Catoosa, OK Dentistry Services: Are All-on-4 Implants Right for Me?

If you're unsure if All-on-4 implants are right for you and still have unanswered questions, check out this guide to help you make a sound decision.

We've come a long way from the early days of dental implants. As early as 2000 BC, humans were attempting to replace their missing teeth with various implements. We've made false teeth out of bamboo, wood, copper, iron, jade, and even sea shells!

Today, modern techniques like All-on-4 implants make it easier than ever to replace missing teeth fast with much more durable substances. This simple procedure is great for a variety of patients, and it's a good idea to discuss implants with a dentist if you're searching for options to replace multiple teeth.

If you're not sure what to expect from these implants, or if you're wondering whether they're right for you, we've got you covered. Let's take a look at the basics of the procedure, how it varies from traditional implant surgery, and a few crucial advantages and drawbacks.

What Are All-on-4 Implants?

Before you can start weighing the pros and cons of All-on-4 dental implants, it's important to know what to expect from them.

All-on-4 implants are an alternative to traditional implants. Like traditional implants, they can replace a full arch of upper or lower teeth.

However, as their name suggests, this prosthetic uses only four implants to support all of these teeth. This is fewer screws than traditional implants, which need around six to eight screws per arch.

To do this, your dentist will place four implants in strategic places in your jawbone. These implants replace your natural tooth root.

All-on-4 Implants vs. Traditional Implants

As you can already see, the biggest difference between All-on-4 implants and traditional implants is the number of screws. However, there are also other differences to be aware of:

Implant Technique

Instead of the vertical insertion of traditional implants, the rear All-on-4 implants are positioned at an angle. This 30-45 degree angle gives them the extra strength they need to support multiple teeth with fewer screws.

Your dentist will make sure the screws' placement allows an even distribution of weight across your teeth. This ensures that your teeth can take the pressure of your normal biting, chewing, and speaking.

Bone Grafting

One common drawback of traditional implants is that not everyone can get them. If you have low bone density in your jaw, you may not be eligible without an invasive bone graft.

With All-on-4 implants, you can often get implants without any grafting. If your bone density is too low for proper support, your dentist may need to place five implants in your jaw. This ensures that patients who would normally need an expensive and time-consuming bone graft for traditional implants may still be able to get All-on-4 implants.

Healing Process

Traditional implants are notorious for having a long healing process. These implants can take multiple procedures over several months, and it often takes a while to heal at every step.

All-on-4 implants involve a much faster process. You can often get your implants fitted in anywhere from a day to a week! Your dentist will give you a temporary bridge while you wait for your permanent prosthesis.

Benefits of All-on-4 Implants

If you're still on the fence, here are some advantages All-on-4 implants can offer:

Restored Function

For patients who have struggled to deal with missing teeth for a while, All-on-4 implants are a breath of fresh air. These implants allow you to eat and speak as normal, with no pronunciation issues once you've had time to adjust. You'll also enjoy minimal or no dietary restrictions.

Convenient Treatment

As mentioned above, the procedure for All-on-4 implants is fast. Rather than waiting six to nine months to heal from a conventional implant procedure, you can get your new teeth in no time with fewer surgeries and little to no downtime.

Comfort

Compared to options like traditional dentures, all-on-4 implants offer much more comfort. Because they won't ever slip or slide around your mouth when you eat or talk, they feel more like your natural teeth. Their secure attachment also makes them a pain-free choice.

Easy Cleaning

You can clean your All-on-4 implants like you'd clean your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and checkups are all you need. Unlike dentures, you don't need to remove them for cleaning.

Ideal for Most Patients

Patients who aren't good candidates for other treatments can often get All-on-4 implants. These procedures don't require a bone graft, making them ideal for replacing any missing teeth.

Drawbacks of All-on-4 Implants

Before you dive into this procedure, be aware of the negative side of All-on-4 implants:

Cost

Though All-on-4 implants often cost less than traditional implants, this doesn't make them inexpensive. For patients with insufficient insurance or no insurance at all, this cost may even be prohibitive. However, many dental clinics offer ways to cover expenses or finance the procedure if needed.

Mouthguard

Many patients who receive All-on-4 implants will need to wear a mouthguard at night. This prevents clenching or grinding, which can damage your implants. Though some patients have no issue with this, others find that they need to adjust to the sensation.

Learning Curve

Though the majority of patients find they can speak as well as ever with these implants, others report a learning curve with certain sounds. Until you adjust to your new implants, you may need to deal with minor speech difficulties.

Risk of Failure

As with any dental procedure, there is a small and uncommon risk of implant failure. If your jawbone doesn't grow around one of the screws, it can cause problems with the entire set of implants.

Ask a Dentist About Your Options

If you're on the fence about your teeth restoration options, we hope the information above helps. Weighing the pros and cons of All-on-4 implants is crucial before you decide, as the choice is a highly personal one.

For more specific advice from an expert dentist, Dental Arts is here to help! Our team is proud to offer a range of dental services to happy patients throughout the Catoosa, Locust Grove, and Bixby areas. To ask about your options for dental implants, contact us today.

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Benefits of Laser Cavity Filling | Dental Arts of OK Guide

By Dental Arts of Catoosa • March 28, 2025

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 21% of adults ages 20 to 64 have at least one untreated cavity. Leaving a cavity untreated can lead to a severe infection that may spread throughout the body. In rare cases, it can become fatal. Instead of delaying treatment, ask your dentist in Catoosa, OK, about getting a laser cavity filling . What are the benefits of this dental innovation? Read on to find out! Why Seek Treatment? According to the World Health Organization , untreated dental cavities in permanent teeth are the most common health condition worldwide. Cavities are holes that develop due to untreated tooth decay. Acids can wear down (erode) your tooth's protective outer layer (enamel). Common symptoms of a cavity include: Bad breath Toothaches A bad taste in the mouth Sensitivity to hot or cold Facial swelling Bleeding gums If these symptoms sound familiar, consult your Catoosa, OK dentist right away. They can recommend a pain-free cavity treatment. Without treatment, the cavity can reach your tooth pulp (the innermost layer of a tooth). An infection may form on the tip of the tooth's root before spreading to the surrounding tissues. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) or the brain. A dental filling can restore your tooth before you require more extensive treatments. What Is Laser Dentistry? Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive dentistry procedure that uses highly concentrated light. The light can remove or reshape tissue. In addition to treating cavities, this dental innovation is also used for: Gum disease Teeth whitening Hypersensitivity Uses Though still used among other modern dental techniques, laser dentistry became common in the 1990s. It can be used for both hard and soft tissue procedures. Hard tissue procedures include: Cavity detection Tooth sensitivity treatment Tooth preparations and dental fillings The laser may find evidence of tooth decay, allowing you to begin immediate cavity treatment. During the procedure, you won't require local anesthesia or traditional drills. Instead, the laser will kill the bacteria in your cavity, improving the tooth's long-term health. Soft tissue procedures include: Crown lengthening Treating gummy smiles Treating tongue frenulum attachment The laser can reshape gum tissue if the gums are covering your teeth, improving the appearance of your smile. Crown lengthening involves reshaping bone and tissue to improve the tooth's structure. This can help with placing future tooth restorations. Other procedures include: Removing benign tumors Treating TMJ Treating obstructive sleep apnea Viewing the inside of a tooth or gum tissue Teeth whitening Treating cold sores Nerve regeneration Benefits A laser cavity filling procedure can help with more than improving dental health. Here are a few benefits to discuss with your family dentist if you need cavity treatment. Cavity Detection Not all cavities appear at a surface level, making them more difficult to detect. In some cases, dentists can struggle to reach the damaged area. The dentist may need to remove teeth to properly view or repair the infected tooth. A dental laser can detect and treat cavities that aren't easy to see. The laser will assess parts of the mouth that other dental instruments can't. Choosing modern dental techniques may save your tooth. Minimally Invasive Dentistry Dental drills can sometimes unnecessarily remove natural, undamaged portions of a tooth. Dental lasers, on the other hand, are precise and less invasive. This precision allows them to remove decayed or damaged tissue without harming surrounding structures. Choosing this minimally invasive dentistry technique can help with improving dental health. If dental drills make you nervous, this option can also provide peace of mind. Since the treatment is minimally invasive, your recovery time may improve. You can get back to eating your favorite foods without prolonged delay. Combats Infection Dental lasers sterilize tissue as they work. This ensures that residual bacteria are eliminated during the procedure. Choosing treatment using a dental laser may help reduce your risk of post-treatment complications, including infection. Carbon dioxide lasers can strengthen your tooth enamel's natural structure, making the tooth more resilient than before. Remember, dental lasers can treat both hard and soft tissues. According to market research company Grand View Research , laser dentistry is primarily used in periodontics (17.8% of all applications). Talk to your dentist if you have periodontal (gum) disease. They can treat the infection before it affects your overall health. Pain-Free Cavity Treatment Modern dental techniques are more effective at finding and cleaning cavities without causing as much pain as older dental instruments. You may not need much or any anesthetic during your procedure. Instead, you can remain comfortable while receiving the treatment you need. Safe for Improving Dental Health If you have a cavity, this dental innovation is a safe and effective treatment option. It's safe for both children and adults. Recognizing these benefits may give you peace of mind before your appointment. Lasers are more precise than drills. There's a lower chance that a dentist will damage other parts of your tooth while removing the infected area. Less Dental Anxiety Since this pain-free cavity treatment is less invasive, it won't cause discomfort, which may ease a patient's dental anxiety. Reduced dental anxiety can encourage patients to return for routine appointments. Scheduling regular appointments and preventive dentistry can protect your oral and overall health. If you have crippling dental anxiety, talk to your Catoosa dentist about sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry can keep you calm during the procedure to ensure you receive the care you need. Your dentist can develop a customized treatment plan based on your concerns. Schedule Your Laser Cavity Filling Getting a laser cavity filling can protect your smile and improve your overall health. Don't delay seeking treatment for your cavity. Instead, consult your Catoosa, OK dentist to determine if this pain-free cavity treatment is right for you. At Dental Arts, we prioritize our patients to ensure they receive the treatment they need. With up to 25% off in-office dental plans, convenient evening and weekend appointments, and a commitment to providing excellent care in a friendly environment, we can make it easy for you to maintain peak dental health. Contact us now to schedule your laser cavity filling appointment!

Dental Bonding vs. Veneers: Which Cosmetic Treatment Is Right for You?

By Dental Arts of Catoosa • March 24, 2025

Cosmetic dentistry is growing at an unprecedented rate. According to Identity Dental Marketing, in 2024, the number of people who underwent treatments like veneers, teeth whitening, and complete smile makeovers significantly increased. The surge in demand reflects a growing desire for brighter, more uniform smiles and increased confidence in personal and professional settings. Both procedures can enhance your smile. However, they differ in their approach, longevity, cost, and suitability for different dental concerns. Understanding the differences between veneers and bonding can help you choose the best option. Keep reading to explore their unique benefits, costs, and which treatment might be the best fit for you. What is dental boding? Dental bonding is when a tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the teeth to correct imperfections. The resin is strategically sculpted, hardened with a special light, and polished to integrate with the natural tooth. This treatment is excellent for minor cosmetic matters and is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to enhance your smile. Dental Bonding Benefits Dental bonding is an effective and affordable way to improve the appearance of your teeth . It is a great option for minor cosmetic enhancements without invasive procedures. Here's a deeper dive into the benefits: Quick and painless: The procedure is usually completed in a single visit, often in less than an hour per tooth Affordable: The cost of veneers vs bonding favors bonding, making it the more budget-friendly solution Reversible: Since very little to no enamel is removed, the procedure can be reversed if desired. Great for minor corrections: Bonding is best for small chips, slight discoloration, and minor gaps between teeth. what are dental veneers? Dental veneers are customized thin shells commonly created out of porcelain and bonded to the teeth' front surface. Veneers are a complete smile transformation. They provide a long-lasting solution for various dental imperfections. Veneers Benefits Dental veneers provide a long-term solution for those looking to enhance their smile. They are an excellent choice for individuals seeking a more dramatic transformation with lasting results. With their ability to mimic the natural translucency of teeth, veneers offer a highly realistic and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Durable and long-lasting: Porcelain veneers can last 10-40 years with proper care Stain-resistant: Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers resist staining from coffee, wine, and other pigmented foods Comprehensive smile enhancement: They can cover discoloration, close gaps, fix misshapen teeth, and create a uniform, aesthetically pleasing smile Differences Between Veneers and Dental Bonding Cosmetic dental treatments vary in approach and effectiveness, making it essential to understand which option best suits your needs. When you are looking at dental bonding vs veneers, it is important to know that they both enhance the smile but differ in several ways. Material and Appearance Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin sculpted directly onto the tooth. Veneers, on the other hand, are made from porcelain or composite material. They offer a highly polished, natural appearance that mimics real teeth. Durability and Lifespan Dental bonding typically lasts five to seven years, while veneers can last 10 to 40 years with proper care. Veneers are more resistant to chipping and cracking compared to bonding. Stain Resistance Composite resin used in bonding can stain over time, especially with regular consumption of wine, tea, coffee. Porcelain veneers, however, are highly stain-resistant, keeping your smile bright for years to come. Procedure Time Bonding is a quick solution, often completed in one visit. Veneers usually require multiple appointments. The veneer process involves: Taking impressions Fabricating the veneers in a dental lab and bonding them to the teeth Tooth Preparation Minimal to no enamel is removed for bonding, making it a more conservative option. This makes bonding an attractive choice for those who want to maintain the integrity of their natural teeth. Veneers require the removal of a thin layer of enamel to ensure a proper fit, making them a permanent choice. Cost of Veneers vs Bonding The cost of veneers vs bonding varies significantly. Bonding is generally more affordable, with an average cost ranging from $300 to $600 per tooth . Veneers, on the other hand, are a more substantial investment, costing between $900 and $2,500 per tooth . The price difference is due to the materials used, the procedure's complexity, and the results' longevity. While veneers have a higher upfront cost, they last longer than bonding. This makes them a worthwhile investment for those seeking a permanent cosmetic solution. Are You a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry? Anyone unhappy with their smile due to discoloration, chips, gaps, or uneven teeth may benefit from cosmetic dentistry options like bonding or veneers. However, healthy teeth and gums are essential before undergoing any cosmetic treatment. Issues like cavities or gum disease must be addressed first to ensure long-term success. A consultation with a qualified dentist will help determine the best course of action based on your dental health and cosmetic goals. Why Choose Dental Arts for Your Smile Makeover? At Dental Arts in Locust Grove, OK, we understand that choosing a cosmetic dental procedure is a significant decision. Dr. Michaelsen and his team provide top-tier cosmetic dentistry options in a welcoming, patient-focused environment. Here's why patients trust Dental Arts: Experienced and compassionate care: Our team prioritizes patient health and comfort Flexible scheduling: Evening and early morning appointments make it easier for working professionals to get the care they need Affordable solutions: We offer an in-house dental plan to help reduce costs for our patients Personalized treatment plans: Every smile is unique, and we customize treatments to fit your needs Dental Bonding vs Veneers: Making the Right Choice Choosing between dental bonding vs veneers depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals. Dental bonding benefits those who want a quick, cost-effective fix for minor imperfections. Veneers benefit those seeking a long-lasting, stain-resistant solution for a perfect smile. Consulting a trusted cosmetic dentist can help you determine the best option for your situation. At Dental Arts, we offer comprehensive cosmetic consultations to guide you toward the best treatment for your dream smile. Contact Dental Arts in Locust Grove, OK, today to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you achieve the confident, beautiful smile you deserve!