The All-on-X Dental Implants Process

We at Legacy Dental want you to have the best experience possible with your treatment for All-on-X dental implants in Omaha. If you are still determining whether you need dental implants, you can get in touch with our office to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Lauren Semerad or Dr. Maggie Larsen.

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment: During your initial visit, one of our experienced dentists will thoroughly evaluate your oral and overall health. This typically includes a physical examination, digital X-rays, and possibly a 3D CT scan to gauge the structure of your jawbone and ensure you have sufficient bone density to support the implants. This phase is critical for customizing the treatment plan according to your unique needs.
2. Treatment Planning: Dr. Semerad or Dr. Larsen will devise a comprehensive treatment plan based on the initial assessment. This plan outlines the specific placement of implants, the type of restorations to be used, and any preparatory treatments required, such as tooth extractions or bone grafting. This is a great time to discuss your plan and ask any questions. We strive to help all our patients thoroughly understand the timeline, costs, and expected outcomes.
3. Implant Placement Procedure: One of the primary advantages of All-on-X implants at Legacy Dental in Omaha is the reduced number of implants needed to support an entire arch of teeth. Unlike traditional methods, which require an implant for every missing tooth, All-on-X generally uses four to six implants strategically placed in areas of the jaw with optimal bone density. Our dentists perform this procedure under local anesthesia or sedation for patient comfort. During the surgery, the dentist places the titanium screws into the jawbone and closes the site with sutures for healing to begin. 
4. Healing and Osseointegration: Following the placement of implants, a healing period is necessary for osseointegration, where the bone grows around and fuses with the titanium implants. This process can take several months but is crucial for your implants’ long-term success and stability. Our dentists will advise you to maintain a soft diet and practice excellent oral hygiene to support healing during this time.
5. Final Restoration: Once the implant is sufficiently fused to the jawbone, the final step involves replacing the temporary prosthetic teeth with the custom-made permanent set. These restorations are designed to function and appear like natural teeth, providing a comfortable fit and an aesthetically pleasing smile. Dr. Semerad or Dr. Larsen will ensure the new teeth are aligned correctly and check that the bite is adjusted accurately for optimal functionality.
6. Aftercare and Maintenance: Post-treatment care is essential to ensure the longevity of All-on-X implants. Regular dental check-ups and diligent at-home oral care practices such as brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinses will help maintain oral health. The dental specialist may provide personalized advice on caring for the implants and managing any lifestyle adjustments.

How Do All-on-X Dental Implants Compare to Dentures

If you have broken or missing teeth and want to restore your smile and improve your oral functionality, two popular solutions might come to mind: All-on-X dental implants and traditional dentures. Each has its benefits and considerations, which can significantly influence your decision based on lifestyle, comfort, and budget.

Advantages of All-on-X Implants in Omaha Compared to Dentures:

1. Stability and Comfort: The implants fuse with the jawbone, providing stability similar to natural teeth. The wearer will often need a denture adhesive to keep them in place. All-on-X dental implants are fused to the jawbone, making their position permanent and able to withstand chewing and speaking without slippage or discomfort. You’ll never worry about your teeth or smile in social situations!
2. Longevity: Dentures don’t promote bone density, which can lead to symptoms such as changes in your bite and facial structure, discomfort when you chew, shifting or loosening of your teeth, shrinking gums, headaches, increased difficulty speaking, and lips sinking inward. All-on-X implants are designed to be permanent solutions, often lasting a lifetime with proper care. They maintain jawbone density, which can prevent further bone loss and its symptoms over time.
3. Functionality: Certain foods might be challenging to consume due to dentures’ chewing limitations. All-on-X implants allow patients to enjoy a diet with few restrictions, as the strength and stability allow for efficient chewing. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods with All-on-X implants!
4. Aesthetic Appeal: Custom-made to look and feel like natural teeth, All-on-X implants provide a seamless appearance that enhances confidence in social interactions. You can rest assured knowing that your dental implants are made of the highest-quality materials!
5. Maintenance: Patients with dentures must remove and clean their dentures daily. Cleaning and maintenance are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the appliance, and the dentures will need to be replaced every 5-7 years. On the other hand, patients with All-on-X dental implants can continue to care for their implants as if caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with fluoride will ensure the implants’ strength, beauty, and longevity.

Considerations for All-on-X Implants:

1. Cost: The initial investment is significantly higher compared to dentures. However, their longevity might offset the cost over time. If you need to make payments for your dental treatments, Legacy Dental is covered by various insurance providers and offers financing options
2. Surgery: Patients must undergo surgery for implant placement, which requires a certain level of overall health, the use of anesthetics, sufficient jawbone density, and a period of recovery. Patients must disclose health issues, allergies, or poor reactions to anesthetics to the dentist during the initial consultation.
3. Time: Considering the time required for the implants to fuse to the jawbone, the complete process can take several months, from initial consultation to final placement.

Which is the Right Choice?

Choosing between All-on-X implants and dentures depends mainly on individual preferences, health conditions, and financial considerations. For those seeking a long-term, stable solution and are in good health to undergo oral surgery, All-on-X may be ideal, offering natural functionality and aesthetic benefits.

On the other hand, if cost or medical considerations are paramount, dentures can serve as a practical, non-invasive choice—providing adequate oral function at a lower upfront cost.

Let Us Help You Decide!

Consulting with our dentist and staff is crucial to evaluating personal needs and circumstances for getting All-on-X dental implants in Omaha. We want you to understand the advantages and considerations of each option, ensuring your decision aligns with your comfort, expectations, and overall oral health goals. Let Legacy Dental in Omaha, Nebraska, help you make a well-informed choice for renewing your smile and enhancing your quality of life.