How Do All-On-4® Implants Differ From Traditional Dental Implants?
Dr. Susan Fredericks | 10/28/2021
Dental implants come in various types and specifications, but they all have one thing in common: they can easily and effectively replace missing teeth, fixing your bite and smile.
Our expert team, led by highly experienced, board-certified dentist Dr. Susan Fredericks, is dedicated to helping you enjoy life to the fullest. So, we take great pride in the care and attention to detail we devote to each patient.
And if you'd like to schedule a consultation, contact us today at Southern Cal Smiles. We also invite residents of Woodland Hills and the surrounding areas of Southern California for an in-person visit at our Woodland Hills offices!
The Southern Cal Smiles difference
Dental implants are not of the one-size-fits-all variety, and multiple factors must be assessed on a per-patient basis. We value nothing more than your comfort and health, so we listen to your needs and wants, and consider all relevant dental and lifestyle factors when personalizing the best course of treatment just for you.
A good implant candidate has adequate bone and gum mass for support. So, Dr. Fredericks thoroughly assesses the strength and structure of your dental anatomy, using impressions as well as state-of-the-art digital imaging techniques that reveal everything in detail.
If implants turn out to be your best option, based on your physiology and personal factors, the procedure is straightforward. We'll first administer anesthesia for your comfort and relaxation before placing a titanium post into the jawbone to anchor your new tooth or teeth. This is called an endosteal implant, and over the following 3 – 6 months, it will undergo osseointegration. During osseointegration, the living cells of the bone will bond to the titanium post, fusing together (or integrating) to form a sturdy bond that will keep your realistic, beautiful prosthetic teeth firmly secured.
For those with inadequate bone mass, we also offer subperiosteal implants, which are little metal frameworks that sit atop the jawbone and come up through the gums. And, if you face some kind of gingival (gum) complication, we'll be happy to help find the right option to suit your needs. To learn more and explore your options, contact us today at Southern Cal Smiles in Woodland Hills, CA.
How an All-on-4 implant can give you a total smile restoration
An All-on-4 implant is also known as a full-arch restoration because it offers exactly that: a complete complement of bright, pearlescent implants, all affixed to a single arch. Unlike traditional implants, which may replace one or a few teeth, an All-on-4 replaces all the upper or lower teeth at once and spans the entire length of the gums.
Another major difference is the implant itself. A conventional version may use a single post or screw or other devices to which the prosthetic tooth or teeth are affixed. But an All-on-4 utilizes (no big surprise) four screws or posts spaced throughout the jawbone to support the entire arch of new teeth.
Due to the positioning of the screws or posts (two at the front and two at the back of the upper or lower jaw), patients who may not be ideal candidates for other types of treatments or implants may qualify for the All-on-4.
Regardless of the implant type, we'll make every effort to help you achieve your optimal outcome. From the planning process to the post-procedure treatment, we'll personalize everything to your unique needs.
Explore your options for a confidence-boosting smile by contacting us today
The only way to know if dental implants or another option is right for you is to get in touch with us at Southern Cal Smiles. Our board-certified dentist, Dr. Susan Fredericks, and our compassionate dental team would love to see you healthy, confident, and flaunting your beautiful smile. We also warmly welcome those in Woodland Hills and the surrounding areas of Southern California to pay us a visit.
Dr. Susan Fredericks Southern Cal Smiles Dental Implants
Southern Cal Smiles Southern Cal Smiles
An All-on-4 dental implant provides a full arch spanning the entire length of the gum and is held in place by four screws spaced throughout the jaw.
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