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    All-on-4 and All-on-6 Dental Implants

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    All PPO Insurance Accepted

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    Free Dental Exams & X-Rays

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    Dentists use all-on-6 and all-on-4 dental implants to replace gaps and missing teeth. Implants are medical devices surgically implanted into your jaw if you have previously lost teeth to restore your teeth functionality and improve your facial appearance. All procedures offer permanent and enduring solutions, and their objective is to stimulate your jawbone, which happens naturally due to frequent pressure on your natural teeth, preventing bone loss. Like you, most patients need to learn the difference between the two techniques, making it challenging to decide. In this article, The Lakewood Dentist discusses the differences, their similarities, how to prepare for the procedure, how to take care of your implants, and what can cause implant failure so you can make an informed decision.

    An Overview of All-on-Four and All-on-Six Dental Implants

    An all-on-four implant is a technique in which a dentist uses four implants to replace the lower or upper set of teeth. The four implants support the new fixed teeth once the healthcare provider places them.

    In this technique, your dentist will put four (4) implants in every arch without performing bone grafting. Two implants are vertical and are in the mouth’s front, while the remaining two are at an angle and in your mouth’s back. It is a form of hybrid denture linked to rods, and later, the dentist places either the lower or upper teeth on your rod.

    The technique is ideal if the teeth are severely damaged. A patient does not have to replace every tooth simultaneously. Instead, they can have only four (4) implants.

    On the other hand, in the all-on-six dental implant, the dentist uses a bridge supported by six (6) dental implants to replace teeth in your lower or upper jaw.

    Depending on your bone density for the all-on-six implants, bone grafting might be necessary (the bone in your mouth’s back is not as thick as it is in the front). Your dentist should evaluate your mouth before the procedure and advise you accordingly. The six implants hold a bridge in the lower or upper jaw bone, and a bridge has the artificial teeth in place. The method is ideal for patients who have experienced eating, chewing, or smiling challenges for a long time.

    All-on-Six/ All-on-Four Prosthesis Method

    Here are the different prosthesis options:

    1. Hybrid Prosthesis

    A hybrid prosthesis replaces missing alveolar height using composite resin for tooth retention. It requires fewer implants, and alveolar ridge morphology is unnecessary because the dentist does not have to place the implant where your teeth are. It is because they use angle modification abutments. In short, an implant-fixed prosthesis is ideal when your dentist needs to replace your teeth instead of your alveolar height.  

    Hybrid prosthesis feel and look like your natural teeth. They prevent your jaw bone from breaking after losing teeth and keep your bone tissues healthy. With proper care, they are durable and comfortable. Finally, you cannot remove your hybrid prosthesis without a dentist’s assistance because it is screwed to your abutments. Abutments connect dental prostheses to implants in your jawbone.

    Dentists recommend hybrid prostheses for patients who have lost bone all over their bones and who have lost all their teeth. 

    An implant bridge is an alternative to a hybrid prosthesis when a dentist treats an edentulous patient. It consists of a titanium screw that a dentist puts into your jawbone and an abutment that connects the screw to the dental crown that replaces your natural tooth.

    The technique involves placing more implants to offer several implant bridges per arch. Having enough alveolar bone weight and height is vital for dental implant placement. Due to uneven prosthetic contours and elongated clinical crowns, significant bone loss can compromise your dental implant prosthesis’s biomechanics and aesthetic aspects.

    Which is a Better Option?

    Both the all-on-6 and all-on-4 options have benefits and cons. You should consult your dentist if you are considering tooth replacement options. During your dental appointment, the doctor will discuss the advantages of each and examine your oral health to ensure the most appropriate fit.

    Pros of the All-on-Four Implants

    The technique offers the following exceptional benefits to patients:

    1. Restores your smile — Patients with severe tooth decay have something to smile about. All-on-4 implants can restore your smile, muscle tone, and facial structure after chronic infection, tooth decay, and bone loss. With this cosmetic dental treatment, your teeth will look, function, and feel natural, improving your self-esteem and confidence.
    2. Enhanced eating — With superior durability and strength, implants can drastically improve your eating ability. Since the all-on-four implants cover your mouth’s roof, chewing will be effortless, and your mouth’s palate will enjoy different natural flavors. 
    3. Does not require a bone graft — The bone grafting requires more recovery time to improve your jaw bone’s density. Nevertheless, with the advanced technology used to conduct all-on-four implants, your dentist can isolate the most vulnerable regions in your jawbone, lowering or eradicating your need for bone grafting.
    4. It is a one-day treatment procedure — Unlike conventional dental implants that require up to six months to complete, all-on-four implants deliver results within a convenient time frame. You can receive your new, functioning set of teeth in one day.
    5. They are durable — The technique comprises two straight anterior dental implants and two implants inclined at a 45-degree angle for a secure and solid link, distributing pressure evenly throughout your jawbone. A robust foundation is created as your jawbone grows and fuses to your implants’ biocompatible material. With proper oral care, the implants can last years.

    Pros and Cons of All-on-6 Dental Implants

    Here are the advantages:

    1. Extra stability — Depending on your jawbone, gums, and mouth’s condition, your dentist might determine whether the additional two dental implants in the all-on-six procedure would best serve you. The technique offers more stability and strength than the all-on-four option.
    2. Improved jaw support — Your additional two dental implants further stimulate your jawbone, offering more protection against bone loss. If you are concerned about bone loss, with this technique, you can rest assured that your teeth will be secure and solid for years.

    The procedure’s disadvantages include the following:

    1. It is more costly  —All-on-6 implants are more costly than the all-on-4 option due to additional factors like the two additional implants and bone grafting procedure. Nevertheless, this procedure pays off in the long run, making it a well-worth investment.
    2. They are difficult to clean — Cleaning around your additional implants can be trickier than with all-on-four implants. The extra contact points make accessing every surface effectively frustrating, increasing the need for more dental visits and deep cleaning.

    How to Determine Which Type of Restoration Works Best for You

    Your dentist should help determine whether all-on-four or all-on-six dental implants are ideal for oral health. Some factors the doctor will consider when making this decision include the following:

    Your budget is another factor your dentist considers when treating you. Most seasoned Lakewood dentists offer flexible payment plans to help patients pay for expensive and extensive treatments.

    How to Prepare for Your Dental Implant Surgery

    Dental implants can restore your smile, prevent further jawbone loss, and improve your ability to speak and chew effectively. However, preparing for your treatment increases the chances of a successful outcome and smooth surgery.

    If you are anxious about the procedure, let your dentist know. Experienced Lakewood dentists offer advice and can accommodate you in the most effective way possible.

    Also, remember to bring a list of your medical records, medications, and allergies that could be relevant to your procedure during your initial dental appointment. 

    Go for a Dental Examination

    A dental examination helps your dentist determine whether you qualify for dental implants. The doctor will evaluate you by conducting diagnostic imaging, performing visual examinations, and analyzing your medical records.

    Your dentist will develop a treatment plan that meets your needs based on your evaluation results. They should take you through the recommended treatment plan and advise you on preparing for the dental treatment.

    Here is what to expect after the evaluation:

    Preparing Your Body

    If your dentist will administer local anesthesia, you can eat a light meal before your surgery. You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your treatment if you are having an intravenous line (IV). It ensures your stomach is empty.

    You should stop smoking. Smoking slows down healing. The medical practitioners at Lakewood Dentist can come in handy if you are a smoker and need help quitting. Some of the tips your non-judgmental and accommodating dentist can suggest include the following:

    Put on loose-fitting and comfortable clothing. Avoid clothes with buttons and tight collars that can result in discomfort during your procedure. Also, leave jewelry, watches, and valuable assets at home.

    Brush your teeth normally, but avoid using mouthwash or toothpaste with a strong flavor.

    Prepare for After-Care

    It is normal to experience some swelling and soreness after the procedure, and you need to rest and heal. You should give yourself time off by making the following arrangements before the surgery:

    Pain After Getting Dental Implants

    You will likely feel some discomfort and pain following implant surgery, which should not last many days.

    The pain can be acute as the anesthesia from the surgery wears off. The pain you feel will likely be near your implant’s surgical area.

    Other signs you could experience after your implant procedure include:

    Your dental surgeon will offer appropriate post-operative instructions to manage and alleviate pain. Your post-op care can include the following:

    Duration of Pain and Discomfort After Your Dental Procedure

    Pain after an implant surgery is supposed to be temporary if the wound heals as it ought to. Your pain could last three to five days following your surgery, but make sure you take pain-relief medication for one or two days.

    You can resume your daily routine one day after the implant operation. You could experience bruising, swelling, and a stiff jaw for longer. These signs fade in seven to ten days.

    Causes of Throbbing Pain Following Your Implant Surgery

    It is unusual to suffer pain for a prolonged period following your surgery. While you could experience sharp pain as the anesthesia fades, it should lessen with pain-relief medications.

    You might experience a complication following the procedure that causes more pain. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

    You should also consult your dentist if you suffer from any of the post-surgery complications below:

    Dental Implant Complications and Failure

    While dental implants have a high success rate, some patients experience implant failure. Here is everything you should know about dental implant complications.

    Common signs of implant complications to watch for include the following:

    Factors That Affect Your Implant Success

    Many factors can impact the success of your implant. They include the following:

    Early Implant Problems and Failure

    Complications or challenges from your surgery can occur immediately following the treatment or years later. Early implant failure can happen within four (4) months of your treatment.

    Remember, it is normal to experience discomfort or pain after the procedure that you can manage with painkillers. Even so, if the pain fails to improve within a week, your implants can take up to six (6) months to recover completely.

    Here are complications to watch out for:

    Late Implant Challenges and Failure

    Your surgical procedure can be successful, only to develop complications years later.

    Some dental implants’ long-term challenges and complications include the following:

    Ways to Reduce the Risk of Dental Implant Failure and Complications

    There are numerous measures and best practices to engage in to lower the risk of dental implant failure, including the following:

    Find a Qualified Cosmetic Dentist Near Me

    All-on-six and all-on-four implants are innovative dental techniques tailored to replace complete teeth arches. You can enjoy improved tooth functionality and restore your beautiful smile by replacing your entire arch with implant-supported prostheses or bridges. At The Lakewood Dentist, we understand it is easy for these two options to confuse you, especially when planning your care. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and we treat every case uniquely. Dental implants are a significant investment in your life, and we can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health and guide you to the best solution.

    Please call us at 562-423-1441 to learn how we can help you. We look forward to hearing from you.

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    Your smile is one of your defining features, and you should trust your oral and general health to an upstanding dental practice. The experienced team at The Lakewood Dentist is happy to be your family’s primary resource for practical and gentle dental services. With the proper care, you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful, and lasting smile, and we are excited to assist you in reaching your goals! Whether your smile needs restorative care to repair damaged teeth, cosmetic care to enhance your smile’s appearance, or you are looking for a new dentist to care for your family, we have your ultimate solution.

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    Contact our friendly team today at 562-423-1441 to learn more about our broad range of services and to get started!

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