Traditional dentures are a thing of the past, and more often than not, they are being replaced by all-on-4 dental implants, a new innovation in dental implantology. All-on-4 refers to a surgical technique in which your oral surgeon can replace the top and/or bottom set of teeth using only 4 dental implants per arch. All-on-4 dental implants are a popular choice amongst patients since it offers a permanent and more natural-looking solution to dentures. Patients are raving about the amazing improvements they have experienced in their lives after receiving them.
When you choose to replace your traditional dentures with dentures that are fixed to All-on-4 dental implants, you will not only have a beautiful, natural-looking smile, but you will be able to eat, drink, and speak with renewed confidence!
Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants Over Dentures
Dr. Gocke and Dr. McAdams combined see hundreds of patients each year who have loose, damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. For many patients, a full-mouth replacement is the best solution to completely restore oral function. The All-on-4 treatment connects a fixed denture to less than 4 dental implants. This permanent solution is smaller and offers more comfort than traditional dentures because it does not sit directly on the palette.
Oftentimes, our surgeons will encounter men and women whose first instinct is to lean toward choosing dentures to replace their teeth. After all, traditional dentures are a “tried-and-true” solution that many of our patients are familiar with. However, the best option to replace missing teeth of any number is dental implants. And when you need to replace an entire arch or mouthful of teeth, the less invasive All-on-4 implant option carries benefits that far outweigh those of traditional dentures.
All-On-4 Implants Preserve the Jawbone
Because All-on-4 dental implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone, they provide much-needed stimulation to the bone. This stimulation keeps the jawbone strong and healthy and allows it to maintain its shape.
Traditional dentures are designed to merely sit on top of the gums and do not stimulate the jawbone. Therefore, patients with dentures will require numerous replacement sets throughout their lives as their jawbone gradually deteriorates and changes shape.
All-On-4 Implants Look Natural
Every All-on-4 dental implant treatment plan is customized to meet the needs of each individual patient. If only one arch of teeth needs to be replaced, Dr. Gocke will create a plan to match your existing teeth. If you no longer have any teeth, he may also consult old photographs to get a better idea of what your teeth used to look like. No matter the circumstances, the doctors will work closely with your restorative dentist to ensure your final set of prosthetic teeth looks natural inside your mouth.
While dentures are customizable, the fact that they are secured with paste gives them the appearance of fake teeth, as they tend to move and shift about the mouth. It is something you have likely noticed in others—teeth that just do not look right or that appear discolored or ill-fitting.
All-On-4 Implants Are Easy to Care For
Another major benefit of All-on-4 dental implants is the fact that they are permanent and do not require removal during cleaning. In fact, you will only need to care for them like you did your natural teeth.
Patients should brush twice a day, floss once a day, use antibacterial mouthwash once a day, and keep regular appointments both with their general dentist and with either Dr. Gocke or Dr. McAdams to ensure their gums are healthy.
On the other hand, dentures must be removed nightly for cleaning and require dietary restrictions and special care in order to maintain their appearance.
Our surgeons’ skill with the All-on-4 implant procedure and his commitment to your experience make him highly sought after. Not only do they care for patients, but they often host international patients for dental implantology intervention.
Are All-on-4 Dental Implants Right for You?
To find out if All-on-4 dental implants are the best solution to replace your loose or missing teeth, schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Gocke. During your appointment, he will perform a thorough examination using state-of-the-art 3D CT scans to evaluate the health of your jawbone.
Dr. Gocke and Dr. McAdams will also perform a patient screening to determine your eligibility. Patients who meet the following qualifications will be considered good candidates for All-on-4 dental implants:
- You are in good physical and mental health
- You have realistic expectations for your final results
- You want to replace your traditional dentures with a more comfortable and secure tooth-replacement option
- You want a natural-looking smile
- You want to restore your oral function and get back to eating and speaking with confidence
After one of our doctors has completed your evaluation, they will work with your restorative dentist and a lab technician to develop a treatment plan that will achieve your desired results.
Cost of All-on-4 Dental Implants
The cost of your All-on-4 dental implants will be determined based on your specific surgical needs. Following your initial consultation, you will be given a cost estimate for your procedure. Our practice works with patients to make procedures as affordable as possible, which is why we accept various forms of payment and offer financing options such as CareCredit, monthly payments, and loans.
Recovery After All-on-4 Dental Implants
When your All-on-4 procedure is completed, you will be fitted with a temporary set of natural-looking teeth, which you will wear for 3-4 months while your dental implants fuse to your jawbone. After this time, you will return for a check-up to determine that your implants have healed properly.
Our surgeons will then refer you to your restorative dentist, where your final set of prosthetic teeth will be placed. After this, you will be able to fully enjoy your new, natural-looking smile with greater comfort when chewing and more confidence when speaking.
Choose Dr. Gocke for All-on-4 Treatment
The All-on-4 treatment is an ideal solution for patients who are unhappy with their traditional dentures, or who need to replace an entire arch or mouthful of teeth.
To find out more or to schedule your initial consultation in the Arlington, VA area, call us today.
