“All On Four” Implants Revolutionize the Field of Fixed Oral Rehabilitation and the Lives of Countless Patients, PART 3

Welcome to the final installment of this three-part article series on the “All on Four” Dental Implants Chicago technique, how it differs from traditional dental implant techniques and how it has changed the lives of countless Chicago residents. Now that we’ve addressed the differences between the “All-on-4” and older implant methods, let’s take a look at what patients can expect from their beautiful, new teeth!

An experienced dental implant expert in Chicago helps us with this one…

What will my new teeth be like?

Dental Implant Expert: “Your new teeth will actually consist of a non-removable prosthetic dental bridge, which is fabricated from exceptionally strong, durable and aesthetic materials to closely resemble and function like a healthy set of natural teeth. The custom bridge is fitted to the abutments of four dental implants, which have been placed permanently in the jaw. As such, your new teeth will be fixed and won’t move around at all. This is the first difference you’ll notice if you’ve become used to removable dentures.”

Will my new teeth feel natural?

Dental Implant Expert: “Yes! Once you’ve grown accustomed to the fit and feel of your new teeth, they’ll feel very similar to a complete set of healthy teeth. Because the bridge is anchored in your mouth via implants, which are supported by the jawbone, the “All-on-4” will feel far more like natural teeth than dentures do. They don’t rest on or push uncomfortably against the gums and they don’t typically cause any pain or discomfort. Your implant-supported teeth are probably the closest thing you can experience to having a beautiful and natural-feeling set of teeth again!”

Will I be able to eat my favorite foods with my new teeth?

Chicago Dental Implant Expert: “The dental bridge supported by the All on Four dental implants is fabricated from extremely durable composite materials that are able to support a natural bite strength. This means that you should be able to manage most, if not all of your favorite foods without pain, discomfort or difficulty. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about food becoming trapped underneath your bridge, as is unpleasantly the case with traditional removable dentures. Eating with All on Four implants is very similar to eating with natural teeth.”

Is there anything I can’t do with my new teeth?

Dental Implant Expert: “Well, the things you shouldn’t do with your new teeth are no different to the things you shouldn’t do with your original teeth. You really shouldn’t be eating hard, damaging substances like ice, popcorn kernels and such. Other than that, you should be able to manage all kinds of foods, including corn on the cob, steak and crunchy vegetables.”

Will my teeth ever require restoration?

Chicago Dental Implant Expert: “If you look after your new teeth well and if you’re careful about the things you eat, they won’t require restoration for over a decade, if not longer. You should also go to your Chicago Dentist for routine cleaning and maintenance every six months. In short, once you’ve healed successfully from your procedure and are enjoying your new teeth, the costs of cleaning and maintenance are no more than they’d be if you had natural teeth!”

About the Author, Dr. Irfan Atcha

Dr. Atcha is an experienced cosmetic, sedation, general and dental implant dentist who has been serving the Chicago area since 1996. In addition to his Chicago-based practice, Dr. Atcha also serves much of the neighboring state through the Center of Implants, Sedation and Cosmetic Dentistry, which is located in Dyer, northwest Indiana. Dr. Atcha is the holder of numerous prestigious fellowships and memberships and is dedicated to mastering the very latest and most cutting edge procedures and techniques through continued education.

Advice from Dentists in Chicago on Your Child’s Dental Care

This article provides key advice on the care of your child’s new, developing teeth.

By the age of three, most children have grown 20 teeth, which are then replaced by 28 permanent adult teeth by the age of 12. It’s only around 21 or so that the third molars - your wisdom teeth - emerge. “But just because your child gets a brand new set of teeth, doesn’t mean you don’t need to help them look after their old ones,” say dentists in Chicago. “It is vitally important that their baby milk teeth are properly looked after, or it will affect their dental health for life.”

Chicago Dentistry and Child Dental Care: Infants

Your baby should have his or her first appointment with the Chicago dentist at the age of six months and definitely by their first birthday. The development of your baby’s teeth is a critical time and it should be overseen by a professional to make sure that his or her teeth are erupting properly and without any problems. “Problems that could develop during this time of child dental care include thumb-sucking and gum irritation,” say Chicago dentists. “It may seem innocent enough, but constant sucking can actually change the way the mouth forms, resulting in a mal-occluded bite and badly formed teeth.”

Another typical child dental problem is baby bottle tooth decay. Owing to prolonged exposure to the sugars in fruit juices, formula and even breast milk, some infants can develop bacteria decay of their newly emerged teeth. It is vital that any signs of decay be immediately treated by your dentist to avoid any potential problems with the healthy development of permanent teeth.

Feed your baby during one sitting and do not leave them with a bottle to suck on for prolonged periods of time. If they are crying for their bottle and they have already been fed, give them water instead. You should never put your infant to bed with a bottle of juice or formula. Overnight, their new teeth will be saturated in sugar, encouraging bacteria activity and decay. Dentists in Chicago also encourage parents to wean their children off bottles and onto cups as soon as possible.

Child Dental Care: Pacifiers, Teething and Thumb-Sucking

During teething, your infant’s primary teeth will be emerging and pushing through the gums. This can be quite uncomfortable and even sore for them. Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do: Chicago dentists generally advise that you gently rub their gums with the back of a spoon, your finger or a square of moist gauze. You could even invest in a teething ring, which generally helps relieve some of the discomfort.

Above the age of four, sucking implements, such as pacifiers, teething rings and even thumb-sucking should be greatly discouraged as it can cause problems with the healthy development of your child’s teeth. Overcrowding and crookedness are common problems caused by prolonged sucking.

Chicago Dentistry Emergencies

When it comes to Chicago dentistry, prevention is always better than cure. Try to teach your child how to behave appropriately and safely in the playground environment. Admonish them for putting foreign objects in their mouths or for using their teeth as tools. Try to make your children more aware of their surroundings so that they don’t just walk out in front of a swing or under a see-saw. Simple awareness and “look where you’re going!” could help prevent a lot of child dental care accidents! If your child is ever involved in a dental emergency, rush them to your dentist immediately.