All-on-X Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Guide to Full Arch Restoration

All-on-X dental implants offer a fixed, low-maintenance solution for full arch tooth replacement, with the potential for life long durability and function. 

What Is the All-on-X Treatment Process?

All-on-X is a newer and innovative dental treatment that allows patients to attach a full arch prosthesis or denture to their jaw. Normally, the procedure requires four or more dental implants or screws to be placed into the jaw bone. From here, the stability created at key points of the mouth will allow the replacement and restoration of a whole arch of teeth.

This is a more economically friendly procedure compared to individual implants-as crowns or bridges to replace all of a patient’s teeth. The method is also more convenient than traditional dentures, as there is less shifting around, improved functionality in speaking and eating, and more comfort.

What to Expect From All-on-X

You should expect to be placed under local and IV sedation to increase your comfort. Once settled in, your dentist will strategically insert four or more implants into your jaw. These will be placed around the arch to best support the prosthesis.

Once the implants are secure, you will be given a temporary set of prosthetic teeth. This will simplify the healing process and make it easier for the implants to fuse properly into the jaw bone. Once the area has adequately healed in several months, you and your dentist can move toward the final restoration. The temporary prosthetics are larger then the final restorations will be. This is necessary for strength and for stability of the implants. If you are unhappy with the feel or esthetics at this stage, rest assured that the final will be an improvement. Taking into account your facial esthetics, desired color and personality.

A customized and permanent dental arch restoration will replace your temporary teeth. The customized arch will be created carefully and precisely, allowing your new teeth to look natural, fit proper bite alignment, and look relatively seamless.

Healing time after implants are placed is a minimum of 12 weeks. This can be longer depending on the patients health conditions or complexity of the treatment.

What Will be Discussed in the Initial Consultation?

You and your dentist will discuss several important aspects of the coming months during your initial consultation. In addition to receiving a rough timeline from your dentist, you should also expect to have other discussions about your medical history and your expectations.

When discussing your medical history, be sure to include your past surgeries, current medications, allergies, and any other concerns. Your dentist can tell you if you need to put a medication on pause during the procedure, if necessary.

Suppose you have dental health concerns, including rotting, decay, cavities, gum disease, lost teeth, broken teeth, or bone density problems. In that case, your dentist may discuss your eligibility for the procedure at a later date. Most of these issues will require dental and medical attention before you can undergo the procedure. Some factors may indicate you are a less-than-ideal candidate for a particular procedure and better suited for another.

In some cases, your provider will recommend a different operation or procedure to accomplish other goals. They may also suggest supplementary treatments in some circumstances.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Permanent and low-maintenance:
  All-on-X implants are anchored into the jawbone, eliminating the need for adhesives, removable dentures, and nightly removal.
  
• Restores full bite function:
  Patients can enjoy a wider variety of foods and regain confidence in smiling.
  
• Long-lasting and durable:
  With proper care, All-on-X implants can last for many years, sometimes a lifetime.
  
• Aesthetically natural:
  The implants and crowns are designed to mimic natural teeth, restoring a natural-looking smile. The prosthetic replaces bone tech and tissue. We try and make it as life like as possible. But, it is still a prosthetic.
  
• Bone preservation:
  All-on-X implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss that can occur with removable dentures.
  
• Enhanced chewing efficiency:
  The fixed, secure nature of All-on-X implants allows for more efficient chewing compared to dentures.
  

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost:
  ‍All-on-X implants can be more expensive than traditional dentures or partial restorations.
  
• Requires surgery and healing time:
  ‍The implants need to be surgically placed, and there is a healing period before the final prosthesis can However, they involve a higher initial cost, require surgery and healing time, and may not be suitable for everyone
  
• Not everyone is a candidate:
  ‍Patients need sufficient jawbone density, healthy gums, and no significant oral diseases to be eligible for All-on-X.
  
• Potential for implant failure:
  ‍While rare, implants can fail, and replacing a failed implant can be complex, especially if it supports the end of the bridge.
  
• Complications:
  ‍Infection, nerve damage, and other complications can occur during or after the procedure.
  
• Less Teeth Restored:
  All-on-X restores 12 teeth per arch this is 2 teeth less then a normal arch (not including the wisdom teeth). We call this 1st molar occlusion. It is difficult to add second molars. Mainly due to lack space.

• Speech:
  With the placement of the new prosthesis your speech may be effected initially. But, as you continue to converse normal speech returns quickly.

• Potential for bone loss if implants fail:
  If implants fail, the bone can continue to shrink.

What Benefits Can You Expect From a Successful All-on-X Procedure?

Several aesthetic and functional benefits are associated with a successful all-on-X procedure with a qualified practitioner. The following are some of the positive aspects you can discuss with your dentist:

• Increases stability compared to dentures
• Boosts confidence
• Overall improved appearance
• Less risk of loss of removable appliances
• Improvements in functionality, like eating
• Allows you to eat more foods
• Prevents bone loss
• Preserves facial structure
• Long-lasting
• Economical
• Simplifies maintenance
• Improves quality of life

There may be other benefits associated with All-on-X in comparison to other options. We encourage you to discuss all of your choices thoughtfully with a qualified dental practitioner, such as one from The Jenkins Dental. 

Please contact us if you need any answers or additional information.