I recently got some all-on-four dental implants. I was hoping to avoid getting a bone grafting procedure. Now I am wondering if I made a mistake taking this work around. My bite feels off. I went to a clinic because my dentist doesn’t do the all-on-4, just grafting and traditional implants. I went back to the clinic who did the procedure to find out what was going on. I told them that my right side feels bigger than my left side and that it hurts when I chew. They told me that my front teeth line up perfectly and that is what matters. I suppose they know what they’re doing, but now I’m starting to get headaches. I don’t know that they are from that, but either way, it does hurt when I chew. Is this normal? I’m a little embarrassed to admit to my dentist that it didn’t go well.
Donna
Dear Donna,
All-on-4 Dental Implants
I can understand why you may feel a bit uncomfortable about talking to your dentist about this, but most dentists understand that if they don’t do a procedure that their patient really wants they will likely go elsewhere to get that particular work done. I doubt he would berate you for this. If he does, then I would consider switching completely. The best dentists do not lecture their patients. Educate and inform is okay, “I told you so’s” are not. However, I don’t think it is the procedure that was the problem so there is little chance that your choice of replacement is the issue.
The description you gave leads me to think that your dentist placed the dental implants incorrectly. Also, their statement that all that matters is the front teeth are aligned is not correct. The occlusion of your teeth is important, very important. If it doesn’t get fixed, it could lead to serious problems.
I’m going to suggest that you see your dentist and have him examine your all-on-4 and see what he thinks about their placement and the inclusion. He could help you work with the clinic who did the work to get it set properly.
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