When you’re missing an entire arch of teeth, All-on-4 can replace them using four conventional dental implants and a replacement roundhouse bridge on top. But is it right for your smile, or is there a better approach? Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of All-on-4, along with alternatives such as mini implant-supported restorations, can help you make an informed decision.
Dr. Gloria Stingley is a dentist in Norcross with a true passion for education and restoration. To that end, she wants you to know about the variety of full arch replacement options available at her practice. Many of them utilize a more affordable, less invasive implant: the mini dental implant.
What Is All-on-4?
For patients missing all their teeth, All-on-4 is a well-known option. This treatment approach uses four dental implants to support a fixed full arch restoration. The rear implants can be angled to accommodate bone loss and, in some cases, help patients avoid bone grafting.
In some cases, patients can receive a temporary restoration on the day of surgery. The final restoration is typically placed a few months later, once the implants have integrated with the jawbone and healing has been assessed.
The restoration stays in place all day, and you’ll never have to remove it at home. Instead, Dr. Stingley can monitor its condition and your oral health during follow-up visits. She may remove the bridge for a deeper cleaning and to check the implants’ health.
All-on-4 Benefits and Drawbacks
So why might All-on-4 work for some patients but not others? Let’s explore the benefits and downsides of this approach.
Pros of All-on-4
One key benefit is that All-on-4 provides more stability than traditional dentures. When false teeth are fixed in place, you won’t have to deal with loose, slippery dentures anymore.
You’ll also notice improved daily function. You should have an easier time chewing and speaking, along with improved overall comfort. Finally, angling the two rear implants helps make use of available bone and may reduce or eliminate the need for bone grafting in suitable patients.
Cons of All-on-4
The All-on-4 approach has drawbacks to consider. All-on-4 uses conventional dental implants, which can be quite costly in many instances. Conventional implants are placed through an invasive surgical process. To place conventional implants, Dr. Stingley makes a larger incision in the gums to expose the bone. Afterward, patients face a longer healing time.
Although All-on-4 can help some patients with bone loss, others may still not have enough bone to fit conventional implants. These patients may need bone grafting before they can receive conventional dental implants, which can increase costs. If the drawbacks of All-on-4 make you hesitant to choose care, consider all your options for a full arch replacement.
Why Mini Implant Full Arch Solutions May Work Better in Some Cases
If you want the benefits of All-on-4 but are concerned about the drawbacks, mini implant-supported approaches can offer the best of both worlds. Does the cost of All-on-4 give you pause? In some cases, restorations that use mini implants cost half as much as conventional dental implants. Mini implants also use a less invasive placement process. Dr. Stingley can make a small hole in the gums and secure the post in place with minimal swelling.
Mini implants can also work for patients with bone loss in even more situations. Because mini implants have a smaller diameter than conventional dental implants, they may fit in narrow areas of the jawbone where wider implants would require bone grafting. At a screening, Dr. Stingley can explain whether mini implants can help you avoid bone grafting.
Dr. Stingley has a variety of full arch replacement options at her practice, including the snap-in denture, the semi-removable roundhouse bridge (sold under the brand Fix-on-Six®), and the non-removable roundhouse bridge.
The next step is finding out which option fits your needs. Dr. Stingley is happy to explore your options at a free screening.
Learn More at a Free Screening
All-on-4 is a full arch restoration option for patients who want more stability than traditional dentures. But in some cases, other alternatives may make more sense. Mini implant-supported options may offer a less invasive, more affordable approach for patients with narrower jawbones.
Dr. Gloria Stingley can help you evaluate your tooth replacement options based on your bone structure and oral health. Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry provides free screenings for patients who move forward with treatment. Schedule your screening to learn more about your full arch replacement options.
