If you need more than just a few teeth replaced, chances are you may need a full mouth restoration. This type of procedure is ideal for anyone who is dealing with damaged, decayed or missing teeth.

The simplest way for your prosthodontist to deal with a significant number of missing teeth at once is to recommend the ever-popular all on x dental implants since they boast a significantly high success rate. Has your dental specialist recommended this procedure? Are you wondering what all the fuss is about? Keep reading to find out.

Defining All-On-X-Dental Implants

If your prosthodontist has suggested the all-on-x dental implant procedure, you may be keen to find out what it involves and how you’ll need to maintain your implants. The good news is that it’s not as complicated as you may first think. Before we get to the very simple care routine, let’s get some clarity on the actual procedure.

Essentially, the all-on-x-dental procedure is similar to the all-on-4-dental option in that titanium posts are placed in strategic places in each mouth arch. Both procedures involve adding a plate of teeth over the posts, which fills the gaps between each post.

The only clear difference between these procedures is that the all-on-4 only has four posts, while the all-on-x can have up to six or eight posts. The number of posts you need will depend on the number of gaps you have in your mouth.

Your prosthodontist will use titanium as this material is generally the preferred choice because of its durability, strength, and compatibility with existing bone and tissue. In addition to this, titanium posts are easy to maintain, and you can easily incorporate care into your daily dental routine.

Maintenance is Essential, Even for Implants

You may be overjoyed at the prospect of getting a whole bunch of new teeth. Not only will it restore functionality to your mouth, but you will also be able to smile without feeling self-conscious. However, it’s essential to remember that you will need to maintain your new teeth to ensure that they last as long as you need them to. Here are a few of the general tips to help you achieve this.

Ditch the Tobacco

If you’re a smoker or you consume any tobacco products, you will need to quit this habit. This is primarily because tobacco products can be detrimental to the healing and subsequent maintenance of your new implants. Your prosthodontist may encourage you to stop smoking at least two weeks before and after the procedure. For best long-term results, quitting altogether is a good idea.

Change Bad Eating Habits

You may think that getting new teeth means you can go back to your old eating habits. While one of the primary goals of all-on-x-treatments is to allow you to go back to being able to eat what you want, it’s crucial to look out for the foods that can damage your teeth.

Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind:

  • Avoid very hard foods, which can include raw vegetables such as carrots.
  • Refrain from eating sticky candies such as gum.
  • Let hot drinks such as tea and coffee cool slightly before drinking.
  • Avoid foods such as beetroot that can cause staining.
  • Don’t chew on ice.

Maintain a Healthy Brushing and Flossing Routine

Once your new implants have healed, you will have to up your oral hygiene. This means that you will have to take special care of your new teeth. For the most part, this involves brushing and flushing at least twice daily. You will need to switch to a soft-bristle toothbrush combined with a low-abrasive toothpaste that offers tartar control.

When flossing, be sure to get in between the abutments. These are the connective tissues that attach the dental implant to the dental plate (prosthesis). Speak to your prosthodontist about recommending a water flosser, which has been designed to clean dental implants.

Keep an Eye on Your Implants

As with any medical procedure, there’s always the risk of something going wrong. With implants, the risk involves implant failure. This happens when your implant doesn’t integrate well with the surrounding tissues.

Implant failure can also happen when your implants become infected. Regular checkups will help detect this early. Be sure to keep an eye out for unusual swelling, pain, or any implants that have become loose. Early intervention can save your implant.

Maintain Your Regular Dental Visits

Just because you have new teeth doesn’t mean that you should stop visiting your dentist or prosthodontist. Your dental implants will require regular cleanings, and your dentist will also be able to ensure that your implants are still functioning as they should. Be sure to tell your prosthodontist about any issues such as swelling, excessive pain, or even discomfort so that these can be addressed.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your new implants well-maintained is the number one way to ensure that they remain functional. Taking care of them will also ensure that they always look amazing, allowing you to smile and laugh without worrying about how your teeth look!