existing bone tissue at precise angles, which negates the need for a preparatory bone graft.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
Patients who receive All-on-4 dental implants do not have to wait months to heal before receiving their restorations. This means that patients can have their titanium posts and full restorations placed on the same day.
Which Is Right for You?
In general, patients with sporadically missing teeth are better candidates for traditional dental implants. However, preparatory procedures and the healing process may postpone restoration placement.
Patients with total tooth loss are often better suited for All-on-4 dental implants. With no need for preparatory procedures or recovery time, patients can restore their smiles faster.
Contact Us About All-on-4 Dental Implants
If you’re ready to repair your smile quickly, then schedule an All-on-4 dental implant consultation with our Lake Jackson dentist today. New and existing patients can contact our office online here or call (979) 297-1201 now.
