- Not Doing Your Homework: All-on-4 or All-on-X dental implant procedures have become extremely marketable and often used as a tool to draw patients to dental offices. The problem is that it is a very complex procedure and not all dentists are experienced in them. Like any surgery, you want to ensure your surgeon is qualified and has a lot of experience placing dental implants. Also, it is important to note that All-on-4 and All-on-X are different than just placing dental implants. Ensure your dental implant surgeon has a lot of experience/expertise in these specific procedures. Dental implant procedures are not only surgery, but also can be costly so make sure to trust your gut and seek out 2nd, 3rd or even 4th opinions if necessary.
- Not Taking Your Health History into Account: Make sure that your dental implant surgeon is able to answer all of your questions, thoroughly evaluates you/your health history. Does your dental implant surgeon stand by their work? Be aware of what to expect before, during and after the procedure.
- Thinking All-on-4 is a One Size Fits All Procedure: Unlike other procedures, dental implant surgery is a circumstance where sometimes more is actually better. All-on-4 is a very specific procedure that may be suitable for a small portion of the population. Often times, patients require more support. “Fixed Ziroconia” or “Fixed Hybrid Bridge” “involve 6-8 traditional implants to support a bridge.” The benefit to this is if one implant fails, you still have 5-7 to rely on vs. All-on-4. If one implant fails on All-on-4, then you risk having to redo the entire procedure. Make sure your dental implant surgeon isn’t just offering All-on-4 as a one size fits all procedure.
- Choosing the Cheapest Option: Ask your dental implant surgeon the brand of dental implants they are using. You are paying for durability and longevity. When well taken care of, dental implants can last a lifetime, so you want to ensure your surgeon is using a quality product they stand behind. If you need any replacement parts for a dental implant years down the road, you want to ensure it is from a company that will stand by their products and still be in business.
- Not Allowing Adequate Healing Time: Make sure to follow your dental surgeon’s post-procedure guidelines. There are many things you can do to help your dental implant procedure be successful (and keep your natural teeth healthy). “Practice good oral hygiene by scheduling routine cleanings/check-ups and brushing, flossing and/or using an interdental brush that slides between the teeth. You can avoid damaging your teeth by steering clear of: chewing on hard items, tooth staining caffeine and tobacco products and ensuring you get treatment if you grind your teeth.”2
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are missing a tooth/teeth, have bone loss and are interested in dental implant surgery, please call 888.257.4025 to set up a consultation with Dr. Young. He has several office locations he works out of throughout Southeast Michigan.
References
- Dayo Dental Staff. 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid With All-on-4 Dental Implants. Dayo Dental. Available online 8 September 2021. Website: https://www.dayodental.com/8-common-mistakes-to-avoid-with-all-on-4-dental-implants/
2. What You Can Expect Following a Dental Implant Procedure? Advanced Dental Implant Services. Available online 8 September 2021. Website:
