Having missing teeth can come with a myriad of problems. Whether it’s increased amounts of self-consciousness due to gaps when you smile, having a hard time chewing and processing regular foods, or experiencing shifts in your other teeth, a missing or extracted tooth is best fixed with an implant.
There are a variety of options when it comes to receiving dental implants that work for you. As a permanent solution to the look and functionality of your missing teeth, the type of restorative dental implant you receive can be based on the number of teeth needing to be replaced and your unique needs. Two of the most common options for dental implant options are All-on-4 and the traditional implant route. For an idea of which may be best suited for you specifically, our team at Union City Oral Surgery Group is here to help.
Understanding the Benefits of All-on-4
The All-on-4 implant system is a type of dental implant that is best suited for those missing multiple teeth in a row. The All-on-4 method uses four dental implants to create a supportive arch within the mouth. For reference, this is fewer implants needed than would be for an arch constructed of traditional implants. When supporting an upper or lower set of dentures with traditional implants, you will need at least six or eight individual implants to hold.
All-on-4 implants are placed at an angle at the back of the jaw. This maximizes their support and also allows the patient to forgo the need for a bone graft, which is used to help create a sturdy structure for traditional implants to go into. Without this requirement, All-on-4 procedures do not take as long as traditional implants, and they also see quicker healing times.
Understanding the Benefits of Traditional Dental Implants
Traditional implant options can range from a dental crown, fixed bridges, implant-supported dentures, and more. They are traditionally placed straight into the bone to ensure they are fully secured and permanent. Depending on the current status of the jawbone, the patient may first need a bone graft to heal any weakened bone due to gum disease or extraction. Once this area has fully healed after a couple of months, the dental implant procedure can be conducted.
While traditional implants may take a little longer and have longer healing times, they can also be done on individual teeth, which the All-on-4 method does not allow for. They can also be done on arches and be used to fix multiple missing teeth. If your jawbone is in good condition and you do not need any other surgeries done, you can also be looking at similar surgical times.
Consult an Oral Surgeon About Your Options Today
Ultimately, neither implant procedure is necessarily better than the other, as it all depends on your unique needs. Both are permanent solutions that are able to fully replace the look and function of natural teeth. A qualified oral surgeon can help perform a thorough examination and guide you based on their findings, the current status of your oral health, and your desired timeline. No matter the option you go with, having the team at Union City Oral Surgery Group by your side leaves you assured you will experience minimal pain, quick recovery times, and cost-effective service.
Our oral surgeons are recognized by the American Dental Association and will do everything in our power to make sure you leave with the results you are looking for. To see how we can best help you today, please use our contact form or call (201) 601-9262.
