All On 4 Dental Implants in Greenville, TX
Luckily, thanks to modern restorative dentistry, we have plenty of options to help you regain your smile! Dr. Graham-Wyatt recommends exploring All-On-4 dental implants if you have lost most of your teeth in the upper and lower jaw. So, what exactly are All-on-4 implants? We strategically place four titanium implants in your jawbone to act in the sam way as sturdy roots for a fixed denture. All-on-4 implants are permanent and won't slip or shift while you eat, talk, or smile like traditional dentures.
- Improved function: Missing teeth can make chewing difficult which in turn can mess with your digestion and overall health. Not to mention you may have to forgo some of your favorites like steak, apples or other crunch, chewy food. All-on-4 implants restore your bite force so you can enjoy all the food you love with confidence.
- Enhanced speech: Do you find your missing teeth are making you sound like you're slurring your words? This canbe frustrating and embarrassing. All-on-4 improve the stability of your tongue and lips for clear and confident speech.
- Boosted confidence: A complete smile can give your self-esteem a major boost by giving you a natural-looking smile you'll be proud to show off.
- Durability: All-on-4 implants are made from high-quality materials that are built to last. In fact, they can last the rest of your life is you take good care of your smile.
- Improved facial structure: Missing teeth can begin to affect your appearance when facial sagging sets in. All-on-4 implants stimulate the jawbone to prevent further bone loss and maintain a fuller, youthful face.
- Convenience: All-on-4 implants are fixed which means you don't need to hassle with removing them for cleaning or worrying about them slipping out of place. You can go about your day as if you had natural teeth!
All-on-4 implants could be a great solution if you have lost all your teeth due to gum disease, decay, or injury. Dr. Graham-Wyatt will carefully examine your mouth and assess your jaw bone health to determine whether this is the right approach for you.
If you have extensive bone, we may recommend additional procedures like bone grafting to create a strong foundation for the implants. All-on-4 are usually even suitable for patients with very low jaw bone density so many of our patients can avoid bone grafting altogether.
You oral health and overall well-being are very important to us in determining whether all-on-4 is right for you. If you have active gum disease or uncontrolled systemic conditions like diabetes, heart disease or cancer, we recommend managing these before going any further with restorative dental work.
Last, we encourage all our patients to avoid bad habits like smoking. This can slow down your healing process and shorten the lifespan of the implants and restorations. If you're a smoker who would like dental implants, now would be a good time to kick the habit!
Missing teeth may not seem like a big deal but it can lead to a number of unpleasant issues, including:
- Shifting teeth: The remaining teeth tend to move into the empty spaces which will cause misalignment and bite problems.
- Bone loss: The jawbone needs stimulation from teeth to maintain its density. That's why missing teeth can lead to jawbone resorption which can change your facial structure and potentially complicate future implant placement.
- Digestive issues: Difficulty chewing can lead to poor digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Speech problems: Missing teeth can impact your ability to speak clearly.
- Consultation and planning: We'll discuss your goals, examine your jawbone, and create a personalized action plan.
- Implant placement: We can often place the four implants during a single outpatient procedure using advanced techniques for minimal discomfort. You'll receive local anesthesia or sedation for maximum comfort.
- Temporary teeth: You'll wear a temporary prosthesis that allows you to smile and eat comfortably while your implants integrate with the jawbone (osseointegration).
- Final bridge placement: Most patients are fully healed within 3 to 6 months. This means it's time for Dr. Graham-Wyatt to attach your permanent denture to mimic natural teeth. Your smile is now complete!
Will I feel any pain?
We prioritize your comfort. We'll use anesthesia or sedation techniques to minimize discomfort during the implant placement procedure. You may be a little tender after surgery, but OTC pain medication like Tylenol can help keep it under control. You can ask Dr. Graham-Wyatt for a personalized recommendation on which pain reliever would be best for you.
How long does the process take?
The entire All-on-4 implant process typically takes 3-6 months depending on how fast you heal.
How do I care for my new smile?
Treat your new smile like you would your natural teeth - with lots of TLC! Brush twice a day, floss as normal and take special care around the implant posts to avoid bacteria building up. While your teeth can't decay, your gums are still susceptible to gum disease.