Request
For people with missing teeth, dentures are supposed to solve all of their problems, but in many cases, they can lead to even more headaches. In addition to looking unnatural or fitting uncomfortably, removable dentures are notorious for sliding out of place as someone eats or speaks. You’ll even find stories online of them accidentally falling out during meals or important meetings! If any of this sounds familiar, know that there is a better alternative available: All-on-4 dentures on Long Island. With just four dental implants, your dentist can give you a set of teeth you’ll never have to worry about again.
What Are All-on-4 Implant Dentures?
Above the gum line, All-on-4 implant dentures look the same as regular ones, but the “magic” lies below. Instead of just sitting (and shifting) on top of the gums, the denture is attached directly to the jawbone using four strategically placed dental implants. Dental implants are basically small, titanium tooth roots that are placed within the jawbone, and they serve as the foundation for a patient’s new teeth.
How Are All-on-4 Dentures Better Than Regular Ones?
By anchoring the denture to the jawbone, All-on-4 easily solves the biggest issue associated with traditional dentures: unwanted movement. Basically, the implant denture is held in place just like your natural teeth, so it will have the same strength and stability. This allows a patient to eat whatever they like (including non-denture friendly foods like grilled meats) with complete confidence.
Also, dental implants offer a host of benefits themselves. They actually support the jawbone from the inside like real tooth roots, which prevents the bone loss that usually develops after tooth loss. Over time, this not only enables the denture to stay firm and fit comfortably, but it also helps a patient maintain a more youthful facial appearance.
What is the Procedure Like?
Your dentist will first give you an exam and take some X-rays of your mouth. If you both decide that All-on-4 dentures would be the best solution for you, the next step is to schedule you for the implant placement procedure. This will usually be provided by an oral surgeon or periodontist.
On the day of the procedure, you’ll be sufficiently numbed, and then the doctor will place four dental implants inside your jawbone. Depending on the health and thickness of the bone, they may choose to use mini-dental implants. As the name suggests, these are smaller than regular implants, but they have a similar strength and save many patients from having to get a bone graft to build up the jaw.
Once the implants are ready, the doctor will immediately attach a temporary denture to them. Then, after your mouth has had time to heal, you’ll return to your dentist to get your new, permanent denture.
Is It Time to Upgrade?
If you find yourself thinking and worrying about your denture every day, then it’s probably time for an upgrade. With an All-on-4 implant denture, the next time you take a bite of food or greet a loved one, the absolute last thing on your mind will be your teeth!
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr is an implant and cosmetic dentist based in Massapequa Park, NY who has been helping people rebuild their smiles for more than 30 years. He along with his Dream Team of specialists offer patients with missing teeth several dental implant options for filling in the gaps and upgrading their dentures. To learn more and finally take care of your bothersome denture, he can be contacted here.
