The loss of teeth is surprisingly common and can happen for any number of reasons. Adults lose their teeth due to traumatic accidents, untreated periodontal disease, or simple dental neglect. Losing teeth can compromise the form and function of the smile, but thankfully, there are multiple ways to gain full dental restoration. For patients who need to have multiple teeth replaced, there are two primary options to consider: Traditional dentures and All-on-4® dental implants. Your oral surgeon can help you determine which method is best suited for your needs.
Distinguishing Traditional Ventures vs. All-on-4 Dental Implants
While both traditional dentures and All-on-4 dental implants can be used to restore your full smile, they work in very different ways.
A denture is an artificial prosthesis, made to replicate an entire arch of teeth. Dentures simply fit on top of the gums and must be held in place with a dental adhesive. For this reason, they are generally less snug and secure.
By contrast, All-on-4 treatments use a small number of dental implants. Each implant is a small titanium post, inserted into your jaw and fusing with the surrounding bone. This allows for far greater strength and security, with your artificial replacement teeth affixed to these stable implants.
The Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants
For a majority of patients, All-on-4 dental implants are the superior option. There are several advantages to choosing the All-on-4 treatment concept over traditional dentures. Some of these benefits include:
- Greater security. All-on-4 dental implants are more secure than dentures, allowing you to feel more comfortable when you eat or speak. Not only can you enjoy most foods with All-on-4 dental implants, but you can also speak confidently without worrying about your teeth slipping or sliding out of your mouth.
- Jaw health. When you lose your natural tooth roots, you lose the stimulation required for ongoing jaw health. This can cause your jawbone to atrophy, leading to unwanted changes to your facial appearance. Dental implants are the only form of tooth replacement that prevents this from happening, making All-on-4 dental implants the superior option for overall jaw health.
- Long-term results. By preventing jawbone resorption, All-on-4 dental implants also prevent the shape of the oral environment from changing. As a result, they do not require constant relining and replacement, a problem that traditional dentures invite as the jawbone shrinks and the gum line changes. That makes the All-on-4 treatment concept the more durable and consistent option over the long term.
Learn More About Smile Restoration with All-on-4 Dental Implants
Tooth loss is never welcome, but thankfully, there are always options available for rehabilitation. To learn more about All-on-4 dental implants in Chattanooga, TN, or to discover other options that might be right for you, we invite you to learn more about Riverbend Oral Surgery.
