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  • Dr. Lopez Bio
  • All-On-4 Information

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Alex D.Lopez

Alex D.Lopez, DDS

Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery

"I love what I do, because I'm able to consistently provide encouragement and an array of solutions to our patients with periodontal issues."

Dr. Lopez has a deep commitment to Periodontics, is a gifted surgeon, and brings over 20 years of experience to our practice. Dr. Lopez is a graduate of Northwestern University Dental School and then went on to specialize in Periodontics at the University of Southern California. Dr. Lopez is one of a unique group of surgeons who is board certified in both Periodontology and Implant Surgery.

Dr. Lopez stays current with the latest technology in his field, is licensed for intravenous conscious sedation, and is a proponent of computer assistant implant surgery. This aids in precise placement of dental implants and leads to ideal results both surgically and restoratively. In many cases, this minimizes the extent of surgery that needs to be performed, and thus, a faster recovery for the patient.

Dr. Lopez brings to his craft an undeniable confidence and strength, combined with a gentle bed side manner. This makes a visit to the Periodontist informative and comforting. Dr. Lopez is a proud father of two, an avid golfer, and is in the process of becoming a decent Salsa dancer with his wife Julie of over 20 years.

Education

  • Northwestern University Dental School
  • USC Graduate Periodontics
  • Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology

Member

  • American Academy of Periodontology
  • American Dental Association
  • California Dental Association
  • Santa Barbara /Ventura Dental Society
  • West Coast Study Club for Dental Excellence
All on 4 Treatment

What is All on 4 Treatment?

Today's dental implants are extremely durable. In fact, they can support more weight than natural teeth. At AV Dental Surgery Center, we can use as few as four implants to support a full-arch prosthesis that mimics the appearance of an extended dental bridge.

Bridges are permanent restorations attached onto teeth or implants, supporting pantie (false) crowns in the areas of missing teeth. When set on four implants, the All-on-4 hybrid denture spans across the gums from one side of your mouth to the other.

The biggest difference between an All-on-Four appliance and an overdenture is the way that it's shaped. As a permanent appliance, you never have to take it out. Plus, All-on- Four treatments do not cover the roof of your mouth.

Which is More Durable?

Using implants to support your denture helps prevent the bone in your mouth from resorbing (shrinking) over time. Resorption changes the shape of your oral anatomy, and thus the way your denture fits. When you add implants, your jaw is stronger. That's one reason why getting dental implant therapy is considered such a predictable and long-lasting treatment!

Conventional dentures don't have as strong of biting and chewing capabilities as natural teeth or dental implants. When you set implants under your existing denture, they help keep it in place. However, it does not add much reinforcement in regard to biting and chewing. Foods will still need to be softer and cut up into smaller pieces in order to eat them comfortably.

All-on-4 implants are like chewing with natural teeth again. Each design is crafted from durable materials that mimic natural tooth shape and appearance. Since they're permanently attached to your mouth, you don't have to worry about things moving around while you're eating.

Dental Implant VS Dentures: Which is More Comfortable?

There are several different factors that impact the comfort of a denture or implant prosthesis. Some of the ones to consider include:

  • Rubbing, chafing, and sore spots:
    Both snap-on and All-on-4 dentures help to eliminate the source of sore spots. Since the denture doesn't use your gums for a seal, there's not a risk of it rubbing up against them. Not only is rubbing painful, but it's also a common source of infection for denture wearers.
  • Speech:
    Wearing a removable snap-on denture can change the way you talk. Since there's still an acrylic "plate" across the roof of your mouth, you' ll have to work on making specific speech sounds without slurring our sounding different. But with an All-on-4 implant appliance, the shape follows the contour of your bite. That means your tongue and lips won't have to re-learn how to talk differently.
  • Eating:
    All-on-Four implants offer significant advantages over snap-on dentures when it comes time to eat. Since these hybrid denture/bridge designs do not cover the roof of your mouth, you get to enjoy the natural tastes of your meals and chew easier. Anything you would have eaten before losing your teeth (or wearing dentures) is no longer off limits!
  • Confidence:
    There's something to be said for the way your smile makes you feel. With an All-on-Four implant treatment, you can feel comfortable in your own skin. There's no taking out an appliance when you go to bed at night or having to worry about the way you look when you're laughing in front of friends. Everything is as it should be. You won't have to worry about any awkward situations!
  • Facial profile:
    Dentures can change the way you look. With implants, you're naturally supporting the bone in your mouth, which consequently affects your facial profile. All-on- 4 implants give you the fullness that counteracts "sunken-in" features seen in tooth loss. Rather, your cheeks and lips are supported to add more youth back to your face.

Which One is Right for you?

We are Here to Make this Affordable for You!

If you qualify for dental implant treatment, Dr. Lopez offers a variety of smile rehabilitation techniques to consider. When it comes to replacing all of your teeth as quickly as possible, All-on-4 or Snap-on dentures are the top two choices. However All-on-4 presents obvious advantages because the design mimics your natural smile as closely as possible.

AV Dental Surgery Center offers flexible financing options so that you can get started on your smile makeover today. Our free initial consultation will give you all the information you need to make an educated decision about AV Dental Surgery Center dental implant treatment.

Are All-on-4 Implants Right for You?

All on 4 Treatment

All on 4 Treatment