How do dental implants compare to other dental restoration options?

Unlike other restorations, dental implants are anchored within the jawbone to replace tooth structures above and below the gum line. As such, dental bridges and dentures can’t prevent jawbone degradation like implant posts. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of a natural tooth with implants, never having to worry about special maintenance.

Can implants be used for dentures?

Implants can help patients missing all of their natural teeth in the lower or upper jaws who have difficulty wearing a traditional denture. Our implant dentist can provide implant-supported dentures that won’t need removal for maintenance, mealtimes, or overnight. This denture appliance won’t slip or slide as you speak and chew for a comfortable fit.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of dental implants?

Some insurance companies may cover a portion of your dental implant treatment cost. We recommend contacting your provider to better understand your plan’s benefits. We’re proud to offer an in-house dental savings plan to help patients receive the dental care they need without breaking the bank. Call our Willoughby Hills office at (440) 210-0999 to learn more.

Who’s not a good candidate for dental implants?

While most patients are good candidates for dental implants, Dr. Wallace may recommend a supplemental procedure for patients who: Grind or clench their teeth (bruxism). Have pre-existing conditions such as gum disease, diabetes, cancer, or alcoholism. Lack sufficient jawbone density. Use tobacco products. Take medications such as steroids or immune system suppressants.

All-on-4 Implants in Willoughby Hills, OH

Why All-On-4 Dental Implants are a Great Solution for Missing Teeth

If you’re missing several or all of your teeth, All-On-4 dental implants could be a life-changing option to restore your smile and improve oral health. Unlike traditional dentures, which may feel loose and require adhesives, All-On-4 implants are a permanent solution that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Willoughby Hills dentist, Dr. Phillip Wallace offers this innovative treatment to help patients regain confidence and enjoy the benefits of a secure, natural-looking smile. If you’re interested in All-On-4 implants, don’t hesitate to contact Smile Brighter by calling (440) 210-0999.

What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?

All-On-4 dental implants use four strategically placed titanium posts that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. These implants provide a stable foundation for a full arch of prosthetic teeth, which are attached to the posts, creating a secure and natural-looking smile. This approach can support a full set of upper or lower teeth with fewer implants than traditional methods, making it a quicker and less invasive option for patients in Willoughby Hills and surrounding areas like Eastlake, Mentor, and Wickliffe, OH.

Benefits of All-On-4 Dental Implants

Immediate Results: Unlike traditional implants that may require several months of healing, All-On-4 implants often allow patients to leave the dentist’s office with a functional set of teeth on the same day as the procedure.
Stability and Comfort: Because the implants fuse with the jawbone, All-On-4 provides a stable foundation that won’t shift or move, allowing you to eat, speak, and laugh without worry.
Bone Preservation: The titanium posts stimulate bone growth, helping to preserve jaw structure and prevent the bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth or dentures.
Cost-Effective: Requiring only four implants per arch can make All-On-4 a more affordable option compared to traditional implant methods.

How the All-On-4 Process Works

The All-On-4 dental implant process typically involves a few key steps:

Initial Consultation and Planning
Dr. Wallace will conduct a thorough examination, including digital scans and x-rays, to ensure you’re a suitable candidate. He will also design a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Surgical Placement of Implants
During the procedure, four implants are placed into your jawbone at precise angles to maximize stability. Sedation or anesthesia is used to ensure comfort, and Dr. Wallace will place temporary teeth on the implants to provide immediate function and aesthetics.
Healing and Bone Integration
Over the next few months, the implants fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, which strengthens the foundation for your new teeth.
Final Placement of Permanent Teeth
Once healing is complete, Dr. Wallace will replace the temporary teeth with a permanent, custom-designed prosthetic arch that is both durable and natural-looking.

Who is a Good Candidate for All-On-4?

All-On-4 is an excellent option for many people who are missing multiple teeth, especially if they have good overall health and adequate jawbone density. Even patients who may not qualify for traditional implants due to bone loss might be candidates for All-On-4, as the implants are positioned to maximize existing bone support. Dr. Wallace welcomes patients from Willoughby Hills, Eastlake, Mayfield Heights, and the broader Cleveland area to schedule a consultation and find out if All-On-4 is right for them.

All-On-4 vs. Traditional Dentures

While traditional dentures can help restore some oral function and aesthetics, they don’t offer the same stability and longevity as All-On-4 implants. With dentures, patients often experience slippage and may have difficulty eating certain foods, whereas All-On-4 implants stay secure and allow for a more diverse diet. Additionally, dentures require frequent adjustments and can contribute to bone loss over time, while All-On-4 implants help preserve jawbone structure.

Caring for Your All-On-4 Implants

After getting All-On-4 implants, it’s essential to maintain a good oral hygiene routine to keep your implants and gums healthy. Here are a few tips:

Brush and floss daily, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and a floss threader if needed.
Schedule regular dental checkups with Dr. Wallace at Smile Brighter to monitor the health of your implants.
Avoid chewing hard objects, which could damage the prosthetic teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. However, some patients may experience slight discomfort or soreness after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

The procedure typically takes a few hours to complete, and your dentist will provide you with an estimate of the time required based on your unique needs. The duration of the procedure may vary depending on the number of implants required and the complexity of your case. Your dentist will ensure that the procedure is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible while maintaining a high level of precision.

Caring for your All-on-4 implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to maintaining good oral hygiene. It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Flossing should be done at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and around the implants. Additionally, it is important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings to ensure that your implants remain in good condition.

All-on-4 implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. However, the lifespan of your implants may be affected by factors such as your overall health, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle choices. To ensure the longevity of your implants, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for care and maintenance, including regular check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can provide you with more information on how to care for your implants and how to maximize their lifespan.

Regain Your Smile and Confidence with All-on-4 Implants

All-on-4 implants are an excellent solution for individuals looking to restore their smile and regain their confidence. With a success rate of over 98%, this treatment has proven to be a reliable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. If you’re considering All-on-4 implants, be sure to schedule a consultation with your Willoughby Hills, OH dentist by calling (440) 210-0999 to determine whether this treatment is right for you.