All-on-4 implants are not new, and they’re one of the most popular ways of achieving a beautiful and natural-looking smile. But what about maintenance? How to clean all-on-4 dental implants? Well, it turns out that the process is a lot simpler than you’d imagine.
If you are curious about what all-on-4 implants are, you can always learn more by following the link. You will get all the necessary information, and you will understand why they are such a popular treatment option.
As for the cleaning process, there are a couple of things you need to know. While it is quite simple, you should still take it seriously to avoid any problems with your oral health. Here is everything you need to know about all-on-4 dental implants.
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What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
If a person is missing a few teeth, the best course of action would be to get implants. Of course, since implants are mostly done to replace individual teeth, they are far from being the only solution.
That is where all-on-four implants come to light. Yes, they make it possible to replace all teeth using a much less invasive method. Instead of replacing each individual tooth and adding screws to the jaw instead of the root, as with the traditional implants, the dentist will add only four points to hold the implants in place.
That means that the entire implant is supported by four screws, and they can be enough for all teeth, even if all natural teeth are replaced. Obviously, that will simplify the procedure and shorten the recovery time.
Naturally, it still means that you will need to have temporary teeth until your jaw heals, but you will be able to use them without any problems.
Types of All-on-4 Implants
As with any other type of dental implant procedure, you will have a couple of options. All-on-four method can be used for both the upper and lower jaw, and it can support between ten and fourteen teeth.
So, the basic idea is always the same. The dentist (or oral surgeon) will remove existing teeth and place four screws in the jaw in strategic locations. In some cases, bone grafting might be necessary if the patient experienced bone loss and there isn’t enough support for screws. The main advantage is that you will get a full arch of teeth using only four screws instead of going for individual ones.
Since the basic idea is the same, the only difference between types of implants is based on the material used. Generally speaking, there are three materials used for implants:
- Porcelain
- Acrylic
- Zirconia
Each can be a great choice based on the situation, which is why it is important to consult your dentist and for them to be able to assess the situation before the procedure. Acrylic is paired with a titanium bar, and it is considered a traditional option. Porcelain is more durable, but the price is higher, and zirconia is a perfect choice if the dentist is experienced.
Why Is It So Important to Clean Your Implants
As with natural teeth, oral hygiene should be your number one priority. It is the only way to remain healthy and avoid numerous problems that can occur. Keep in mind that even though you got implants, you will still need to focus on hygiene and clean them on a regular basis.
And the best thing about all-on-4 implants is that you will clean them the same way as you would your natural teeth. Since the basic idea is for these implants to look and feel the same, you won’t need to alter your lifestyle or do anything other than regular cleaning.
One of the first things you should get is a water pick. Since having implants is a bit different from having natural teeth, you will need additional tools to ensure that you remain healthy. Water picks can help remove food debris after eating, and they will lower the chances of gum diseases.
The next thing on the list is super floss (or Superfloss). It is designed to assist with flossing, and it can easily reach the space between the implant and the gums. Finally, you might want to consider getting an electric toothbrush as well. It can simplify the process and ensure that your implants remain clean no matter what.
Another thing worth mentioning is that all-in-four implants are permanent. You won’t be able to remove them, so there will be no need to buy a cleaning solution to soak your implants in. That is the main difference between implants and dentures.
Consult Your Dentist
Once you get your implants, your dentist will tell you everything you need to know about oral hygiene and make sure you know all the dos and don’ts of wearing them. It might seem too complex at the beginning, but the process is quite simple, and you will be able to make a nice routine out of it.
Of course, you will still need to have regular dentist appointments to ensure that everything is going according to plan. Many dentists recommend biannual visits for routine checkups, and that is perfectly fine.
However, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, you might want to act fast. The sooner you visit your dentist, the more likely it will be to finish everything in no time. As for the reasons to visit the dentist outside of your regular checkups, they can include anything from irritation to pain.
These implants are quite durable, and there is a high chance nothing will happen to them. Yes, they can get worn out with time, but it is not too drastic. Furthermore, with regular checkups, your dentist will be able to determine whether there is something happening with the implants.
And as long as you follow all the recommendations, you won’t have any problems with your new implants.
