All-on-4 Dental Implants Long Island

All-on-4 Dental Implants in Long Island (Commack, NY)

Advancements within the Dental Industry have led to permanent tooth replacement options that successfully mimic the natural tooth in nearly every way. One of the most exciting advancements is the ability to replace a full arch of missing teeth with just four implants. While dental implants (aka posts) have been around for some time, today, the All-on-4 Dental Implant technique (aka Teeth in a Day) makes it possible for cosmetic dentists to provide a patient with a full arch of teeth in a single office visit. With the All-on-4 Dental Implant technique, Dr. Aimee Zopf of Gentle Dental, who is a leading cosmetic dentist in Commack, New York, provides her patients with beautiful, natural-looking teeth in a single visit.

Original Dental Implants vs the Revolutionary All-on-4 Dental Implants in Commack, New York

The original dental implant technique to replace an entire arch of missing teeth was a lengthy process. Patients who chose dental implants over traditional dentures had to wait a substantial amount of time (typically a year) before they could have their permanent crowns placed. This lengthy process was necessary because, with the original technique, each tooth that was being replaced required its own dental implant. And each of these implants had to be customized to fit a specific tooth.

Since the original dental implant technique was a process that took a year to complete, the ability to replace a full arch of teeth with the All-on-4 technique in a single visit is amazing. During an All-on-4 tooth-replacement procedure, the dental implants are strategically placed to ensure the patient has a strong foundation for his or her new teeth.

The All-on-4 Dental Implant Technique Difference

Before the development of All-on-4 Dental Implants, patients required more than four implants (six to eight per arch) to attain the same results that can now be accomplished at Gentle Dental with an All-on-4 Dental Implant procedure in Commack, New York, near Long Island.

After the development of All-on-4 Dental Implants, it is possible to use fewer implants because they are palced at specific angles. Angling the implants ensures that the densest areas of the jaw bone are providing support for the implants.

What is a Dental Implant?

The dental implant resembles a screw. It can consist of a variety of materials including ceramic and titanium, with pure titanium being the most widely used material. The surface of the implant can be smooth or rough. The implant replaces the missing root; therefore, it is secured to the jawbone.

The crown is attached to the implant, with or without a connecting element (i.e., an abutment), thus, successfully replacing the visible portion of the missing tooth.

All-on-4 Dental Implants in Commack, New York, a Highly Successful Tooth-Replacement Option

Although this dental implant technique is one of the more recent advancements related to the permanent replacement of missing teeth, this technique’s success rate is astounding: Over a period of five years, this technique offers patients a 98 percent success rate and a 95 percent success rate for the 10-year mark. In addition, with All-on-4 dental implants, implant failure is a rarity.

Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement in Commack, New York

Individuals who have experienced extensive tooth loss should consider replacing their missing teeth with a dental prosthesis that provides stability as well as a natural-looking result. The All-on-4 Dental Implant option is one of the best ways to regain the smile that has been lost. Furthermore, by using implants to replace the roots of the teeth, the jawbone remains active, which keeps it healthy. In addition, patients enjoy better chewing power.

Some of the other benefits include:

• A stable set of teeth that do not shift or slide like traditional dentures do.
• Smile restoration can be accomplished with just four dental implants.
• Fewer oral health issues.
• A healthier, stronger jaw.
• Positive changes in the patient’s facial structure.
• The ability to talk and eat without concerns related to the teeth.
• A permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth.

What Are the Most Common Reasons for Tooth Loss in Commack, New York?

Most of the time tooth loss occurs when an individual develops gum disease, has decay (aka cavities, dental caries), takes certain types of medication or needs to have procedures that can affect the teeth (e.g., some cancer treatments).

What Are the Consequences of Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth can affect more than just an individual’s smile and ability to chew well.

Missing teeth can cause a variety of health issues, including:

• Diabetes.
• Nutritional challenges.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Obesity.
• Certain forms of cancer.

Who is a Good Candidate for All-on-4 Dental Implants from Gentle Dental in Commack, New York?

The All-on-4 procedure is the perfect solution for individuals who are missing numerous teeth on a single arch.

A good candidate for an All-on-4 Dental Implant procedure is someone who has:

• Tooth loss due to gum disease.
• Broken or cracked teeth.
• Damaged jaw muscles.
• Missing teeth.
• Damaged teeth.
• Experienced jaw or tooth trauma.
• Damaged gums.

An Initial Consultation for All-on-4 Dental Implants at Gentle Dental in Commack, New York, Near Long Island

During the initial consultation, Dr. Zopf evaluates the patient’s bone density. This evaluation is extremely important because the bone must be healthy enough to support the dental implants that will be placed. She examines the patient’s oral anatomical structures so she can determine the ideal location for the dental implants.

A Personalized Treatment Plan for An All-on-4 Procedure with Dr. Aimee Zopf at Gentle Dental

Dr. Zopf will take the information gathered at the patient’s initial consultation to create a custom-designed surgical plan.

The All-on-4 Dental Implant Process in Commack, New York, Near long Island

Patients receive anesthesia during this procedure; therefore, they will not be permitted to drive after the procedure for All-on-4 Dental Implants. As such, patients need to bring a licensed driver with them on the day of their procedure. Patients who arrive without a driver will need to reschedule.

Following any procedure that requires anesthesia or sedation, patients are unable to drive and need to bring a driver with them. For safety’s sake, public transportation and for-hire transportation services may not be used after these kinds of procedures.

The Incision

Dr. Zopf creates a small incision across the area of gum tissue where she will be placing the implant fixture. This incision allows her to access the jawbone.

A small incision is created across the area of gum tissue where the implant will be placed. This incision allows access to the jawbone.

Tissue Separation

The thick tissue that is still attached is carefully separated, roughly in half. This separation of the tissues is necessary to ensure that the final implant has a thick band of tissue surrounding it.

Pushing the Flaps Back

To expose the bone, the edges of the tissue (which are referred to as flaps) are pushed back. There is a flapless surgical technique in which a small section of tissue is removed. The amount of tissue removed equals the diameter of the dental implant fixture being placed.

Performing the Osteotomy

After exposing the bone, your oral surgeon carefully uses a series of drills with bits of varying sizes to create, and then gradually enlarge the site in which the implant fixture for the prosthetic tooth will be placed.

Placing the Dental Implants

Once the osteotomy has been completed, your oral surgeon will use a torque-controlled wrench to turn the implant fixture, securing it within the jawbone. Ideally, the implant fixture will be completely covered by bone, without any movement, whatsoever.

A Bone Graft (When Applicable)

A bone graft is used when a patient is lacking a sufficient amount of bone to ensure the dental implants will stay in place. Bone is necessary for the osseointegration process to be successful and it is the osseointegration process that keeps the dental implants secure.

During a bone graft, bone material is added around the dental implants that are being placed in areas where there is an insufficient amount of bone.

Attaching the Healing Abutment

The healing abutment is attached to the implant fixture that is already in place. This type of abutment passes right through the mucosa and then the mucosa surrounding it adapts. When a healing abutment is used, only one surgical procedure is required, therefore, this type of abutment is used for the Teeth in a Day, All-on-4 dental implant procedure in Commack, New York. The healing abutment serves as the connector between the prosthetic crowns, bridge or overdenture and the dental implants.

Closing the Incisions

Using sutures, the flap of gingival tissue that was used to access the jawbone is closed. This tissue is sutured up around the healing abutment, therefore, the abutment is visible.

Placing the Temporary Bridge or Overdenture

Once the incisions are closed, the temporary bridge or overdenture can be placed. Eventually, the patient will come to Gentle Dental in Commack, New York, to prepare for a permanent bridge or overdenture.

Creating an Impression for the Permanent Bridge or Overdenture

After implant insertion, it usually takes about six weeks for the gum to heal completely. At this point, Dr. Aimee Zopf will need to make an impression of the patient’s mouth. This impression will be used to create the patient’s permanent bridge. An X-ray may also be taken during this appointment.

Exchanging the temporary prosthesis for its permanent counterpart does not require surgery.

Permanent Prosthesis Placement

Once the patient’s permanent, custom-made bridge or overdenture is ready, Dr. Zopf removes the temporary bridge. The permanent bridge is cemented onto the abutments that are attached to the dental implants. Dr. Zopf takes the time to assess the way the prosthesis rests in the mouth and then checks its fit and function.

Following Up

Dr. Zopf usually likes to follow up with her dental implant patients a few months after they have their permanent prosthesis placed. These follow-up appointments are important because she checks to see how stable the patient’s dental implants are and assesses their function.

Practicing Good Oral Hygiene is Vital to the Success of Dental Implants

Now that the patient has a beautiful set of teeth to smile with, it is vital that good oral hygiene practices are put in place. This helps improve the long-term success of the dental implants.

Good oral hygiene includes:

• Brushing twice a day (preferably in the morning upon waking and prior to going to bed). Each brushing session should last for two minutes.
• Flossing at least once a day with a floss that can be threaded between the gum and the bridge. Patients who have an overdenture should remove the prosthesis and brush the gum that sits beneath the overdenture. Be sure to floss around each of the abutments or wipe them off using a piece of gauze. Rinse with a mouthwash that has the ADA seal of acceptance. Mouthwash can be used twice a day.
• Patients who have overdentures need to clean them using a soft toothbrush. Be sure to brush them over the sink. If the overdentures are dropped, they could break, therefore, to prevent damaging the overdentures, fill the sink with warm water.
• Remember to have biannual dental cleanings and checkups.

What is Osseointegration?

Osseointegration is the term used to describe the fusion that occurs between the jawbone and the dental implant. This fusion is only possible with biocompatible materials like titanium and its alloys. After the dental implant fixture is placed, the jawbone begins to create bone tissue around it and through it, essentially making the titanium implant part of itself. Once the osseointegration takes place, the dental implant fixtures are secure.

What to Expect After an All-on-4 Dental Implant Procedure in Commack, New York

Directly after this dental procedure, patients usually feel a bit groggy. The groggy feeling is due to the anesthesia that was used.

Patients will experience some discomfort; however, the amount of discomfort is typically minimal. Dr. Zopf can prescribe a pain medication or recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Potential Complications and Risks Associated with All-on-4 Dental Implants

All procedures have risks that could lead to complications.

The All-on-4 procedure risks include:

• Infection.
• Excessive bleeding.
• A negative reaction to the medications used during surgery.
• Implant failure.
• A dissatisfying result that requires additional treatment.

If you reside in the Commack, New York, area and you are interested in learning more about All-on-4 Dental Implants, contact Gentle Dental today. Dr. Aimee Zopf is dedicated to providing each patient with personalized dental care in a comfortable atmosphere. To schedule your complimentary consultation at Gentle Dental call 631-261-3033. Gentle Dental is located at 777 Larkfield Road, Suite 107 in Commack, New York.