Who is a Candidate for All-On-X Dental Implants?
If you are missing teeth, you are likely weighing all of your options, including the relatively new process called All-on-X.
All-on-X or All-on-Four is a process of replacing full arches of missing teeth with dentures supported by dental implants. Usually, this involves 4 to 6 strategically placed implants in the upper or lower jaw or both to which the bridge is affixed. This provides patients with a stable dental appliance that restores the aesthetics of smiles quickly as well as restoring the overall dental function of a patient's teeth.
How Do You Know If All-on-X is Right For You?
Of course, not every dental implant option is right for every patient, so how do you know if you are a candidate for All-on-X? Here are some important guidelines:
Missing Most Teeth
This procedure is a welcomed option to those who are missing all or a significant number of teeth along the dental ridge, and for whom replacing all the missing teeth with dental implants is not an option.
When Bone Loss is a Barrier
When a tooth has been absent for some time, the jawbone supporting that tooth will start to shrink away. When many teeth are missing, this can result in significant bone loss that requires a bone graft before implant surgery can take place. All-on-X is an excellent option for a patient where just a few implants can be placed where there is sufficient jawbone structure to support a full bridge between the anchoring implants. Your jawbone will be evaluated to determine the bone volume to ensure you are a candidate and to make any further recommendations.
Absence of Oral Disease
If you are dealing with gum disease or other oral diseases, your dentist will want to treat these conditions prior to undergoing the All-on-X dental implant surgery. Oral disease, such as gum disease, does not disqualify you, but it does play a role in guiding what options are the best overall choice for a dental patient.
No Smoking
The best candidates are non-smokers. Studies show that smoking can increase implant failure rate by up to three times. At the bare minimum, patients who smoke must be able to cease to do so for a period leading up to the surgery and throughout the healing process.
Current Denture Wearer
The All-on-X treatment is potentially ideal for current denture wearers or candidates for dentures. Unlike traditional dentures, All-on-X do not shift out of place or cause discomfort from shifting. After treatment, patients can bite, speak, chew, and smile with complete confidence.
Top Advantages of All-on-X Treatment
The advantages of the All-on-X treatment are numerous and relate directly and indirectly to your oral health. Here are just some of the key benefits:
Minimized effect of bone loss
Require less surgery
Teeth are fixed in place without slipping
Does not require frequent fitting sessions as with dentures
No need for costly and messy adhesives
Easier care
Improved oral health which leads to better overall health
Increased confidence
Better bite leads to better nutrition
Ability to instantly restore a smile
Completely natural appearance
Long-term solution
High success rates
Affordable
All-on-X Dental Implants Near Me
All-on-X implants are a cost-effective way to replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth and a wonderful option for many patients. Blakeney Dental can help determine all of your restorative treatment options.
Blakeney Dental
We believe you deserve the best care possible, and that is exactly what you receive from our doctor and the professional team at Blakeney Dental. Your oral health is our top priority and the entire staff is committed to providing compassionate care in a comfortable and inviting environment.
Specializing in the art of beautiful smiles, Blakeney Dental provides services including:
If you are considering this or other tooth replacement options, contact us at (704) 386-6795 to schedule a consultation.