Thanks to modern dentistry, oral specialists can offer more secure teeth replacement options than at any other time in history for patients who have significant tooth loss. Two well-known alternatives of full-mouth tooth replacement treatments, offered by numerous oral specialists in Texas and beyond, are CONUS and All-on-4®. Based on your lifestyle and health, either CONUS or All-on-4® might be a great choice for restoring a full, functional smile. Support Through Dental Implants Both CONUS and All-on-4® are denture alternatives that are supported by dental implants. Placement of implants around both the top and bottom jaw create a sturdy foundation that offers the “no-slip” hold so many patients find attractive. Because they are full-mouth tooth replacement methods, each version requires an oral surgeon to extract all remaining natural teeth. Then, the dental implants can be placed (four to each jaw, or eight total). Afterwards, a general dentist or prosthodontist creates the prosthetic restorations that attach to the implants, creating a life-like smile. With both CONUS and All-on-4®, patients can forego the typical dietary restrictions of dentures and confidently and comfortably enjoy meals with friends and family without worrying about slipping or loose dentures. As described above, the basic treatment principals for both techniques are very similar. However, C CONUS and All-on-4® differ in the kind of restorations placed and the length of time it takes to do so. It’s important to note that no matter which treatment is chosen, candidates must be in good health without pre-existing conditions such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or other issues that could impeded healing. CONUS With the CONUS technique, patients receive a temporary set of dentures the day of implant surgery. Usually, these temporary restorations are worn during the length of your implant recovery period, which can take anywhere from four to six months. During this period, the final set of prosthetic teeth is custom made in a dental lab. Once the mouth is healed, the implants are successfully integrated with the bone, and the final restoration is complete, your dentist connects the two sets of prosthetic teeth securely onto the four implant “posts” on each jaw. CONUS dentures are designed to be worn all day every day while eating, brushing, and sleeping. However, patients can remove them for occasional at-home deep cleaning whenever needed. All-on-4® You may have seen commercials or billboards with the slogan, “Teeth-In-A-Day®.” This is a term most frequently used with All-on-4®. This is because most patients receiving All-on-4® treatment leave their implant surgery appointment with temporary, but non-removable sets of prosthetic teeth. After the implant recovery period of several months, patients then receive their final, permanent set of prosthetic teeth which are placed by a dentist or dental specialist. With All-on-4®, the restorations are never removable at-home. This means that patients must see their dentist for regular deep-cleanings to ensure the restorations are clean and the gums are in good health. All-on-4® is a great option for patients in good health, but can be more risky for those patients with a history of periodontal disease or bone loss caused by periodontitis. Choosing Your Treatment Which treatment is best for you? Your oral surgeon can discuss each treatment in greater detail at a consultation, as well as confirm whether you are a good candidate for treatment (based on oral and overall health history, medications you may be taking, and other lifestyle determinants). An oral surgeon can communicate directly with your general dentist, prosthodontist, or other dental specialist to ensure the fit, look, and feel of your permanent dentures is natural and comfortable. Dr. Chris Tye and our staff at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists can help you gain back a full, functional smile through either CONUS or All-on-4® treatment. Trust your implant procedure to an oral surgeon with advanced training in the procedure. Contact our office to schedule your full mouth tooth replacement consultation at 817-552-3223.
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