Can I Get All-on-4® If I Lost Teeth Due to Gum Disease?

All-on-4 is® a type of implant-supported dentures. They are usually recommended when a patient has lost most or all of the teeth on their upper or lower jaw. One of the main causes of tooth loss is gum disease. While it is treatable, the longer one goes without treatment, the more they are putting their oral cavity at risk.

Gum disease in its advanced stages affects the jawbone, which is responsible for holding the teeth in place. It may cause the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. When a person has missing teeth due to gum disease, it may be worth considering an All-on-4® procedure.

Replacing lost teeth with All-on-4 after gum disease

Tooth loss can be devastating, but all hope is not lost. The dentist can offer tooth replacement with a dental implant-supported prosthesis like All-on-4®. Placing dental implants into the jawbone is becoming increasingly popular and the restorations offer patients another shot at getting a natural-looking smile.

With All-on-4®, four dental implants are placed strategically inside the jawbone at specific angles to provide a reliable and sturdy base for a complete arch of teeth on a denture. This option is especially helpful when there is low bone density. Although placing dental implants require surgery, it is a relatively straightforward procedure when handled by an experienced dentist.

A patient's eligibility for an All-on-4® procedure is based on their situation, which will be determined by the dentist. They will assess the condition of the patient’s oral cavity and recommend the best option. Patients need to understand that, although the procedure is right for some, it is not always the best option for others.

Making implant dentures work

The primary determining factor for any dental implant procedure is the jawbone. If gum disease has caused depletion of the jaw bone, the direct placement of dental implants may not be feasible and a preceding procedure might be required to make the dental implants work. After getting rid of the infection completely, the dentist may recommend a bone graft or augmentation to build the density of the bone in areas where the implants will be placed. Otherwise, the implant may not have a solid hold to stand the test of time.

The dentist will perform the bone graft treatment using bone material taken from another part of the patient’s body, usually the hip. There are other sources of bone graft materials, but obtaining it from the patient minimizes the risk of infection or rejection. The dentist will graft the bone material to the patient’s jawbone and give it some time to integrate with the natural bone.

After bone grafting is completed successfully, the dentist can perform the implant placement surgery. All-on-4® denture implants typically maximize what is left of the jawbone. It is possible to provide replacement teeth on the same day as the surgery to restore the patient’s smile while the bone heals around the implant.

In conclusion

When gum disease causes tooth loss, it is best to work with a dentist to look into different options. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with All-on-4. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.