What are All-On-4s Dental Implants?

Most patients think of dental implants as replacing only one missing tooth at a time. Fortunately, implants can be used to keep dentures securely in place. The procedure known as all-on-4s refers to a denture being secured to just four implants per arch. Two implants are placed towards the back of the arch on an angle and two towards the front of the arch. A new set of dentures is then made for you to fit these brand new implants.

What are All-On-4s Dental Implants?
All-on-4s dental implants use just four implants to keep a denture securely in place. Unlike other procedures and options, this is more ideal for people who do not want a lot of implants or who might have bone density issues that could otherwise affect typical implants. The procedure involves inserting four implants onto each arch of the mouth where a denture is needed. The two back implants are placed on more of an angle, which keeps them more securely in place and provides a great grip to the actual denture plate. The front two implants are used to prevent the denture from slipping while talking or eating.

What are the Benefits of All-On-4s?
The all-on-4s option is ideal for patients who don’t want a dozen implants in their mouth just to keep a denture plate in place. The procedure uses just four intricately placed implants that will firmly hold the denture and prevent it from slipping or falling out. All-on-4s are great for new denture wearers who want to feel like they have a natural smile without the need for adhesives and gels that keep the appliance in place. This option may also be a good choice for patients who have less bone mass in the areas where the implants will be placed. Because the back implants are inserted on an angle, it relies on thinner bone mass to keep it in place.

How are They Done?
The procedure itself is similar to any other type of dental implant. If teeth have to be removed prior to the procedure, this will be done before the implants are placed. Dr. Gurinsky will surgically insert four implants into one or both of your jaw arches. The implants are placed deep into the bone where they are able to heal and fuse with the bone to keep it in place. You can expect the implants to heal in about four months. Once the implants have completely healed and are strongly in place, you will have a new denture plate made specifically to fit onto the all-on-4s implants. Your new denture can last for up to seven years before it’ll need to be replaced with a new appliance.

Cigarette smoking has been know to promote gum disease for years, but what about the dangers of vaping on the teeth and gums?

We are learning that the bacteria in the mouth from vaping is almost the same as those who smoke cigarettes. Smoking cigarettes and vaping can both upset the bacterial balance of the mouth. This in turn can make it more prone to inflammation and infection.

While cigarette smokers showed more gum disease than those who just vaped, both were significantly higher than in those who did not.

Even though there is not tobacco in the vape devices, what seems to be most damaging to the cells in the vaping devices is the heating up of the liquid that contains nicotine and other substances, like propylene glycol, glycerol and flavoring. The heating creates a “vapor” and additional toxic chemicals that are inhaled.

Why are my teeth shifting?

What is causing my teeth to move? Various cause can include grinding your teeth, growth of jaw and jawbone, aging, gum disease, wearing an oral appliance such as a CPAP, nightguard or occlusal splint. It is best to see a dentist or periodontist to rule out if you may have gum disease and to evaluate your bite.

Synthetic enamel?

Did you know that the hardest substance in the body is tooth enamel? Enamel is essentially the tough outer covering of the portion of the tooth above the gumline. Over time, dentists have repaired damaged and decayed teeth with many different materials such as beeswax, amalgam alloys, resin composites, ceramics and now newer materials that are stronger and more esthetic than previous generations. But all these options are synthetic materials and display wear and weaknesses. A team of scientists are in the process of making a new material that mimics enamel’s fundamental properties of strength and elasticity. Not only could this material be used in the oral cavity, but could also possibly be used to strengthen fractured bones, improve pacemakers and treat other biological indications. Stay tuned! Do I still need to take antibiotics before my dental appointment just because I had my knee/hip replaced? For decades, we have been advocating taking antibiotics prior to dental visits in those who have artificial joints. However, according to a study from England, we no longer have a reason to take antibiotics before a dental visit. (That said, your medical doctor might still request that you do.) Much of the rational for no longer prescribing these medications to patients is due to a large and unnecessary financial burden on individuals and the health care system. It also creates an unnecessary risk to patients, from adverse drug reactions, and can contribute to antibiotic resistant bacteria.

The risk of heart disease risk increases after COVID — even with a mild case

A study has shown that even with a mild case of COVID-19, a person’s risk of cardiovascular problems (heart attack and stroke) can increase for at least a year after diagnosis. Age and risk factors did not seem to play any role in this either.

Could a Chewing Gum in Pregnancy Help Prevent Premature Deliveries?

Gum disease has been linked to a number of systemic health concerns, including increased risk for preterm birth. A long-term 10 year study which included over 10000 women suggests that chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol during pregnancy may lower this risk. While xylitol is chemical responsible for lowering this risk, the study only looked at its use from chewing gum and not using it other forms (i.e. lozenges, rinses, drinks, etc).
The findings showed that pregnant women who chewed the gum were less likely to deliver early, as compared to women who only received education (12.6% vs 16.5%. Women even saw improvements to their overall oral health.

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May 8, 2019

COVID-19 Updates

What are All-On-4s Dental Implants?

Why are my teeth shifting?

Synthetic enamel?

The risk of heart disease risk increases after COVID — even with a mild case

Could a Chewing Gum in Pregnancy Help Prevent Premature Deliveries?

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