All-on-4 dental implants are one of the most widely used treatment options for patients who need a total rehabilitation of their lower or upper set of teeth. Its high success rate is one of the major reasons for its widespread use.
On average, only about 5% of patients have serious complications with all-on-4 implants. However, we believe it is our responsibility to help you understand the issues that you could encounter with all-on-4 implants. We don’t intend to cause alarm, but rather to ensure that you are properly informed.
1. Implant Failure:
Although the risk of failure with all-on-4 dental implants is very low (only about 5% of implants do not successfully fuse with the jawbone), it is still possible. When this happens, it is called an implant failure. Most times, it is not easy to understand the cause of implant failures, which can be frustrating for us and the patient getting the implant.
Fortunately, it is often possible to undergo a second implant procedure, and the chances of successful fusion between the bone and the implant the second time are still high. Dentakay dentists listed the types of teeth implants and gave advice on the right one according to their benefits.
What can be done to minimize this risk?
That is a tricky question to answer because the exact cause of implant failure is not known. However, strictly following the instructions we give you after your implant procedure will help to minimize this risk. This will involve sticking to soft foods, avoiding hot or spicy foods, proper dental hygiene, not smoking, and so on.
2. Infection:
The risk of infection with all-on-4 dental implants is low. Infections can be a result of an occurrence during the surgical procedure, or a lack of proper post-operative oral hygiene. We’ve listed some of the common symptoms of dental infections below:
- Pain or tenderness in the area surrounding the implant.
- Fever.
- Pus.
- Bleeding when you brush around the implant.
- Inflamed or swollen gums around the implant.
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste.
- The implant becomes loose or shaky.
How can you prevent this?
You should know that implants require as much attention as you give to your natural teeth. This means brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash as often as your dentist recommends. Infections are usually not a problem if they are detected in time and promptly addressed. This is why you must attend scheduled follow-up appointments. Most times, proper oral hygiene and an antibacterial mouthwash are enough to help the area heal. However, if the infection is left unchecked, it could become severe and eventually cause loss of the implants.
3. Systematic Health Conditions:
These are health conditions that affect the whole body instead of a particular organ or system. Some examples include diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, and so on. These diseases can affect the success and issues associated with all-on-4 dental implants. This makes it very important that we have all the information about your medical history and general health before proceeding with the implant procedure.
Uncontrolled diabetes can destroy the teeth; diabetic patients who have it under control will most likely not experience any complications.
Autoimmune disorders affect the body’s ability to heal and tolerate foreign materials. They can influence dental implant placement by:
– Causing delayed or impaired healing, which would in turn affect the successful integration of the implant with the bone.
– Increasing the risk of infection – some autoimmune disorders weaken the body’s immune response. This could cause the patient to be more prone to infections.
– Medications and systematic considerations: Some autoimmune disorders require long-term medication management. This could include immunosuppressive drugs. Some of these medications are likely to affect the way a person’s body responds to the implant placement procedure, thus increasing the likelihood of complications.
Periodontal disease is another condition that can potentially cause issues for all-on-4 implants. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
What can be done to minimize the risk?
Many times, patients with this condition need to undergo some dental procedures before the surgery where we place the all-on-4 dental implants. Patients suffering from periodontal disease may need bone grafts to provide enough bone density for the placement of the implant. Close collaboration between you and your dentist is required to ensure the medications and potential complications are properly dealt with.
In any case, after you consult with us, we will determine exactly what is required for you to have a smooth dental placement procedure.
4. Biting and Chewing Problems:
Some patients experience biting and chewing challenges during the initial phase of their implant journey. This is often due to the lack of nerve endings in the implants, which may affect the sensation and feedback during chewing.
What can you do to prevent and alleviate these issues?
– Post-Operative Care: Follow our comprehensive post-operative instructions diligently. Maintain a soft diet during the initial healing period and gradually introduce firmer foods as advised by our dental professionals.
– Proactive oral hygiene: Adhere to a meticulous oral hygiene routine, including regular brushing, flossing, and scheduled professional cleanings. A clean and healthy mouth promotes optimal healing and reduces the risk of complications.
– Patience and Adaptation: this is perhaps the most important when dealing with this type of challenge. Adapting to the sensation and feeling of the all-on-4 implants takes time. It is best to chew cautiously and slowly until you have established a secure muscle memory for chewing with your newly restored teeth.
At our clinic, we prioritize providing you with the best dental care and ensuring your satisfaction. We understand that getting all-on-4 dental implants can be a big decision. So, we want you to rest assured that our team of professionals is well-equipped to guide you through every stage of your implant journey. We are committed to ensuring your new implants are comfortable, safe, and durable.
We invite you to book an appointment with our knowledgeable team. Allow us to answer any questions you have and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Together, we can achieve the best oral health and provide you with aesthetics and functionality.
Don’t delay in taking the first step towards transforming your dental health. Contact us today. We look forward to welcoming you to our clinic and providing you with exceptional care.