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Do you fear prosthetics moving when you eat or speak? Perhaps you already wear conventional dentures and are disappointed with the way they function and fit. If your dentures fall short of your expectations or if you are new to needing replacement teeth, we recommend looking into All-on-4 as a treatment option. All-on-4 is a method of securing dentures to strategically placed dental implants. This tooth replacement option increases oral function by stabilizing dentures with implants embedded into the jawbone. Patients with All-on-4 implants enjoy eating full, well-rounded diets that includes tough and chewy foods. All-on-4 prevents the movement of prosthetics while eating or speaking so that those who have suffered from tooth loss enjoy an optimal quality of life.

What Are All-On-4 Implants?

All-on-4 is a specific method for securing dentures to dental implants. Dental implants are embedded in precise locations of the jaw so that they can support a full arch (a denture) of prosthetic teeth. The placement of four dental implants is important because the force associated with oral function needs to be evenly distributed among the implants. All-on-4 increases denture stability by eliminating the movement of prosthetic teeth. This allows patients to enjoy eating and speaking without difficulty.

Alternatives, like conventional dental bridges and dentures, lack a structure underneath the gum line, so they are not able to replicate the complete chewing function of natural teeth. As such, patients may need to omit certain foods, especially if they are crunchy or particularly chewy. This can rule out a number of nutritious foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables.

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat With All-On-4?

While dental implants are strong, they are not impenetrable. Anything that can damage a biological tooth when chewed can harm a dental implant, as well. So, non-food items like pencils, ice cubes and fingernails are off-limits. Your oral surgeon will give you a more detailed list of things that your dental implants cannot chew.

Additionally, you must have enough bone material to support osseointegration at the dental implant site in order for the dental implant to be stable enough to fully participate in chewing. If the environment is not adequate, then the bond will be weak and the dental implant will ultimately fail. That outcome can negatively impact your chewing capability, too.

In addition to retaining the ability to eat their favorite foods, patients with dental implants gain other benefits. Because they are structurally complete, dental implants feel more like natural teeth, and they’re fairly easy to maintain.

Patients who choose dental implants for a tooth replacement will face far fewer dietary restrictions than those who select conventional appliances.

What Are Other Benefits of Implant Supported Dentures?

Dentures supported by dental implants offer unique benefits to patients because denture stability is increased and bone is kept active by implants. Denture stability is a common issue among patients who have worn prosthetic teeth for some time. As the bone atrophies due to lack of stimulation, the body will resorb it. This means that the shape and density of the jawbone will change over time, thus affecting the way dentures fit. With All-on-4, bone stays stimulated to prevent atrophy while dental implants prevent movement of prosthetics by firmly holding dentures in place.

Is This Treatment Option Right for Me?

If you are wondering if All-on-4 is right for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our oral surgeon. A consultation involves an oral examination to determine if dental implants suit your needs.

Contact Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas today and talk to one of our knowledgeable team members to learn more about this aspect of dental implant treatment.