Tooth loss is a condition that affects millions of Americans. If you are missing one or more teeth, Arlington Dental Excellence can help. We offer a variety of tooth restoration options, such as implants, dentures, bridges, and even All-on-4 implants.
The All-on-4 implants are a hybrid denture mounted on 4 implants. It can be used for both the upper and lower arches. It is a permanent solution, so it's a lot easier to maintain- you can treat your new smile like your natural teeth. It can only be taken out by a dentist.
The cost is a little high compared to some options, but much lower than restoring a full arch with single implants. Plus, since there are fewer implants, recovery is a lot easier.
The best way to know if you are an ideal candidate for All-on-4 implants is to schedule a consultation at Arlington Dental Excellence. Dr. Jureidini and the team can advise you whether this or another option is best. Typically, this tooth restoration solution is offered to patients who are missing all of their teeth on one arch or who have teeth that are damaged beyond repair.
This option also works for patients who have bone loss. The way this solution is designed, it doesn't need as much bone to support the restoration. In fact, many patients require jawbone reduction to make room for the prosthesis.
If you've had traditional dentures for awhile and they're not ideal, the All-on-4 solution may be a good fit.
The cost of All-on-4 dental implants in Arlington, Virginia ranges between $15,000 to $28,000, with the average being $21,000. This does not include other procedures such as extractions. The initial consultation at Arlington Dental Excellence is free, so you don't have to worry about that. Your insurance may cover the procedure, we will work with them to find out what is covered. If you need help with financing, we can do that too!
The cost of the All-on-4 implants depends on a few different things, such as the condition of your mouth and the materials that are used. Overall, when compared to individual implants, this option is much more cost-effective.
The All-on-4 tooth restoration procedure is similar to that of traditional implants. Most of the work takes place in the beginning. However, the actual surgery is slightly different.
The first thing you will do is schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Jureidini and the staff at Arlington Dental Excellence. This will be a lot like a normal dental exam. If you have questions or concerns, we will be happy to address those at this time. We will work with you to create a treatment plan. We will do x-rays to make sure that we get the implants in the appropriate position. We will determine at this time if you need any extractions.
Preparation is different from one patient to another, based on your personal needs. The most common procedures are extractions and periodontal treatment. If you have active periodontitis, it could lead to infection and failure of the implants.
If you have periodontitis, the dentist will likely perform scaling and root planing- but if the affected teeth are extracted, this can be avoided. A dental impression is taken to ensure that your denture is ready when the rods are implanted.
Typically, patients are placed under local anesthesia, but if you have dental anxiety, a general anesthesia may be an option. You'll want to discuss that at your initial consultation. The two rear implants will be inserted at a 45° angle and the two in the front will be straight. This will give enough stability to support an entire fixed arch.
Depending on the condition of your mouth, the denture may be fitted the same day. If not, you'll go home with the implants and a temporary denture. If this is the case, the permanent denture will be placed 6 months later, once healing is complete.
Just like any of the other tooth restoration solutions, All-on-4 does have a few risks. At Arlington Dental Excellence, we want you to be aware of the most common ones. If you feel these fit you, please contact us and let us know, we may be able to help.
Many patients with the All-on-4 may not be able to tell how strongly they are biting because the prosthesis covers the gums. This results in harder chewing and wearing down of the artificial teeth and, sometimes, broken implants.
Some patients may be predisposed to bruxism, but don't know it. This is a problem if you only get one arch done. The opposing teeth may end up damaged because of jaw clenching, which typically happens when sleeping.
Some patients have a hard time adapting to the prosthesis. This typically clears up in the first few weeks- but some people find it annoying.
If the prosthesis is placed properly, this should not be an issue. However, it can be difficult to remove food when it gets under the prosthesis. That's why you should choose an expert like Dr. Jureidini to take care of your All-on-4 procedure. Of course, you must do your part by practicing proper oral hygiene.
Sometimes, these issues lead to implant failure. Of course, this is a potential issue with any implant solution. The chances are small though, as this procedure has a 95% success rate. The best way to prevent failure is to follow aftercare instructions, eat soft foods, and practice proper oral hygiene.
At Arlington Dental Excellence, we understand how important your smile is. After all, it's one of the first things people see when they meet you and first impressions are important. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about what we can do to restore your smile back to the way it used to be before tooth loss.
When you come into our office for your consultation, feel free to ask any questions you might have about treatment options. We will be happy to answer them and also address any concerns you have. Below are some of the most common questions we've been asked.
A: Patients can expect their All-on-4 dental implants to last 20 to 25 years and in some cases, the rest of their life.
A: The primary difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6 is the number of implants that are used. Some dental professionals believe All-on-6 are better-providing a more stable base for the prosthetic, which results in a more comfortable, longer-lasting smile.
A: All-on-4 dental implants are designed to replace a full arch. Therefore, each denture usually contains 14 teeth: 4 molars, 4 premolars, 2 canines, and 4 incisors.
A: All-on-4 dental implants do not press down on your gums like traditional dentures, so they are more comfortable. Once you heal, you will be able to bite with increased force and experience the sensation of enjoying a variety of hot and cold foods and all the flavors that come with them.
A: The top 5 ways to clean All-on-4 dental implants/bridges include:
A: Typically, patients experience some minor swelling, bruising, and bleeding following surgery. Make sure that you're cleaning and brushing twice daily, just as you would with natural teeth.
A: On average, All-on-4 implants are 95% successful, which means there's only a 5% chance of them failing. As long as you take proper care of them, you can decrease the risk of failure for you.
A: Yes, All-on-4 implants look natural, which is why they are a better tooth restoration treatment than traditional dentures or bridges.
