When it comes to options you have for tooth replacement, it can sometimes seem like there are too many choices. How can you tell which option would work best for you? The answer depends on several factors that you and your dentist have to consider when trying to develop a treatment plan, from your oral health to what options your insurance covers. Today we are going to take a look at the benefits of All on 4 implants versus dentures. Which one is right for you? Find out below.

What is an All on 4 Implant?

Let’s first take a look at dental implants. Essentially, a dental implant is a small titanium screw that is fitted inside the jaw bone and completely replaces the missing tooth. The screw actually will bond to the jawbone and help prevent the jawbone from receding. Once the screw is set, a crown is attached to give a highly realistic-looking and exceptionally functional prosthetic tooth. But what if you have more than one tooth missing? What if you need a full mouth dental implant restoration? That is where All on 4 implants come in. All on 4 implants use just four implants in the top or bottom jaw to restore your smile. The full-arch implant has a unique ability to directly fuse to your jaw and strengthen them due to the titanium used in the implant. This means your new implants can serve as a strong and lasting foundation for your new teeth. The fusion of the implant into the jaw can even prevent bone loss. This has the effect of maintaining your facial structure as well as your oral health. All on 4 implants can quickly change your life by almost completely restoring your teeth. 

Benefits of All on 4 Implants

All on 4 implants are a great solution for those patients who need all or the majority of teeth replaced on the upper or lower jaw. Unlike dentures, which adhere to the gums with a sticky and messy cement, all on 4 implants can replace an entire jaw of teeth with only four simple implants.  The biggest benefit of the all on 4 implants is how quickly you can get your smile restored. While they do require minor surgery for the implants to be installed, they offer a long term solution to missing teeth. Dentures often last only a few years, while implants can last decades. They are about as close to getting your natural teeth back as you can get. 

Cost of All on 4 Implants

When it comes down to it, the biggest factor that many people consider is the cost of all on 4 implants. The cost of the all on 4 implants can vary based on the materials chosen and how much your insurance will cover. The materials of all on 4 implants vary from acrylic to composite. An acrylic denture can typically cost between $20,000 to $30,000. You may go to more than one dentist or specialist for this procedure and that may increase the cost.  Porcelain or composite dentures are often more realistic than acrylic and often last much longer, but often run about $5,000 more per jaw. Replacing a broken porcelain denture can cost roughly $15,000. The expense of getting an All on 4 implants may be intimidating for many patients, but remember that insurance and discounts could apply.  It is important to remember that your oral health is perhaps the biggest factor that determines your overall quality of life. Good oral health impacts everything from brain health to speaking comfortably to your diet. Being able to eat foods you enjoy and ones that are important to you is important and can only be done with good oral health. 

What is the Procedure Like for All on 4 Implants?

Getting any implant for the first time can be intimidating. Gaining a good understanding of the process can help soothe your fears, so here is an explanation of the process from start to finish. The procedure begins with a consultation between you and the dentist in which you can address any fears and have any questions you might have about the procedure. First, your dentist will ensure that you are comfortable and administer either a local or general anesthesia. Next, the dentist or the oral surgeon will prepare your mouth for the implants. This can include removing your remaining teeth that are failing. They will then remove any diseased or infected tissue from your jaw and gums. Then comes the actual implantation process. They will insert the titanium screws into the jawbone, placing two toward the front of the mouth and two toward the back of the mouth so that the anchors can evenly carry the force of the denture.  Once all the Implants have been placed your dentist will thoroughly clean the site and suture all the incisions. Then you’ll be taken into a room to recover and relax while you wake up from the anesthesia.  The recovery time for all on four dental implants can range from 3 to 8 months but you should be functioning much sooner. The reason for the lengthy recovery time is that the implants are fusing to your bone and this will promote stability from the very first day. Your dentist will prepare you for the recovery and you may need to meet with them for checkups during the recovery period. 

How Long do All on 4 Implants Last versus dentures?

It’s important to remember that all in 4 implants are made up of two parts: a dental implant that is placed inside the bone and the visible denture that connects to those implants. Studies have shown that over the past 10 years all on four implants are comparable or better than other dental implant systems.  At five years the implant success rate was at 98% with 95% of patients experiencing not a single dental implant failure. At the 10-year mark, the implant survival rate was at 95% with 94% of patients experiencing not a single implant failure. This study shows how reliable and how stable all on four implants are. If you think all on 4 implants are for you, and you live in the Rancho Cucamonga, CA area, give Golden Smiles Dental a call for your consultation at (909) 481-8990. Our expert team will be more than happy to answer your questions.