Are you missing most or all of your natural teeth in an arch? MiraMar Family Dental offers All-on-X dental implants to Katy and the Greater Houston Area. All-on-X uses as few as four strategically placed dental implants to support a full-arch bridge. Unlike dentures, an implant-supported bridge allows you to enjoy your favorite foods, speak clearly, and restore your confidence.
For a consultation on All-on-X in Katy and the surrounding areas, book a consultation with MiraMar Family Dental today!
Sometimes referred to as “All-on-4,” All-on-X is a general term describing a fixed prosthesis (meaning it is non-removable) that is attached to four or more dental implants along an arch. Instead of placing an implant for each individual tooth, All-on-X replaces a full row or arch of teeth, reducing the overall cost of the procedure.
To provide strength and support, the posterior implants are often placed at an angle. This maximizes bone contact with the implants while distributing bite force more evenly.
It’s important to note that once calculus (tartar) has formed on tooth surfaces, it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing; it requires specialized tools and a skilled hand.
Think of it as a ”deep clean“ for your mouth – especially in places a toothbrush and floss just can’t reach.
The path to restoring the function and appearance begins with a consultation at MiraMar Family Dental in Katy, Texas!
– Consultation and planning. MiraMar Family Dental utilizes cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) to create 3D images of the structure of your jaw bones. This allows us to determine if you are eligible for this type of procedure. It also helps us determine the optimal position of dental implants.
Unlike many types of dental implants, All-on-X procedures typically do not require bone grafting. Although if we find you do not have sufficient bone in the alveolar ridge or dense coritcal bone, we may recommend bone grafting.
– Extractions (if necessary). Most patients that come to us will typically have several remaining natural teeth. If you choose All-on-X, these remaining teeth will be extracted to allow for a full-arch bridge.
– Placing the implants. In many cases, implants can be placed on the same day your remaining teeth are extracted. During the surgery, four to six dental implants are placed in either the upper or lower jaw.
So long as we achieve primary stability (essentially there is enough bone-to-implant contact) we can place a temporary bridge within 48 hours of the implants being placed.
These are all signs of periodontitis – a more advanced form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and other complications if left untreated.
There is a reason All-on-X is one of the few dental procedures that can be called “life-changing.” When you choose this type of implant-supported fixed prosthesis, you can expect the following benefits:
– Realistic, attractive smile. Whether the restoration bridge is crafted from zirconia or acrylic, the result will be attractive and natural-looking. Most people will assume you’ve always had a healthy, radiant smile!
– Restored chewing ability. With All-on-X, your biting and chewing abilities will be almost like having a full set of healthy teeth again. Once your permanent prosthesis is in place, you will once again be able to enjoy steak, nuts, as well as raw fruits and vegetables.
– Faster treatment time. Since All-on-X skips the bone grafting process, you can have an attractive provisional prosthesis in just a few visits.
– Improved facial appearance. Missing a significant number of teeth and reduced bone volume give the lower portion of your face a “sunken in” appearance, making you look older than your actual age.
– Easy to maintain. As a fixed prosthesis, you will treat your All-on-X restoration similarly to natural teeth. Simply floss below the bridge, brush the gum and teeth material, and attend regular checkups. Unlike dentures, implant-supported prostheses are not removed for cleaning.
– Enhanced quality of life. All-on-X dental implants improve the quality of patients’ lives by enhancing speech, expanding food options, increasing comfort, and boosting confidence.
– Enhanced quality of life. All-on-X dental implants improve the quality of patients’ lives by enhancing speech, expanding food options, increasing comfort, and boosting confidence.
Not all patients meet the criteria for All-on-X dental implants. MiraMar Family Dental tailors all treatments based on the health, needs, and goals of each individual patient. All-on-X dental implants are typically recommended to patients who meet the following criteria:
– Missing most or all natural teeth in one or both arches
– Not have uncontrollable diabetes or untreated gum disease
– Have adequate jaw bone density and volume
– Non-smoker (or willing to quit)
Patients with moderate bone loss may be eligible for All-on-X. If severe bone loss is present in the maxilla we may recommend zygomatic implants in the posterior.
Here is a step-by-step overview of what you can expect if you choose the All-on-X treatment:
– Consultation and planning. During the consultation we will perform CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scans to gain insights into the density and volume of your jaw bones. This imaging data will also be used to plan implant positions.
– Surgery. On the day of your surgery, a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area. If you are anxious with surgical procedures, we can also offer a sedative.
Four to six implants will be placed per arch. These will be used to attach the abutments and a provisional bridge. Most patients will leave our office with a temporary bridge.
In all likelihood, this temporary bridge will be placed out of occlusion, meaning you won’t have the ability to bite with all your force. This is done to protect the surgical site as it heals and to prevent implant failure.
– Healing phase. Over the next four to six months, the bone will integrate with the implants, giving them more stability.
– Final prosthesis. After the healing phase is complete (typically within four to six months), we will call you back into the office so you can be fitted with your final (definitive) prosthesis. Before you leave we will ensure the fit, bite, and appearance meet your expectations.
– Maintenance and follow-up visits. Before you leave we will establish a schedule for check-ups and cleanings as well as provide you with information on how to care for your All-on-X prosthesis. Routine visits are key to long-term success and to prevent and detect signs of peri-implantitis (and infection around the implant similar to gum disease).
Although rare, dental implants can fail. Most cases of failure are due to smoking, infection, or failure to care for the implants and prosthesis.
Infections such as peri-implantitis can be prevented by performing at-home care and attending regular cleanings.
– Surgical complications. Complications such as nerve and tissue damage can occur if proper care is not taken to image and map vital structures of the jaw, such as the inferior alveolar nerve. By using CBCT we can avoid nerves and other vital structures, minimizing surgical complications.
– Mechanical wear and loosening. Like natural teeth, some wear to the prosthesis can be expected. This wear can be mitigated with maintenance and adjustments. If you feel a part of the prosthesis is loose, it is most likely the abutment screw that attaches the implant to the prosthesis. Do not attempt to tighten or replace this screw on your own as it needs to be torqued to a certain pre-determined value.
At MiraMar Family Dental, your success is our success. We heavily invest in your care plan, monitor your healing, and will be there to offer immediate assistance if a complication does occur.
MiraMar Family Dental is a bilingual, community-driven practice. We are deeply committed to serving the communities of Katy, Cypress, and Greater Houston Area.
As a state-of-the-art facility, we are fully equipped with the latest imaging and surgical tools such as CBCT, digital X-rays, and more.
We are Insurance-friendly and offer affordable financing. We work with most insurance plans and offer competitive third-party financing options to put your dream of a renewed smile within reach.
Age is not a barrier for this type of procedure. There have been many patients well into their 90s treated with the All-on-X procedure.
All-on-X can be prohibitively expensive, costing as much as a new, mid-range car. We will help you determine if the cost is feasible and provide you with information on third-party financing.
With modern anesthesia and sedation, you might feel some discomfort and pressure, but it shouldn’t feel painful. Some post-op soreness is to be expected and can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
You will most likely leave our office with a provisional (temporary) prosthesis on the same day as surgery. After four to six months the bone should integrate with the implant, creating the stability for a permanent prosthesis.
Curious if All-on-X is right for you? Schedule a consultation with MiraMar Family Dental in Katy, Texas, and see if this life-changing treatment can help give you the smile and confidence you’ve been missing — call us today to book a consultation!
