When you set out to find information on tooth replacement options, you may have heard of terms such as traditional dental implants and All on Four dental implants. Both sound familiar at first, but are very different treatment options. Let’s simplify it down so that you know about them before you go around Googling things like All in 4 dental implants near me or all on 4 dental implants near me.

The form of implants likely to be most familiar to you is the traditional one. In this approach, a dentist inserts a titanium screw into the jaw that substitutes for the root of every missing tooth. The screw is bonded with your bone, and a crown is added to it. Just substitute it one-to-one. Should you be lacking one tooth, you would have one implant. In case you have lost five teeth, you may find yourself needing five implants. Although this gives a very natural look and feel, it may be more labor-intensive and expensive if you need more than one tooth replaced.

Here’s where things get interesting. Four dental implants are made to fit individuals who have lost the majority of their teeth in any single arch (upper or lower). Rather than having to replace each tooth with an implant, your dentist can employ only four implants to fix a full set of teeth. 

This makes the treatment faster, more affordable, and often requires less bone grafting. For people in Texas searching for full arch dental implants Houston, this option has become very popular because it restores the entire smile in fewer steps.

Number of Implants Needed: Traditional implants replace teeth one by one. All on Four uses only four implants to support an entire arch. 

Time & Healing: Traditional implants can take months if multiple teeth are replaced. All on Four can often be done much quicker. 

Cost Factor: More implants mean more money. All on Four tends to be more budget-friendly for full-mouth restorations. 

Bone Requirements: Traditional methods sometimes require extra procedures like bone grafting. All-on-Four is often designed to work even if bone loss has occurred.

In case you have lost one or two teeth, traditional implants are the best option. They are naturally fitting, lifetime fitting, and wonderfully match your smile. However, when you have already lost most or all of your teeth, or you cannot stand dealing with dentures any longer, then All on Four might be a life-changing procedure. In addition to providing a comfortable and natural-looking smile, it also spares you the trouble of having to get an implant for a missing tooth.

While you’re already considering implants, you might also come across other treatments like laser gum depigmentation near me if you want to improve gum color and aesthetics. And if snoring or sleep issues are troubling you, consulting sleep apnea experts can also be a smart move since oral health and sleep health often go hand in hand.

Both traditional dental implants and All-on-4 dental implants have their advantages. The right treatment for you depends on how many teeth you are missing, the health of your bone, and your budget. If you are thinking to yourself, all in 4 dental implants near me or all on four dental implants near me, it is wise to consult a specialist to discuss which treatment best suits your individual needs.