NO MORE DENTURES!
SMILE AND EAT WITH CONFIDENCE AGAIN
Trisha Le, DDS, Family Dentistry of Plano, Collin LIVING WELL Magazine
Bill didn’t have too many choices. He had been losing his upper teeth. He was at the point that he couldn’t even get his teeth cleaned without anesthetic because of the pain. He was so scared of the thought of losing all of his upper teeth but he had to do something. He read about various procedure options to replace his teeth and saw an option to have teeth again that were non- removable just like his natural ones. It looked like a good option, so he decided to try it.
Bill says, “It took a few hours to extract the teeth and put in the base for the implants. There wasn’t that much pain, just a bit of discomfort but they gave me medication and I didn’t feel anything. It was very tolerable.”
“I definitely recommend this for other people. I felt very comfortable and confident throughout. I left my dentist’s office with teeth in my mouth and that was something I didn’t think could happen. Now, I don’t have to cover my mouth when I laugh and that is wonderful.”
Many patients at our office come to us with the same condition as Bill. All their teeth are either missing or broken due to cavities and gum disease. They try to hold off as long as they can in fear of losing all their teeth and having to wear dentures. They have heard dentures will not stay in well or provide them with the ability to eat like their natural teeth. They have also heard that dentures can be loose, causing some unexpected embarrassing moment. Worse, they are worried that their dentist will pull all their teeth and leave them toothless for a period of time before making new teeth for them.
Until seven to eight years ago, the choices for people with compromised teeth were limited. They could get removable dentures, which aesthetically aren’t pleasing and which greatly reduce chewing function to only 10 to 20% of normal. Or, they could get numerous implants on each arch and a fixed bridge. This is not only very costly, but it requires a multitude of appointments, months of healing and potential problems that may lead to bone and sinus grafting. There is also the option of having dentures connected to two or four implants. That’s less expensive than full-mouth implants, but the dentures still have to be removed for hygiene purposes.
A new dental procedure called “All-on-Four” has revolutionized the world of implant dentistry for thousands of patients for the past seven to eight years. This procedure is the optimal solution for those who have lost or are about to lose all of their teeth in one or both arches.
With this procedure, you can come as close to having a new set of permanent teeth as is currently possible. Those who replace their dentures with All-on-Four dental implants will never have to remove their replacement teeth again for cleaning because their new teeth can be cleaned and maintained just like a set of natural teeth.
If you are looking at the possibility of having to wear dentures but choose All-on-Four dental implants, you will never have to experience the crippling effects of loose dentures, being unable to eat the foods you enjoy, messy adhesives, removing teeth at night, the embarrassment of dentures slipping during speech or smiling, or the bad breath associated with wearing dentures.
The All-on-Four technique utilizes four dental implants to attach your new set of permanent replacement teeth. The implants used in this procedure are specially designed for immediate function and typically do not require bone grafting. In most cases, patients lacking the bone volume required to support traditional implants are able to enjoy the many benefits of a permanent solution to missing teeth with this procedure.
Due to the rigid structure of the replacement teeth and the cross-stabilization provided by the dental implants, you could go home that same day with a new set of teeth, even when extractions of failing teeth are required. Gentle oral sedation assures each patient maximum safety and comfort throughout the procedure. In addition, the entire process, including any necessary extractions, can be completed in one day with minimal recovery time. The result is a fully functional set of teeth that look and feel natural, which enhances self-confidence and allows individuals to once again experience the foods and activities they enjoy most.
Benefits of the All-on-Four procedure are huge:
- Requires minimal recovery time
- Reduces overall cost compared to single implants
- Eliminates the need for bone grafting, in most cases
- Allows for easy maintenance through proper oral hygiene
- Restores the ability to eat all types of foods
- Relieves the many frustrations of removable appliances
- Ensures long-term results with the potential to last a lifetime
- Renews a youthful appearance through bone level stabilization
- Enhances self-confidence and overall quality of life
The All-on-Four procedure is an investment of a lifetime. The cost for the procedure varies in the $20,000 – $30,000 range for each arch. Compared with the value it brings to your life and the boost of confidence that your teeth are as healthy and as beautiful as your natural teeth, it is priceless! Most dentists who perform this procedure will have payment plans to fit within your budget.
Author Dr. Trisha Le has been providing solutions to missing teeth for a decade. If All-on-Four dental implants are not within your budget, her office can provide other more affordable options for your dental treatment. Dr. Le provides complimentary consultation to inform you of your dental conditions and give you lists of treatment options that can bring a healthy and beautiful smile that you can flash with confidence again. Give her a call today at 972-200-0625.
