Removable dentures are no longer the only way to replace missing teeth. All-On-4 dental implants offer a more comfortable alternative. 
Our Yorba Linda, CA, dentist, Dr. Richard Hamaty, explains how All-On-4 works.
What are dental implants?
Can you imagine how difficult eating would be if your tooth roots weren't firmly attached to your jawbone? Every time you chomped on a raw carrot or attempted to thoroughly chew a bite of steak, your teeth would slip and slide, irritating your gums. Unfortunately, slipping can be a problem when you wear removable dentures. Although the dentures can easily handle soft foods, eating hard foods can be a problem because the restorations only rest against your gums and aren't connected to your jaw.
Dental implants replace your missing tooth roots. The tiny titanium implants are placed in your jawbone during minor oral surgery. Once in place, implants bond to the bone, offering a secure, stable foundation for the dentures that will be attached to them. Bonding generally takes can take up to six months, although the process can vary from person to person.
How many dental implants will I need?
Traditionally, six to eight implants were needed to support an upper or lower implant-supported denture. When you opt for All-On-4 implants, only four implants will be needed to firmly anchor an upper or lower denture.
What benefits does All-On-4 offer?
Replacing missing teeth with All-On-4 offers several important advantages, including:
- Better Jaw Strength: Tooth roots provide needed stimulation needed to keep your jawbone strong. Without them, the bone begins to shrink. Although the problem can occur no matter how many teeth you've lost, losing all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw can lead to more rapid changes. Your All-On-4 implants constantly press on the jawbone and help to reduce bone resorption.
- Convenience: In most cases, all four implants can be placed in your jawbone in just one visit.
- Improved Appearance: You'll leave our Yorba Linda office with temporary implant-supported dentures. Although your new dentures will fill the gap in your smile, you'll need to restrict your diet to soft foods until you receive your permanent implant-supported dentures about six weeks later.
Would you like to improve your appearance with All-On-4 dental implants? Call our Yorba Linda, CA, dentist, Dr. Hamaty, at (714) 779-1313 to schedule your appointment.