All-on-4 Dentist in Washington MO
Do you have dentures and desire a more realistic, secure alternative? Do you have a failing dentition and are you tired of needing fillings, extractions, and crowns every time you visit the dentist? If so, an All-On-4 approach to restoring your mouth may be the optimal solution. Dr. Mace offers All-on-4 treatment solutions in Washington, MO. With the All-on-4 procedure, you can enjoy a beautiful smile and a fixed, functional set of teeth that are secured by 4 or more dental implants.
What is the All-On-4 approach?
All-on-4 is an innovative dental procedure to eliminate the need for dentures to restore a set of missing teeth. Dr. Mace utilizes 3-D imaging technology to plan and place the needed implants to support and secure a new set of teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, All-on-4 dentures are permanent and are fixed in place, and can only be removed as needed by Dr. Mace. This means on a day-to-day basis, you get to enjoy teeth that feel comfortable, that stay in your mouth, and look attractive and natural. Many patients love All-on-4’s because, unlike conventional dentures, patients can eat what they like and clean their teeth with a regular toothbrush and toothpaste.
What are Dental Implants?
We use dental implants to secure the denture set in your mouth. Each implant is made of titanium and fuses with the bone of either jaw. Dr. Mace places the titanium implants during dental surgery using local anesthesia. On top of the implant is a component called an abutment. The abutment connects the implant to your new teeth. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, and enjoy an incredibly high success rate of 97% for most situations. Traditional dentures do not encourage the jawbone, and thus often give your jaw a sunken appearance. The placement of dental implants avoids this sunken appearance, as the implants stimulate and retain the bone so it doesn’t erode away over time.
How Are Dental Implants Placed for an All-On-4 case?
For All-On-4 cases, Dr. Mace typically sees patients on Friday mornings, and you would be his only patient. This allows as much time as needed to make sure you are comfortable and that there is an outstanding surgical result. In some cases, patients can have the teeth made in advance and have their failing dentition removed and implants and replacement teeth placed the same day. 3-D imaging enables Dr. Mace to precisely plan and place implants for all of his cases, and he often uses his 3-D printer to create a custom surgical guide.
How to Care for Your All-on-4’s?
At James G. Mace DDS, we recommend that you care for your All-on-4’s the same way you care for your natural teeth. We recommend developing a solid oral health routine. A good oral health routine includes brushing, flossing, and mouthwash twice daily. Patients should use a soft-bristle toothbrush with low-abrasive, fluoridated toothpaste. This mixture is strong enough to remove plaque from your teeth without damaging the soft tissues on your teeth and gums. For most patients with All-On-4 solutions, they find that using a Water-Pik greatly facilitates their ability to clean and care for their mouth. We also recommend visiting James G. Mace, DDS, for a biannual cleaning and exam. The exam will allow Dr. Mace to observe your dental implants and your overall oral health.
What are the Other Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have several benefits, including the freedom to eat the foods you want, a stronger jawbone, and a high-quality appearance. Overall, patients report better quality of life with dental implants compared to other solutions. Studies have even proven that patients who have their teeth retained with dental implants live longer than patients who have traditional dentures, primarily because they can chew their food properly and eat a more balanced diet. As mentioned above, patients with dental implants have stronger jawbones and more stable surrounding teeth.
All-on-4’s can transform your smile and help you have a longer, better quality of life. At James G. Mace DDS, we offer All-on-4 services for patients needing a better alternative to traditional dentures. Call our office today for more information about All-on-4’s or to schedule an appointment.
