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September 30, 2020
If your dentist has determined that you need to get an implant, you might be surprised to know that there is more than one type to choose from. A dental implant is recommended when you have a missing tooth and you want to fill the space of where the tooth once was.
This is recommended by dentists to maintain the structural integrity of your bones and to keep the rest of your teeth from shifting out of place. An all-on-4 implant is one of many types available and it is chosen for a specific case. Find out what this type of implant is and when you need to get one.
The idea of getting all-on-4 implants can be scary, especially if this is your first time. The first step involves administering general or local anesthesia. Your dentist will decide on which one based on how comfortable (or uncomfortable) you are. The dentist or oral surgeon will remove any of the teeth that need to be replaced. If there are any infected tissues from your gums or jaw, they will be removed as well.
Once the area of the implant is completely cleaned, the implantation process can begin. The titanium screws will be inserted into your jawbone. There will be two screws inserted in the front and another two in the back (thus, four). These screws will serve as anchors so that your dentures will fit perfectly and securely once they are placed.
After the implants are in place, the surgical site will be cleaned thoroughly. The incisions made on the site will also be sutured. You will recover for a few hours after the procedure or until the anesthesia has subsided.
The use of four screws facilitates the rehabilitation of your teeth. The use of dentures alone is not guaranteed to improve your smile, especially since there is a risk that the dentures could fall off at any time. With the use of titanium screws, it can secure the dentures in place so you can be confident with your smile whether you are speaking, eating, or drinking.
There is a misconception that this type of procedure is very expensive. There are several factors that can impact the overall cost of the procedure so it is important to know what these are. There are two major ones that are used to determine the price: the material used and the number of fake teeth needed. The type of insurance plan you have (and the extent of coverage) can also affect the overall all on 4 dental implant cost.
Acrylic or composite implants come with a price ranging from $20,000 to $30,000. This involves the use of acrylic dentures on titanium screws. Another type is made with porcelain, which is more realistic-looking (versus acrylic materials), so you can expect it to cost more. The whole procedure can set you back from $25,000 up to $35,000. If you need to replace your porcelain dentures, it can cost you $15,000.
Given the price of this type of implant, you need to consult with your insurance provider if they can cover this procedure (or if you can get discounts). You can also consider a cheaper alternative if budget is an issue. Make sure to talk to your dentists about other options that may be available to you.
Once you have undergone the procedure, there will be an expected recovery time that would soon follow. The good news is that the recovery rate is faster with all-on-4 implants as compared to traditional dentures that can take up to eight months.
Within the first hour, you can expect to have gauze packs placed over the surgical site. Make sure you are gentle with the area and avoid biting down hard. Unless you are still bleeding on the site, you may be asked to take off the gauze pad. Make sure to change your gauze every half hour.
At home, avoid touching or doing anything that can impact the surgical areas. They are still quite tender so do not touch or rinse them. You can still brush your teeth but make sure to opt for a soft-bristled brush. While you would not want to touch the tender areas, it is also important to keep it as clean as possible. Your dentist might provide you with a medicated rinse that you can use at home. This will help to fight off bacterial growth and promote healing.
In the days following the procedure, it is important that you abstain from doing any strenuous activity. You should avoid lifting heavy objects, bending over, or running, as these can cause bleeding and swelling. If you exercised regularly prior to undergoing the procedure, it is best to rest for three to four days following your surgery.
As for your diet, it is best to stick to soft foods. Make sure you get enough rest and follow adequate pain management protocols. If you follow the recommendations from your dentist, you should be able to restore function at the site sooner rather than later.
It is important to make informed decisions when you want to get this type of implant. The first and most important thing to keep in mind is that you should get your surgery done by a certified professional. It is one of the most complex dental surgical procedures out there, so make sure to check the qualification of the dentist who will work with you.
It is also important to get a proper diagnosis beforehand to be certain that you are qualified for this procedure. It is important to brush up on other alternative treatments and see if they would be a better fit for you. You should also be wary of dentists who look at all-on-4 implants as a one-size-fits-all approach to teeth restoration.
Finally, check the brand and quality of the implants used. Always ask your dentist the brand name of the implant they are using and the warranty on it. The more you know about this, the more you can be assured of the product’s quality.
An all-on-4 procedure is not inexpensive, but some dental insurance providers might be able to cover the cost. Despite the price, though, many of those who have undergone this procedure are quite pleased with the result. As long as you tap an expert to perform the surgery, you can rest assured that it will restore your smile and protect the integrity of the rest of your teeth.
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