The consequences of having missing teeth are many. They can affect your smile, confidence and functionality of your mouth while paving the way for various oral health problems, making it crucial to replace missing teeth. So, if you have lost most or all of your teeth, All-On-4 implants could be your best solution! 

All-On-4 dental implants are an innovative and advanced tooth replacement solution that uses just 4 dental implants to restore an entire arch of teeth. These 4 implants are strategically placed in your jawbone at specific angles to provide a stable base for your prosthetic teeth. Your prosthetic teeth are custom-made to look like your natural teeth and blend in seamlessly with your smile. The best part is that your prosthetic teeth can be fitted to the implants in as little as 3 days post-surgery. 

While gaps left by missing teeth can cause dental issues, such as misaligned teeth, wear and tear, jawbone deterioration, tooth decay and cracks along your teeth, All-On-4 helps prevent the risk of such conditions from arising. In addition, they can also restore your ability to chew and speak confidently. 

Who is Suitable for All-On-4 Dental Implants? 

All-On-4 dental implants, or full arch implants, are an ideal solution for patients: 

• Missing all or most of their teeth 
• With minimum bone density
• Having loose-fitting or ill-fitting dentures 
• With good oral health and overall well-being
• Who doesn’tdon’t suffer from gum disease 

What is Gum Disease? 

Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation, bleeding and even tooth loss. Gum disease is of two types, namely Gingivitis and Periodontitis. 

Gingivitis refers to the early stages of gum disease. During this initial stage, gum disease is often reversible as only the surface layers of your gums are affected. Inflammation of gums and bleeding are common symptoms you may experience during this stage. 

On the other hand, periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease. It can weaken the areas of gums closest to your teeth and create spaces between the gum and teeth that can trap germs. Periodontitis can also lead to sensitivity and tooth loss by exposing tooth roots and damaging the bone structure surrounding and supporting your teeth. 

Symptoms of Gum Disease 

The most common signs of gum disease include: 

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing 
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Receding gums 
• Bad breath or a bad/foul taste in your mouth
• Changes to your bite 
• Pus between teeth and gums 
• Loose or shifting teeth 
• Tooth sensitivity 
• Discomfort when eating and chewing 

What Causes Gum Disease? 

The primary cause of gum disease is the plaque build-up on your teeth along your gum line. 

Plaque is formed when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars present in the foods and drinks you consume. This bacteria can then irritate your gums and cause infection, bleeding, redness and swelling of the gum if left untreated. 

Along with that, there are other causes of gum disease, and they include: 

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking 
• Certain medications 
• Diabetes 
• Poor nutrition 
• Pregnancy or puberty 
• Dry mouth 
• Crooked or hard-to-clean teeth 
• Old age

Can I Get All-On-4 Implants if I Have Gum Disease?

If you have gum disease, you may still be eligible for All-On-4 implants, given that proper treatment is administered to the affected areas and your jawbone density is intact. However, as gum disease can increase the risk of dental implant failure, it is important to treat the condition before getting implants.

By doing so, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting smile with All-On-4 dental implants. 

Gum Disease and All-On-4 Dental Implants 

If you have gum disease, our dentist will create a customised treatment plan that takes your condition and needs into account. 

Some gum disease treatments we offer at SDG Dental include: 

• Professional deep cleanings to remove plaque build-up. 
• Scaling and root planing to remove hardened plaque and tartar in even the most hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. 
• Gum surgery to reduce or remove gaps between your teeth and gums as the bone shrinks away.
• Antibiotics 

While a good oral care and hygiene routine can help prevent gum diseases in the first place, hardened plaque (also called calculus or tartar) and gum disease can only be treated by a dentist. Following gum disease treatment, you will need to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent further dental complications from developing.

Tips to Prevent Gum Disease

In addition to gum disease treatments, there are a few other things you can do to prevent gum disease. These include: 

• Brush your teeth and along your gum line using a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily. 
• Floss your teeth at least once daily to remove plaque build-up from between your teeth. 
• Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash in your oral hygiene routine.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleaning. 
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet and consume sugary foods and drinks in moderation.
• Limit the consumption of tobacco and alcohol.
• Drink plenty of water.

A beautiful and confident smile begins with good oral health. At SDG Dental, we are committed to providing you with the best dental care possible. By treating gum disease before getting your implants, we will ensure that your mouth is healthy and ready for a new smile and improved functionality with All-On-4 dental implants. 

Our experienced team is always here to guide you through the process, from answering your questions to addressing any questions you may have. So, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, who will evaluate your oral health and determine your eligibility for All-On-4 dental implants. 

Don’t let gum disease and missing teeth prevent you from smiling and enjoying the little moments in life.