Millions of Americans have one or more missing teeth, causing various oral and overall health issues. When you have gaps in your smile, your other teeth can shift into the empty spaces, causing alignment problems and making you more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Your jawbone deteriorates without your tooth’s roots, and your face appears sunken and older. Many foods become off-limits because you cannot bite and chew as you once did. Your work and social life suffer since you avoid smiling and going out with friends, and you cover your mouth when you talk.
Fortunately, there is a solution that can restore your confidence. Keep reading to learn about all-on-x dental implants from All in the Family Dental.
Understanding All-on-X Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium post placed into your jaw to act as the tooth’s root and support a prosthetic tooth. When you are missing a single tooth, a dental crown is placed onto the dental implant to complete your smile.
All-on-x dental implants replace several missing teeth with either a partial or full denture. The “x” in all-on-x refers to the number of implants needed to support your prosthetic teeth. Once we have determined the optimal number of implants for your smile, we will design your dentures to snap into the implants, securely holding them in place.
With all-on-x dental implants, you won’t have to worry about your dentures sliding in your mouth or moving when you talk, eat, or laugh as traditional dentures can.
With proper care, your dental implants could last a lifetime!
Restoring Confidence through All-on-X
One of the biggest concerns about missing teeth is the negative effect it has on a person’s self-esteem, and one of the biggest issues with traditional dentures is that they don’t stay in place. All-on-x dental implants solve both of these problems.
Once you have a full set of functioning teeth, you can expect your self-confidence to soar. You will enjoy improved social interactions and be ready to go into the world without fear of smiling, eating, and speaking. Your quality of life will be drastically improved with all-on-x dental implants.
The All-on-X Process: Step-by-Step
When you’re ready to begin the all-on-x dental implant process, you can expect the following steps:
- Evaluation – The first step is meeting with one of our dentists for a thorough examination to evaluate your oral and overall health and discuss your smile goals. We will use 3-D imaging to determine whether your jawbone is dense enough to support dental implants and discuss the number of implants best suited for your smile. If necessary, we can plan a bone grafting procedure in our office to rebuild your bone structure.
- Treatment planning – Once we have determined your candidacy for dental implants, we will customize a treatment plan to fit your needs. We will determine how many implants you need and where to position them. Then, we will design your partial or full denture restoration.
- Implant placement – On the day of your implant surgery, we will administer local anesthesia before precisely placing your dental implants into your jawbone. The position of your implants will ensure maximum stability.
- Temporary Prosthetic Teeth – After your implants are in place, they will need time to heal, so we will provide an aesthetically pleasing set of temporary teeth so you can eat and smile.
- Osseointegration – The healing process is known as osseointegration, where your implants fuse with your jawbone. This healing time varies from person to person, but it’s typically a few months.
- Final restoration – Once your mouth is healed, we will attach your customized partial or full denture. It will match the shape and color of your other teeth, making it look natural and beautiful.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Caring for your mouth after the all-on-x dental implant procedure is crucial to maintaining your oral health and keeping your implants for a lifetime. Here are some tips for success:
Swelling and discomfort – Use ice packs on your face to help reduce any swelling you experience. Also, take over-the-counter pain relievers and any medications your dentist prescribes.
Diet – Eat soft, nutritious foods such as mashed potatoes, soup, and yogurt, and avoid hard and sticky foods. This will help to minimize the stress on the dental implants. Once your mouth is no longer sore, you can eat more solid foods.
Oral hygiene – Follow your dentist’s recommendations for oral hygiene by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day, flossing each day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Also, keep your regular dental appointments for exams and cleanings.
Other concerns – If you experience persistent pain or other issues after your dental implant procedure, contact our dental office immediately. Don’t jeopardize your oral health by waiting if you have a concern.
All-on-X Dental Implants in Evansville, IN
If you want an experienced dentist in Evansville, IN, look no further than All in the Family Dental! Our expert dental team can walk you through the dental implant process from start to finish and help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Imagine smiling with confidence and eating all your favorite foods. With all-on-x dental implants, you can make this your new reality.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at (812) 423-6113, and we will happily assist you.