More than 175 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and around 40 million are missing all of their teeth. So, if you need replacement teeth, you’re certainly not alone.
At Santa Monica Bay Dental in Santa Monica, California, our providers understand the social and aesthetic problems that come with missing teeth. They also know that health issues can occur as a result of missing teeth, and they can guide you toward the best solution for you and your situation.
Several options are available for replacing missing teeth. You probably know about dentures, bridges, and crowns, but you may not have heard of All-on-4 Implants. This innovative solution is one way to preserve bone health, give you the ability to speak and chew properly, and restore your lovely smile.
The Gold Standard
When it comes to tooth replacement, implants are the gold standard. That’s because an implant provides replacement roots for missing teeth, and the roots of your teeth play a vital role.
When you bite or chew, the roots of your teeth stimulate your jawbone. This stimulation keeps the blood flowing to your jawbone, which brings nutrients and helps keep the bone healthy. When you’re missing teeth, you’re also missing that stimulation.
An implant is fused to your jawbone, and becomes a stand-in for your missing roots. Usually, a crown, or the part of the tooth you can see, is attached to the implant, providing a replacement tooth that looks nice and allows you to chew and speak easily.
When you have dentures or bridges, your replacement teeth sit on top of your gums, and while they are the most appropriate solution in some cases, they don’t provide that boost to the health of your jawbone.
You don’t need 1 implant for each tooth
The problem, especially if you need all or most of your teeth replaced, is that implants can become expensive if you have one per tooth. Another potential issue is that the procedure can take time. Usually, you have the implant placed, then wait while your bone fuses to it.
All-on-4 is a good solution in many cases, because instead of having an implant for each missing tooth, you have just four implants, each supporting an arch that holds replacement teeth. Even if you’re missing all of your teeth, four implants can provide stimulation for maintaining bone health and support for a full set of teeth.
Personal treatment is the key
Your mouth, like the rest of you, is unique. When you’re evaluating your options for replacing missing teeth, it’s important to work with a provider who suggests the most appropriate solutions for your health and your life. At Santa Monica Bay Dental, we take great pride in treating our patients as the individuals they are.
If you’d like to learn more about All-on-4 Implants, or you have questions about your options for replacing missing teeth, book an appointment at Santa Monica Bay Dental today. Call us at 424-256-3372 and we’ll be happy to get you scheduled!