Are All-on-4 Dental Implants Secure?

Posted by writeradmin

I’m currently considering an all-on-four implant for my uppers. I’m losing the last few teeth I have up there and I really don’t want dentures that move around or come out of my mouth. I’m told I have good bone levels, so that’s a plus. Looking forward to a nice smile again!

I’m a little concerned though, it seems like this type of denture would take higher forces during biting and chewing, and I’m worried that the rocking might eventually loosen the implants. Is there anything to this? I’m trying to examine things from all angles before I decide.

Thanks,
Steve

Dear Steve,

I’m glad you wrote. It’s always best to get as much information as possible before investing in any medical procedure.

What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants were first developed to help patients who wanted dental implants but did not have the ideal bone density. The angle placement of the implant helps them stay in place without requiring the patient to have any bone grafting done. A denture will not be placed on the implants until successful osseointegration has taken place. By that, I mean the bone has fully integrated with the implants.

As you’ve mentioned, implant-retained dentures are far superior to completely removable dentures because of the security the dental implants bring. You will have no moving or slipping and will be protected from bone resorption. If integrated properly, they will not rock or loosen. When done by an experienced dentist with post-doctoral training, the success rate is about 95%.

Are All-on-4 Your Best Option?

You mentioned that you were told you had good bone levels. Because of that, I am wondering why the all-on-4 procedure was recommended for you. With proper bone levels, you should be a good candidate for complete implant overdentures. One of the reasons I would suggest the traditional implant overdentures is because if one implant fails, you would only have to replace that one implant. However, with all-on-4, if one implant fails, the entire unit has to be replaced.

Some clinics, such as Clear Choice Dental Implant Centers recommend all-on-4 no matter what the patient needs. I have even heard of them suggesting patients remove healthy teeth in order to get the procedure. I haven’t examined you so there may be a good reason for the recommendation. Maybe when they told you good bone levels they meant good enough for the all-on-4 but not the traditional method. If that is the case and you are not interested in having bone grafting done, then all-on-4 would be the way to go.

This blog is brought to you by Mt. Dora Dentist Dr. Michelle Stillman.