This five-part article series provides a comprehensive overview of the variety of teeth replacement solutions there are on the market and which one is considered to be the best by dentists.
Welcome to the final installment of this five-part article series on the various dental technologies available to San Pedro residents in need of one or more new teeth. We’ve looked at single dental implant procedures, conventional dental bridges and removable dentures for the replacement of entire upper and/or lower dental arches. Now, in the final installment of the series, we shall look at what is regarded as the best, most comprehensive and sophisticated solution dentists in San Pedro have to offer patients who require all of their missing and/or decayed teeth replaced.
“All-on-4” dental implants.
About the “All-on-4” Technique
The innovation of Dr. Paulo Malo – a world famous dental implant surgeon – the “All-on-4” made its international debut in 1993 and has since gone on to revolutionize the lives of thousands of previously toothless patients the world around.
What is the “All-on-4”?
The “All-on-4” is a surgical protocol that, using only four dental implant, enables San Pedro dentists to provide patients with a full set of upper and/or lower teeth that are fixed in the mouth and look, feel and function like natural teeth (see image above).
What is the procedure required to place “All-on-4” dental implants?
While the “All-on-4” surgery can be completed in as little as a single day, you will be required to visit your San Pedro dentist at least twice so that your treatment can be meticulously planned. During these preliminary appointments, you will have X-rays taken, a comprehensive visual examination to determine the cause of tooth loss in the first place and a mold taken of your teeth (if you have any left) to enable the dentist to create for you a new set of custom teeth.
On the day of your procedure, any remaining teeth will be extracted and four dental implants strategically placed per jaw. Once this has been done, a full prosthetic dental bridge will be attached to the abutments of the implants and adjusted for comfort and for optimal bite function. From beginning to end, the “All-on-4” procedure can be completed in a single dental appointment of a few hours only, which means you will be free to return home to a light supper and a good night’s sleep on the same day.
What are the benefits of the “All-on-4”?
The “All-on-4” provides previously edentulous (toothless) San Pedro residents with a new set of permanent, non-removable teeth that:
• Look almost exactly like natural healthy teeth.
• Enable them to eat most foods and, in many cases, to eat foods they haven’t for many, many years because of ineffectual dental technologies.
• Are cleaned with a toothbrush and toothpaste, just like natural teeth!
• Don’t cause pain and discomfort (physical and psychological) when eating, speaking or smiling.
• Don’t typically require costly maintenance and repeat expenses, like removable dentures tend to.
• Don’t cause many of the challenges experienced by denture wearers, such as gagging, oral sores, bad breath, the need to take them out for cleaning and taste impediment.
• Maintain good jawbone health and one’s youthful smile aesthetics.
• Promote a much greater quality of life!
In other words, “All-on-4” dental implants are the closest thing to having a complete set of natural teeth again as possible. This is precisely why so many dentists in San Pedro CA recommend this procedure to residents in need of new teeth.