Do you have missing teeth? Perhaps you have been in for a dental implant consultation in the past and were told that you were not a good candidate. You may also have been told that you are a good fit for the procedure, but due to many missing teeth, you may not have been able to afford the procedure due to needing a bone graft or needing to meet other preoperative requirements.

Advancements in dentistry have led to a new procedure that is referred to as All-On-Four. The procedure gets its name from the alternative method of placing dental implants. Some people refer to this procedure as permanent dentures. This is because people who get it performed can have a full set of permanent prosthetic teeth in as little as one trip to the dentist. The following are a few reasons this might be an ideal procedure for you too.

Bone Grafts

Many people steer clear of traditional dental implants because they do not have sufficient bone tissue to support them. Some of these individuals may have been previously told that a bone graft would be needed to improve their bone tissue. Many people who would require bone grafting to affix single dental implants are good candidates for the All-On-Four procedure without needing to have bone grafts. This is because the integrity of the prosthetic is not supported by a single implant location. The integrity is based on four implants per arch, which is similar to multiple dental bridges.

Simplified Oral Hygiene

Most people who seek the All-On-Four procedure will do so due to having worn dentures for years. Cleaning dentures can be overwhelming, but it is necessary to ensure they last and do not get a foul odor. Individuals who get this dental procedure performed will be able to care for their prosthetic teeth like natural teeth. This can prove to be very convenient for individuals who only require a partial procedure at the top or bottom of their mouth because they will not have to deal with caring for dentures and their natural teeth separately. 

Quick Recovery

This procedure can be completed in one dental visit. Patients can be sedated with general or local anesthesia. The procedure will likely take a few hours, and patients with dental anxiety might handle the procedure better if they are put under general anesthesia. This is why prior experiences with dental anxiety should be mentioned to the cosmetic dentist. There is not a lengthy period of downtime as long as patients do not get an infection. Infections are rare due to the procedure being minimally invasive. Mild discomfort can be expected, and pain medications as well as antibiotics will aid in optimal healing.