Age 74, female, All-on-4 10 months ago & molars clunk together - are they really the problem?

Question

I'm a 74 yr old woman who had all on 4 surgery and same day placement of temporaries 10 months ago. For the last 6 months I've had to have them drilled down because I kept catching my teeth and tongue and the molars wouldn't allow me to close my jaw normally. The biting has been better but my molars still clunk together. My dentist said if at my next visit I'm still uncomfortable we have to make new temps. That could take 3-4 weeks. I the molar problem really a problem?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

While it is common to have an adjustment period to chewing with a full set of implants (All on Four or AOX) when all the teeth are removed, one SHOULD be able to adapt.  The proprioception is lost when the teeth are removed (proprioception is your body's ability to sense movement, action, and location).  Ideally all changes are worked out while wearing temporary bridges but sometimes having everything made out of the final materials is all that is needed.  That is a bit of a gamble, though, because if you DON'T adapt or like the result, it is an expensive lesson that most dentists will not cover the cost.  Our office routinely makes new temporaries, as our lab is on site so we can print a new set or new design same day or within days, so perhaps it won't take the feared 3-4 weeks.

Kerem Turgut Atasoy, DDS, PhD · Answer

Sometimes, It is not something easy the to get used to for patients who undergo full mouth implant treatment such as Allon4. Especially production of new temporaries with a better occlusion amd jaw relationships may help to overcome these complaints. Also occlusal adjustments will make you feel more comfortable

Age 74, female, All-on-4 10 months ago & molars clunk together - are they really the problem?

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Age 74, female, All-on-4 10 months ago & molars clunk together - are they really the problem?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about All-on-4 Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.