Dental Implants in Etobicoke: Are All-on-4 Implants Right for You?

All-on-4 may be the right choice for you if you do not have most of your teeth on one side. This system allows only four implants to support an entire arch of artificial teeth. The system is ideal for those individuals who have lost their teeth because of aging, periodontal disease, or any type of trauma, and wish for a fixed option rather than removable dentures.

I have personally seen many patients in Etobicoke who visited me feeling frustrated with their dentures that would slip in their mouth while they chew, smile, and speak. Allow me to briefly discuss All-on-4 and its ideal candidates.

What Are All-on-4 Implants?

All-on-4 is a system where four titanium implants are placed in the jawbone. These implants act like new tooth roots. A full arch of replacement teeth is then attached to these four implants. You get a complete set of upper or lower teeth that stays fixed in your mouth, not something you take out at night.

The four implants are placed at specific angles. Two go in straight at the front of the jaw. These two, on the other hand, are positioned at an angle near the back, which is an area with stronger jawbones. The angled position makes it unnecessary to perform bone grafting for the patients since they already have enough bone density.

Who Should Consider All-on-4?

You may be a good candidate if:

• You are missing most or all teeth in your upper or lower jaw
• You wear dentures now and are unhappy with how they fit or feel
• You have some bone loss but not enough to rule out implants
• You want a permanent, fixed solution instead of a removable one
• You are in good enough health to handle a minor surgical procedure

I always tell patients that a proper exam and a CT scan tell us more than any guess. Every mouth is different. Some people need standard implants placed one at a time. Others do better with All-on-4 because it needs less bone and less time.

How Is It Different From Traditional Implants?

Traditional dental implants replace one tooth at a time. When you have many teeth missing, this may be done six, eight, or even more times, along with healing in between each step. With All-on-4 implants, there is less need for dental implants because:

• Lower cost compared to replacing each tooth separately
• Faster treatment, often with a temporary set of teeth fitted the same day
• Less need for bone grafting
• One surgical visit instead of several

It does not mean that all-on-4 implants will always be the more cost-effective or advantageous solution. There may be cases where a patient only needs a couple of their teeth to be fixed, in which case the use of individual implants would be more suitable. That is why I cannot recommend any treatment without looking at the whole picture.

What Happens During Treatment?

The process usually goes like this. First, we take scans and images of your jaw to plan the implant positions. On the day of surgery, any remaining damaged teeth are removed, the four implants are placed, and a temporary set of teeth is attached the same day. This means you do not leave without teeth.

It takes several months for the implant to fuse to your jawbone by way of osseointegration. This is what makes your new teeth stable. After you heal from the procedure, the temporary teeth will be removed and replaced by your permanent teeth.

Recovery and Long-Term Care

The initial days will have mild swelling and slight pain. Use painkillers and follow a soft diet until you get through these days. Within 1-2 weeks, you will be able to go back to doing all of your daily activities.

Long-term, the care for All-on-4 implants is the same as for real teeth. Brush and floss them daily and visit our clinic to ensure that everything is fine under your new fixed teeth.

Other Treatments We Offer in Etobicoke

Dental implants in Etobicoke are one part of a full smile. At our clinic, we also work with patients who want:

• Invisalign in Etobicoke, for straightening teeth without metal brackets
• Dental veneers, for patients closer to downtown Toronto looking to fix chipped or stained teeth
• Braces in Etobicoke, for both teens and adults with more complex alignment needs

Many patients combine treatments. A patient may have to get his or her implants, after which he or she will then inquire about veneers or Invisalign depending on how steady their bite is. As your dentist in Etobicoke, I will evaluate your entire mouth before recommending a certain option for you.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to All-on-4 implants, these are the perfect solution when you have lost a lot of your teeth, and you require a permanent solution. They save costs in comparison to single tooth replacements, heal more quickly, and do not need bone grafting. However, it’s only through an examination that you will know if these are for you.

In Etobicoke, with missing teeth or poor denture solutions, make a consultation appointment. We will examine your jaws, discuss your possibilities, and make a plan just for you.