Facing the loss of all your teeth can embarrassing, difficult, and terrifying. Family members may not understand well enough to offer the support you need, and worse, might see it as your own fault. The truth is, however, tooth loss is much more common than you might think. In a recent study by the American College of Prosthodontist, researchers found that an estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and about 40 million are missing all of their teeth. While periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, is the most common cause of tooth loss, other factors such as smoking can play a role. Regardless of how you lost your teeth, what’s important to know is that you’re not alone — there are safe and effective treatments available for you.

Advancements in Dentures

Patients can become hesitant at the mere mention of “dentures,” which is entirely understandable. Over the years, they’ve garnered a bad reputation. How many cartoons have you seen depicting where a pair of dentures go flying out of someone’s mouth? Many have complained about dentures being uncomfortable, difficult to talk with, and easily dislodged by food or something as small as a sneeze. Because of this, it’s no wonder so many patients are scared by the idea, but this fear is unfounded. In the last decade, dentures have been making some serious technological strides, making them comfortable and much more efficient.

All-On-4 Implant Dentures

All-On-4 Implant Dentures is one of these technological advancements. These modern marvels let you replace a full arch of teeth using only 4 dental implants, and the procedure can be completed in just one day. This fairly new approach to replacing an entire arch of teeth is growing in popularity because it let’s you replace teeth without a bone graft, gives attractive results, and can be less costly than regular dental implants.

The procedure works by supporting a full arch of teeth using only four implants placed where the body naturally retains more jawbone, providing a firm foundation for the implant dentures. If you’re unfamiliar with dental implants, here are the basics: dental implants are a titanium implant  (or other metal) that is surgically inserted into the jawbone and functions like a natural tooth root. After insertion, the bone and muscle tissue fuse with the implant in a process known as osseointegration. The bond created through this process is incredibly reliable, which is one of the reasons dental implants carry a 98 percent success rate.

After these implants have been successfully inserted into the jaw, your custom-crafted dentures made from material that is both aesthetically pleasing and durable is attached to the implants, giving you a semi-permanent set of dentures that require no special cleaning. To maintain your new set of teeth, simple practice your normal oral hygiene routines: brushing and flossing twice a day, and keeping up with your regularly scheduled check-ups every six months.

All-on-4 implant dentures are appropriate for people who have never had dentures as well as for replacing traditional dentures. To learn whether this is the best implant denture solution for you, please call 212-557-8668 today for an appointment with implant dentist Dr. Appolon at Appolon Dental Group in Columbus Circle.