The All-on-X implant treatment involves mounting all replacement teeth to four or more dental implants on the top and bottom of your mouth. If you are experiencing tooth loss or severe decay, All-on-X implants could be the right solution. Trying to eat or speak with significant gaps in your mouth can be challenging and may cause you to avoid social situations.
All-on-X implants are available at Georgetown Dental Partners in Georgetown and the surrounding area. You can restore your smile and once again enjoy the proper function of your mouth. Call our office today at (978) 867-0860 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
Instead of waiting for several months to get false teeth attached to the implants, patients can get them attached the same day. The process takes less time because it does not require bone grafts or a large number of implants. The All-on-X implant process gives the patient natural-looking teeth and helps them feel at ease chewing, speaking, and socializing.
When patients are missing only a few teeth, treatments such as partial dentures, bridges, or traditional implants may be a better fit. However, people who come to our office for All-on-X implants either have no teeth or have failing teeth. Also, if a patient has certain health conditions, a bone graft may not be recommended, and this treatment may be a safer choice.
According to WebMD, tooth loss is a common but not inevitable part of aging. Tooth loss can occur from an accident, such as a slip or fall that knocks out one or more teeth. Injuries such as hard blows to the face from playing sports or being involved in a vehicle accident could dislodge teeth as well. Over time, excessive decay or gum disease can compromise a tooth's structure and effectiveness. Teeth may wear down, fall out, or a dental professional may have to pull them.
Extreme tooth decay can cause severe pain and irritation. Aesthetically, a toothless smile can have emotional implications for a patient. Other effects of missing or damaged teeth include:
All of these effects can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Luckily, there are many tooth replacement options. Our team can help patients determine if All-on-X is the right solution for them.
Replacing the top or bottom arch of teeth with standard dental implants would require an implant for each tooth. Alternatively, All-on-X uses spaced implants to replace the top or bottom row of teeth. The treatment works even if the patient has no teeth. As explained in this article by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the implants, usually a minimum of four, support the entire arch of replacement teeth. Also, this treatment does not require bone grafting. The implants will fuse with the existing bone and become part of the jaw. Because some of the implants are set at an angle, they are longer and offer more support.
All-on-X implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time are faster. First, the dentist will take impressions and X-rays and send those to a lab. At a subsequent appointment, our team will use a local anesthetic to numb the patient and may have to remove any remaining damaged teeth. Then, the dentist will insert a predetermined number of screws into their appropriate places in the upper and lower jaw. These titanium anchors will help support the artificial teeth throughout the mouth.
Our team will send you home with specific aftercare instructions to follow exactly for proper healing and to prevent infection. Instructions commonly include brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush, sleeping with your head elevated, and eating only soft foods. Immediately following the procedure, you may be sore, have swelling, and light bleeding. As always, call our office immediately if these symptoms get worse rather than subside.
Patients should maintain proper care of the implants and their oral health. Just as with natural teeth, patients need to continue brushing and flossing daily. Regular dental checkups are essential. The dentist should routinely examine the implants and artificial teeth to ensure that everything looks the way it should.
If you are missing teeth, consider All-on-X implant surgery. Call us today at (978) 867-0860 discuss your oral health needs. Join other patients in Georgetown and rediscover your smile and ability to eat the foods you love. You may also finally feel good about your overall appearance.
Q. Who is a good candidate for All-on-X?
Q. Does insurance cover All-on-X implants?
A. It is essential to check with your provider first. All insurance plans have different levels of coverage. Our office can work with you on financing and payment plans.
Q. What is the cost of All-on-X?
A. Patients can benefit from the fact that All-on-X implants tend to be less expensive than traditional implants. Some people can expect to pay about half as much as with regular treatments. Our team will discuss the cost before starting the treatment.
Q. What foods should people avoid after receiving All-on-X?
A. All-on-X implants allow patients to regain full function within hours of the surgery. It may take a little bit of time to get used to the implants. Our team may advise patients to avoid hard foods at first.
Q. Are there any side effects from the All-on-X procedure?
A. After the surgery, there may be some soreness. Patients can take over-the-counter pain medication. Minimal bleeding may also occur on the day of the procedure.
Q. When can patients return to normal activities after the All-on-X procedure?
A. Because our dentist uses anesthesia, patients should allow time to recover. Patients should avoid heavy physical activity for the next day or two. Rest is critical during this time.
Q. How long will the All-on-X procedure take?
A. The process is faster than getting traditional implants. Typically, the patient can expect the surgery to last an hour or two. Time frames vary from patient to patient.