Tired of having to work around your missing teeth or constantly adjust an unstable denture? All-on-4 dental implants in Oklahoma City can permanently fix both of these problems in as little as one appointment! This might sound too good to be true, but there are literally millions of patients enjoying the benefits of a full smile and restored bite right now thanks to this procedure. But before you call your dentist, it’s wise to have a complete picture of what this procedure is like.
Pro: One Solution for an Entire Row of Teeth
With All-on-4, a single prosthetic and single procedure are all you need to bring back a full row of teeth. No gradually restoring just one or two teeth at a time or making sure partial dentures/bridges fit with crowns. It’s seamless and simple.
Con: All-on-4 Requires Surgery
Because All-on-4 involves attaching a denture to dental implants, patients have to undergo oral surgery, which means they likely need to take a day off or two to recover.
Pro: Able to Last for Decades
Dental implants have an impressive lifespan—20-30+ years on average! That’s several times longer than traditional dentures and bridges that typically need to be redone every 7-10 years.
Con: Requires Commitment to Oral Hygiene
While dental implants and dentures can’t get cavities like real teeth, the supporting gums and bone can still develop infections if a patient doesn’t practice consistent oral hygiene. This can be a challenge because a lack of daily brushing and flossing might be why someone needs teeth replacement in the first place. Thankfully, All-on-4 dentures can basically be taken care of just like natural teeth and don’t require a special routine like dentures.
Pro: Save Money Over Time
Alluding to a previous point, because All-on-4 dental implants are so durable, patients tend to spend less overall on their new teeth. Fewer replacements are needed over time, which can literally add up to thousands in savings.
Con: Higher Upfront Cost
While you’ll save overall, All-on-4 implant dentures cost more upfront than regular dentures and bridges. The techniques, materials, and skills needed far exceed the typical prosthetic, which is why they are so stable and can last so long.
Of course, these are just a few of the many details of the procedure, and what’s relevant for one patient might not matter that much to you. That’s why the best person to talk to before making a decision is your dentist. They’ll cover the basics as well as the finer points so you know exactly what to expect and can decide what’s best for you with complete confidence.
About the AuthorDr. Michael Kirk has set the standard for friendly, top-quality dentistry in Oklahoma City for 30+ years. A graduate of the OU College of Dentistry and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, he’s helped hundreds of patients renew their smiles with dental implants and All-on-4 dentures. He’s eager to help you and answer any questions, so reach out today to schedule your consultation.