The teeth in our mouth all work together like pieces of a puzzle, with each playing a vital role in maintaining a strong and healthy foundation. If even one piece of that puzzle goes missing, a patient’s overall health will be compromised. That is why adult tooth loss is seen as such a significant concern by Dr. Robert Veligdan. At his cosmetic dentistry practice, Dr. Veligdan offers an array of restorative treatments to address tooth loss and prevent further damage as a result of the condition. Dental implants offer the most secure anchor for these dental restorations. However, even among dental implants, there are different treatments to choose from. Dr. Veligdan helps his Manhattan patients distinguish between All-on-4® implants and traditional dental implants so that they know which option is best for them.
Traditional dental implants are applied through a dental treatment that requires a minimum of two oral surgeries. During an initial procedure, the implants themselves (which are small titanium screws) will be inserted into the jawbone. Once the implants are in place, the jaw will need time to heal and the implant will need time to integrate with the jawbone so that it can act as a tooth root. This healing time typically takes between three and six months.
After healing is complete, a second surgery will be required in order to attach an abutment (a small piece of metal that protrudes from the gum line) to the dental implant. This abutment will be the piece that attaches to the dental restoration. Good candidates for traditional dental implants include patients with the following characteristics:
All-on-4® implants utilize a set of four dental implants to act as anchors for a set of partial or full permanent dentures. Unlike traditional dental implants which require multiple procedures and a lengthy healing time, All-on-4® implants treatment can often be completed in a single dental appointment, with patients able to return home with their implants and a full set of restorations. While there are many benefits to All-on-4® implants, not all patients are good candidates for this procedure. Ideal candidates for All-on-4® implants include the following patients:
