All-on-4 Dental Implants

With the proper care, implant dentures, such as All-on-4, can provide a reliable smile for many years, often lasting well into the decades.

Daily cleaning is essential to getting the most from your implants. This means brushing twice a day, flossing carefully, and using an antibacterial mouth rinse to keep your mouth fresh and healthy. Just as important are regular dental check-ups, where your implant dentists can check the condition of your implants, gums, and surrounding teeth to prevent minor concerns from becoming bigger problems.

When appropriately maintained, implant-supported dentures offer a secure, long-term alternative to standard dentures.

If your implant-retained denture becomes damaged, contact your dentist or prosthodontist immediately. Acting quickly can prevent further issues that may worsen your oral health.

The solution will depend on the extent of the damage:

• Minor Damage: In some cases, your implant dentist can perform repairs during your appointment and restore your denture on the same day.
• More Significant Damage: If the problem is more severe, the denture must be sent to a nearby dental laboratory.
• Beyond Repair: If the denture cannot be fixed, a new implant-retained denture will be made, involving new impressions of your mouth to create a custom fit.

You might need to wear temporary dentures while waiting for a repair or replacement.

To reduce the risk of damage, maintain excellent oral hygiene and avoid biting down on very hard or sticky foods. If you play contact sports, wearing a well-fitted mouthguard can also help protect your dentures and implants.

After your All-on-4 procedure, it’s crucial to allow your mouth time to heal by following a recommended diet. For a few weeks, stick to a soft or liquid-based diet, avoiding hard or crunchy foods.

As you heal and adjust to implant dentures, you’ll gradually reintroduce more solid foods while avoiding extremely hard or sticky items to protect your implants. Maintaining good oral hygiene with brushing, flossing, and mouthwash is essential for healthy gums and implants.

With time, you can enjoy a wider variety of foods, and your implant dentist will guide you on safely transitioning your diet to ensure comfort and confidence.

Smoking and vaping can risk All-on-4 dental implants by interfering with healing. As a result, there is an increased risk of failure, primarily due to reduced blood flow and the potential for gum disease. These habits can also stain replacement teeth.

Good oral hygiene and your dentist’s advice are crucial for implant longevity. Therefore, patients are recommended to avoid smoking and vaping during the healing process.

Wearing a mouthguard is recommended for sports if you have implant-retained dentures. A custom-fitted mouthguard protects your dentures, natural teeth, and gums, while also reducing concussion risk. Consult your dentist for the right fit and care instructions.

Generally, these dentures can be worn continuously, including during sleep, which benefits those who find traditional removable dentures challenging. However, some may remove them for comfort or to maintain oral hygiene.

Consult with your implant dentist, who will guide hygiene practices. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the long-term success of your dentures, and your dentist can recommend effective products and techniques for care.

Proper care of your All-on-4 dentures is key to maintaining oral health and longevity. Recommended guidelines for cleaning include:

• Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid regular toothpaste, which can be too harsh.
• Rinse After Meals: Rinse your dentures to remove food particles after eating. For stubborn debris, use a Waterpik.
• Soak Daily: Soak your dentures in a denture cleaning solution to eliminate bacteria and stains. Rinse thoroughly after soaking.
• Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can warp your dentures, so stick to lukewarm or cool water for cleaning.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly to catch any issues early and receive personalised care instructions.

Adhering to these practices will help your All-on-4 dentures remain functional and comfortable for years.

Edentulous refers to a condition characterised by the absence of natural teeth. It can encompass the entire oral cavity, known as completely edentulous, or may refer to a singular arch, either the upper or lower jaw, in cases defined as partially edentulous. While this condition is predominantly discovered in older adults, it can manifest at any age due to factors such as periodontal disease, dental caries, trauma, or various other health-related issues.