If you have suffered extensive tooth loss, or your remaining natural teeth are in poor condition, your dentist might recommend that you undergo All-on-X treatment. This innovative method uses as few dental implant posts as possible to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. It offers some major benefits… but just like anything else, it comes with potential downsides as well. What should you know about the pros and cons of All-on-X? This blog post explains.
Pros of All-on-X
All-on-X uses as few implant posts as possible to support a full arch of teeth. This unique method offers some truly outstanding advantages:
- You get a secure set of teeth that stays in place, which can help you eat, speak, and smile with more confidence. Indeed, the bite force of All-on-X dentures can be almost equal to that of natural teeth.
- All-on-X often requires fewer implants than traditional implant treatments, meaning that it is less invasive.
- All-on-X typically requires only one surgery, whereas traditional implants may require two or more. For example, traditional implants often require a bone graft, but that is less common with All-on-X because the implants are placed in areas of the bone that are naturally strong and thick.
- The total treatment timeline with All-on-X is often faster than that of traditional implants.
- You can often receive temporary teeth immediately after the placement surgery.
- Dental implants stimulate the jawbone and can prevent it from deteriorating.
- You can enjoy a result that looks more natural and feels more stable than a traditional removable appliance.
Cons of All-on-X
Even with its many benefits, there are still a few downsides that should be accounted for before you make any treatment decisions:
- You can expect a significantly higher upfront cost than you would pay for traditional dentures. (This is often offset by the fact that dental implants can last much longer than traditional dentures.)
- You must undergo oral surgery, which means you need adequate health, sufficient jawbone strength and density, and time for recovery.
- Even though All-on-X is designed for efficiency, you may face a treatment timeline that spans several months between your initial consultation and the placement of your final restoration.
All-on-X is an amazing treatment that is a good fit for many patients. To learn more about it and what to expect throughout the process, schedule a consultation with a qualified dental team.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Jay Lopez is a fourth-generation Tucson native with a wealth of experience in the dental field. He has also pursued extensive post-doctoral education in dental implant treatments. If you are ready to replace your lost teeth, Dr. Lopez and our team would be pleased to welcome you into our office for a consultation. Contact our office at 520-886-8090.