Bad teeth can put a damper on your daily activities, whether you’re trying to eat a meal or out for a night on the town. If your pearly whites aren’t functioning the way that they should, you might be busy researching ways to reclaim a healthy, attractive, and functional smile. All on 4 implants might be right for you! Yes, even if the natural teeth that you have remaining are in poor condition, it is possible that you can undergo this procedure and enjoy the improved quality of life that comes with healthy teeth.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. For example, people who smoke or who lack sufficient bone density in their jaw may not be able to receive this life-altering treatment. However, the condition of your current teeth has little bearing on whether you can receive implants. The only thing that may be a cause for concern is if you have gum disease in addition to unhealthy teeth. The bacteria involved in periodontal problems may decrease the chances that the implant procedure will be successful.
What Are All on 4 Implants?
Traditional implants use a series of titanium posts to replace individual tooth roots. Then, after the jaw has been allowed to heal for a few months, artificial teeth are attached to the implants. The result is a strong set of teeth that can stand up to all the rigors of daily life.
The All on 4 process is a bit different. Your oral surgeon in Dallas will use only four to six implants to replace an entire arch of teeth — that is, either all of your upper or lower teeth. In many cases, the new teeth can be attached to the implants right away so there is no need to wait through a long healing process.
As part of the procedure, your dentist will extract your remaining natural teeth so they don’t interfere with your new smile.
But Some of My Natural Teeth Are Still in Good Shape
If you have some severely damaged teeth alongside ones that work well, you might not want to give up those chompers that are still doing their job. That’s okay! You might be a viable candidate for implant-supported partial dentures or an implant-supported bridge, which can replace just a few teeth in a specific area of your mouth. If implants aren’t right for you, you may have to look into other restorative treatments, such as traditional dentures.
Your dentist will talk with you about your unique situation and make a treatment recommendation. Who knows? It might not be long before you can say goodbye to your unsightly, painful teeth and hello to a mouth full of sturdy pearly whites that can take on almost any challenge.
About the Dentist
Dr. Christopher Bao Brown is an experienced oral surgeon who takes pride in helping his patients achieve complete, healthy smiles. When you’re ready to discuss your candidacy for dental implants, please reach out to our office! You can contact us at 972-960-1111.