The 4 Step Dental Implant Process

Teeth are one of the most used parts of our bodies, no wonder they experience so much wear and tear. Even with the best lifestyle and eating healthy, your teeth will get weak over time. Many people start losing teeth as early as 30 years, Which results in many people not being able to eat their favorite meals or feel embarrassed to smile. Dentures are quickly changing. Many have turned to all-on-four implants with clinics like  Family Dental Station – Glendale, opting for more practical solutions and right dentists for your dental implant.

Unlike traditional dentures where the dentist had to place one tooth on each titanium screw, with all-on-four implants, all the upper and lower teeth can be replaced at once. This makes it cheaper and reduces the healing time of a patient. 

Though the traditional denture procedure is straightforward, it can be painful and cumbersome, especially if several false teeth are added. The dentist will first screw in a titanium screw into your gum and onto your jawbone. They will then process to attach the false tooth to the exposed part of the gum and fit it in. If you have several teeth you want to replace, you will need to first heal from the first implant before getting another. As you can imagine, this can be time-consuming, expensive, and, worst of all, painful. 

The Procedure Of The All-On-Four Implants

These dentures get their name from the four dental implants placed both on the upper and lower jaw. Such dentures are faster to replace more teeth. As a result, they heal quicker. However, it would help if you had a high level of bone availability on your jawbones to make this procedure a success. Let us take a look at the process of placing these implants.

Step #1 consultation

As with any medical procedure, the first and most crucial step is consultation. During the visit, the dentist will examine your mouth and teeth to see the best type of teeth implants to give you. During the examination, they will check your remaining teeth and gums to ensure you actually need the all-on-four implants. 

If he/she feels like you are a good candidate for the procedure, they will then do an x-ray on your teeth. This will help them determine your jawbone structure and if it is strong enough to hold the dentures. If your jawbone is weak, they will recommend a bone grafting procedure done as part of the all-on-four implant procedure.

Once they carry out all the examinations, they will finally look at your past and present medical history. Understanding this is paramount to ensure that you are not at risk for any after-surgery side effects. Some underlying conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and anemia may hinder your proper recovery after the procedure. 

Step #2 Implant placement

This is the step the actual procedure will take place. First, you will need to visit the clinic with comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes. This will help you be comfortable with the lengthy procedure and reduce the chances of accidents. You will also need to have someone to drive you back home because, after the process, you will be in no condition to do this yourself.

Once you sit on the dental seat, the dentist will sedate you to reduce the pain you will feel during the operation. They will then remove the remaining teeth in your mouth and clean the gums thoroughly. Once they do this, they will create a small insertion on your gum, exposing your jawline. Titanium screws will then be fitted on your jawbone. However, if you do not have a high bone level, they will first carry out a grafting procedure. This is why the examination part is so important. The grafting will allow the screws to support the screws better.

On The titanium screws, they will then attach the abutment or the connector. This will act as support for the dentures until your mouth fully heals. Finally, they will attach four dental implants both on the upper jaw and the lower jaw. And eureka! The procedure is a success. 

Step #3 Recover

You might have thought that the procedure would be the most challenging part for you, but it is the recovery stage for most people. You will experience discomfort, sour gums, and even pain throughout your mouth after the procedure. This is to be expected. After all, someone just placed a lot of foreign material in your mouth. However, all four implants heal quicker than traditional dentures; it usually takes 3 to 6 months to heal fully. Your doctor will direct you only to take soft foods until you fully recover.