Getting the All-on-4® overdentures procedure done involves your dentist implanting four titanium screws or rods into your upper and lower jawbone. This is a more stable alternative to removable partial dentures. It can be not easy to eat or speak with removable dentures, but with permanent dentures, you can have more freedom and comfort while eating and speaking. This article will outline the steps of the All-on-4 procedure.
A consultation appointment is the first step to getting this procedure. During this visit, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gum health through an oral examination. Your dentist may also need to take dental X-rays and perform a CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scan to see the status of underlying structures. Your dentist will also discuss the medications you take, your health condition, and your medical history. This assessment will confirm whether you are a good candidate for implant surgery.
Before the end of the consultation, your dentist will present a treatment plan. If you agree with the treatment plan, your dentist will schedule the implant surgery procedure. Your dentist may also want to discuss pre-operative matters with you, as well. This would require a separate meeting where your dentist would cover preparation, prescriptions, and dental sedation.
It is suggested that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes on the day of your procedure. This can help you relax. You should anticipate that the effects of sedation will take a while to wear off, and you should have someone to drive you home after the procedure. Your dentist will start by prepping you with sedation. Once the sedation takes effect, your dentist will remove all your remaining teeth. Then, your dentist will make incisions into your gums to shape the sockets for the titanium rods or screws.
Your dentist will then attach the titanium rods into the sockets. After that, your dentist will connect abutments to the roots and stitch your gums closed. Whether it is the upper arch, lower arch, or both arches, only four dental implants will be used for each arch.
Recovery is very important in the success of the procedure. It is natural for you to experience some swelling and soreness, but you will be able to manage your symptoms with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Healing usually takes three to six months. During this time, the osteointegration process takes place. Osteointegration is the process of the titanium rods being absorbed and fully integrated into the jawbone. During this healing period, you should eat soft foods that do not require much chewing.
Bleeding may still occur even after you get home. Once the bleeding stops, you should rinse your mouth with warm salt water two to three times daily. It is recommended not to drink alcohol or smoke tobacco, as these habits slow down the healing process.
Chewing too much can loosen the implants, preventing proper healing and osteointegration. You should follow all aftercare instructions thoroughly. You and your dentist can only continue the procedure if there is an appropriate merging of bone, gums, and titanium rods.
After osteointegration, the next step in the procedure is to be fitted with dental crowns that will replace your natural teeth.
All-on-4 offers more stability than traditional dentures. Consult with your dentist to ask about this procedure.
Request an appointment here: https://somervilledentist.com or call Assembly Dental at (857) 300-5779 for an appointment in our Somerville office.
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