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Dental Implants
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Millions of American adults are missing most or all of their natural teeth, which can cause a variety of oral and overall health issues. Therefore, replacement is necessary. Many people choose conventional dentures due to the cost. However, dental implants are the most like natural teeth- unfortunately, the cost is often a barrier.
All-on-4 dental implants is a hybrid tooth replacement procedure that blends the stability of dental implants with the affordability of dentures. This procedure replaces an entire arch of missing teeth with 4 strategically placed dental implants. The placement of the implants allows for a much stronger bite force than conventional dentures. Dr. Byron Scott at Springhill Dental Health Center is the top dentist for dental implant placement in Mobile, Alabama.
In this article, we’ll explore more about All-on-4 dental implants.
The implant screw is embedded in your jawbone. The connector attaches the crown to the implant screw, creating a tight seal against your gums. Food should never get stuck between the gum and the implant crown. If this happens, there’s a high probability that the implant was improperly placed. While dental implants have a high success rate, improper placement can ultimately lead to dental implant failure.
The All-on-4 dental implants system offers a variety of benefits, making them one of the best options:
There are very few things that are more uncomfortable than getting food stuck under your dentures. If you have conventional dentures or a removable implant-supported tooth replacement solution, you can simply remove them and clean the food out. However, if you have All-on-4 and food gets stuck underneath them, it can be a bit more challenging.
If the implants and prosthesis are placed properly, you should not have to be concerned about food getting caught. However, there are two reasons why food may get stuck under your All-on-4 dental implants.
If food gets stuck in your dental implants, you’ll have some redness and sensitivity. If not removed quickly, you’re at an increased risk of gum disease and/or infection. Brushing and flossing can help to loosen and remove food debris stuck in dental implants. If food has gotten under the All-on-4 denture arch, you’ll need to contact the clinic for an emergency appointment.
The design of the prosthetic is the most difficult thing to accomplish with All-on-4. It must be designed in such a way that floss can pass underneath/around each implant to remove food debris but create a tight enough seal that food cannot get trapped underneath.
If there is a gap between the prosthetic and your gums, some material can be added to fill in the space.
An acrylic prosthetic is typically the easiest to fix. The prosthetic is simply removed, and additional acrylic is added to build it up and create a better fit. However, if the prosthetic is made from porcelain or zirconia, it’s a bit more challenging. The prosthesis must be removed and adjusted/relined, which can be achieved by filing it down some or by adding porcelain to fill in the gap.
If there are no gaps/spaces between the prosthesis and your gums, the problem may be the shape of the prosthetic. If the prosthesis is made from acrylic, this problem can be solved with a filing instrument. However, if your prosthesis is made from porcelain or zirconia, it is much more difficult to make this type of adjustment. This is because these materials are stronger than acrylic and are susceptible to micro-fractures, which can weaken the prosthesis.
These adjustments can usually be done in the office and only takes a few hours, which means you don’t have to worry about being without your teeth. However, in some situations, major adjustments or repairs must be made, which means the prosthetic will need to be sent to the dental lab.
My visit was incredible. I had my “All on Four” appliances cleaned, and it was a painless and thorough experience. Dr. Scott and all his staff are very friendly. During the cleaning, Mary was gentle and let me know everything she was doing and how it would feel. She gave me tips on how to clean my implants/appliances better and gave me a small brush to do the underside more effectively. Dr. Scott and Mary suggest cleanings take place every 3 months so I will be back in December.
Dr. Byron Scott is a highly-trained and accomplished dentist. He attended The University of Alabama School of Dentistry and subsequently completed numerous Advanced Studies and Trainings. Dr. Scott is Board-Certified by The Academy of General Dentistry and has earned Mastership status (MAGD), an honor shared by only 1% of dentists. He has numerous memberships and associations, including Diplomate status with The American Board of Oral Implantology (D-ABOI) and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (D-ICOI). Overall, Dr. Scott has dedicated his life and career to helping patients improve their oral health through expert dentistry. His goal is to help each patient keep their smile healthy, attractive, and comfortable for the duration of their lifetime.
