All-on4 dental implants are a popular choice for dental implant patients. Four implants are placed in either your upper or lower jaw to replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
The two implants toward the front are placed in straight while the two toward the back are placed at a 45-degree angle, creating a strong, stable support system for your false teeth, while avoiding the need for a bone graft. But how does this implant procedure affect jaw resorption?
WHAT IS JAW RESORPTION?
Your teeth perform more jobs than helping you to speak and chew (as well as provide you with a beautiful smile). They also have an essential role in helping to maintain the health, and strength, of your jawbone. When you chew, the roots of your teeth stimulate the bone, which sends a message to the rest of the body that nutrients need to be sent.
When you lose your teeth, that stimulation stops. Your body believes that your jawbone no longer needs those nutrients, so they are dispersed to other areas. As a result, your jawbone begins to resorb, becoming weaker. It changes shape, which alters the shape of your face, making you look sunken and old.
HOW ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS HELP
Your implants are small, titanium rods that fuse with your jaw after they are placed. They are unique in that, once there, they mimic the functions of natural tooth roots. When you chew with the false teeth supported by your implants, they stimulate the bone, once again sending the message to your body that important nutrients are required.
Your body starts sending those nutrients again, helping to rebuild and maintain the strength and integrity of the bone.
If you are missing teeth, but have been told you might need a bone graft for conventional dental implants, contact our office if the All-on-4 implant procedure is right for you.