Restoration
September is Dental Implant Month: Learn more about All-On-4™
Sep 22
• 2 minute read
Did you know that September is Dental Implant Month? While that might not seem significant, for some patients getting dental implants can be a life changing event. The American Academy of Dental Implants (AAID) reports that dental implants are often the best treatment for missing teeth and are the closest you can get to a healthy, natural smile. They restore the ability to confidently eat, smile, laugh, talk, play and enjoy all regular activities of everyday life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control NHANES Study, prosthodontists estimate that more than 120 million Americans are missing one or more teeth, and 35-36 million Americans are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws.
The AAID is home to dental implant experts, who can provide surgical, restorative, or both phases of treatment. This makes the patient’s experience more seamless. A dentist’s affiliation with the AAID is a sign that he or she is devoted to improving patient lifestyles by replacing missing teeth.
At Mitchell Dentistry, longstanding members of the AAID, we have had great success with the All-On-4 procedure. In case that term is new to you, All-On-4 is an excellent solution for patients who have unwanted dentures or failing teeth in need of upper and or lower restoration. Typically, the procedure only requires four dental implants per jaw to support a fully customized set of replacement teeth – hence the name. The best part is that while the patient is comfortably sedated, we work side by side with board certified oral surgeons to attach a restoration created right here in our Fort Myers office, resulting in a brand new beautiful smile in just one day. In fact, we time the procedure to meet with our patients at the oral surgeon’s office and stay with them so that patients can leave with their new teeth that day. Once healed, a final customized prosthesis is made and attached. How is that for concierge-style service?
This technology has literally changed the face of modern dentistry, offering a solution to the “toothless” patient. Unlike traditional dentures, All-On-4 can deliver immediate functionality and enhanced quality of life. We have actually seen patients burst into tears of happiness when they take their first look at their new smile. That makes us smile too.
Another benefit in addition to replacement teeth is that the procedure almost always alleviates the need for bone grafting – a surgery often required by more conventional treatment. Patients are relieved of the discomfort caused by dentures and can go back to eating a regular diet. Plus, there’s an almost immediate sense of well-being and improved self-esteem.
We love to share information with our patients and welcome the opportunity to answer any of your questions about the potentially life-changing All-On-4 procedure. Looking forward to talking more about it soon!
All the best,
Dr. Jim