Are All-on-4 Dental Implants Permanent Restorations?

All-on-4® restorations have titanium rods that fuse with the jawbone and gum tissue. The procedure will result in non-removable restorations. You cannot remove the implants yourself. Here are the details on how All-on-4 implants are permanent dental restorations.

The features

The absence of teeth can be challenging when it comes to speaking or eating. It can reduce one’s self-esteem. Being ashamed of one’s smile makes an individual avoid gatherings. An All-on-4 restoration provides an extensive solution for patients without teeth. The implants will restore one’s dental function and youthful appearance.

All-on-4 implants have overdentures that are either fixed or snap into place. These artificial teeth replace the entire dental arch. The dentist will attach them to the abutments after the rods completely fuse with the jawbone and gum tissue. Once it heals, here are its benefits:

• Provides a natural-looking smile
• Preserves the jawbone
• Does not need adhesives
• Permanent dental restoration
• Makes eating and speaking easier
• Enhances self-esteem
• Quick dental replacement

Permanent restorations

The dentist will assess the patient first. This will determine if the individual is a good candidate for All-on-4 dental implants. If the patient is good for the procedure, the schedule of the implant surgery will be set. The dentist will anesthetize the patient and cut through the gum tissue to access the jawbone. Drilling four implant holes in strategic areas will follow. Placing the titanium rods will come next.

After the implant placement, the dentist will stitch the gum tissue over the rods. This will encourage healing. Temporary dentures will go over the rods during healing. The temporary overdentures will provide a ready smile. It will heal for three to eight months. Recovery will depend on the patient’s ability to heal.

All-on-4 implants are permanent. The restoration will be complete once the permanent overdentures are ready for placement. It will not leave the patient’s mouth anymore. The patient must follow the dentist’s aftercare instructions. This will prevent long-term damage and early wear. Proper maintenance and care can help make these implants last for a lifetime.

Making All-on-4 implants last

These restorations may be permanent, but it takes some effort to maintain. Caring for them every day is important. Following the dentist’s instructions can also help. Here are some useful tips for making these implants last for at least a decade:

• See the dentist for regular checkups. Visit the dentist two times a year. These visits will provide professional dental cleanings. The checkups can keep plaque and tartar away from the treated areas.
• Floss and brush every day. Floss once a day. Brush twice a day for two minutes.
• Stay away from specific foods. Hard, crunchy, and chewy foods can damage or dislodge the overdentures. Stick with soft foods.
• Deal with bruxism or teeth grinding. Wear a nightguard to shield the overdentures from damage or wear.
• Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. These substances prevent proper blood oxygenation and circulation.