Cosmetic dentistry is a discipline that changes fast, keeping up with new technology and striving for the best ways to restore smiles and function to patients. A recent innovation has been all-on-x implants and they already have many success stories at more than a 90% success rate. They are used for those with several missing teeth or complete tooth loss. Whereas implants normally need one implant inserted into the jaw for each tooth to mimic a root, these revolutionary arches are supported by just four or six implants each. Two are placed vertically at the front of the arch and two or four are angled at the back which allows for a secure hold of the artificial teeth. This means dentists can provide a permanent solution instead of removable dentures. As there are fewer implants, this also reduces the cost and recovery time.
The Process of Fitting All-on-X Implants
You can expect a thorough assessment by your dentist to decide if this treatment is right for you. They will need to check your bone density and medical history among other things. If they decide you’re a good fit, they’ll take imaging of your jaw to ensure the right placement of implants. On the day your implants are placed you’ll have local anaesthetic used in the sites so the procedure is comfortable, you will require IV sedation for this procedure. On the same day that your implants are fitted, your dentist will scan your mouth for your temporary set of teeth. This allows you to chew and talk normally while your implants heal and fuse with your bone. This healing process is key as allowing your implants to fuse with existing bone tissue will give your permanent teeth a strong base. You should follow all the advice from your dentist during the healing to ensure a speedy recovery. If you smoke now would be the perfect time to give up as smoking slows down healing. Once your implants are fully healed, which takes typically 3-6 months, your permanent teeth will be fitted. These will have been custom-made to replicate your teeth, so you’ll be back to the smile you’ve always loved.
The Benefits of the All-on-X Implant System
These dental implants, with the swift placement of temporary teeth, help restore oral function. As they’re sturdier than removable dentures, patients can enjoy a full range of foods, making all-on-x implants particularly useful for younger people with tooth loss. The implants fuse with the bone tissue in the jaw which stimulates new bone growth and helps keep the facial structure intact, without the ‘sunken’ look those with tooth loss and dentures can have as the cheeks sink down when not supported. Having artificial teeth that match your previous smile can also make you more confident; you’ll be unable to stop smiling once they’re fitted!
All-on-x implants are made of high-quality materials and when looked after should be a permanent solution with no replacements needed. This justifies the higher cost compared to other treatments.
To get started on your journey back from tooth loss, contact us here.