Understanding All-on-4 Dental Implants and If They Are Right For You
All-on-4 dental implants are a cutting-edge method of replacing someone's teeth, which is done basically in one visit. It requires extensive preparation ahead of time, and then the patient comes in once. We perform the procedure under general anesthesia with an anesthesiologist on site, and the patient leaves with teeth in their mouth.
All-on-4 means essentially replacing all the teeth on one arch or both arches, placing implants, and then attaching a fixed prosthesis to the implants on the same day.
What are the pros and cons of All-on-4's?
The pros and cons of All-on-4 include being a wonderful way to replace damaged, missing, or worn-down teeth with a fixed prosthesis that feels natural and can last a lifetime.
Other Benefits of All-on-4 Implants
- Enhanced stability: the all-on-4 concept utilizes four strategically laced implants per arch, providing a strong foundation.
- Improve your appearance
- Get a long-lasting smile
- Reduces further bone loss
- Easily care for your teeth
The primary downside is financial, as it is costly due to all the parts and components involved in the process.
Who are good candidates for All-on-4 implants?
In general, candidates for All-on-4 implants are people with periodontal disease, many missing teeth, or teeth that are worn down or decayed beyond repair, where the only other option would be dentures, which have several downsides.
A candidate would not be ideal for All-on-4 if they have medical conditions affecting their bone, such as diabetes, or if they take medications with side effects related to bone health. Smokers are also not ideal candidates.
What is the first step if I'm interested in All-on-4 dental implants?
The first step to determine if you are a candidate is a 3D scan, which allows us to assess the condition of your bone and jaw to see if there is sufficient bone to place the implants safely and accurately.
After the scan, the process involves taking impressions for study models, pictures, and x-rays. This information helps us create the right treatment plan for each patient, ensuring the safe, secure, and quick delivery of the implants.
Once this is complete, we discuss the financial aspects with the patient, and the day of the surgery is set up. This involves an anesthesiologist to administer general anesthesia. Prior to the surgery, the anesthesiologist will contact the patient to discuss medical conditions and medications.
On the day of surgery, the patient is put under general anesthesia and monitored closely. The dentist and team then remove all the teeth and place the implants. The entire process takes about three hours per arch, after which the patient is brought back to normal status with temporary teeth that resemble the permanent ones.
Stages of the All-on-4 Implants
- Consultation & Preparatory stage
- 3D modeling on a PC
- Implantation
- Prosthesis placement
What is the healing process like for dental implants?
The healing process varies for different patients. Some heal faster than others, but generally, it takes about one to two weeks. We advise patients on how to care for their gums, prescribing mouthwash and recommending a soft food diet to avoid overstressing the implants in the first couple of weeks after surgery.
What is the longevity of All-on-4 dental implants?
The All-on-4, six, or more implants can last a lifetime, provided the patient takes care of them as they would their natural teeth. Regular follow-ups every six months for checkups and cleanings are essential to monitor the mechanics and bite and to ensure there are no signs of periodontal disease. If these are kept under control, the patient can enjoy the implants with prosthesis for the rest of their life.
All-on-4 is a dental implant technique where the upper/ lower set of teeth is replaced with four implants. These implants act as a support mechanism for the placement of a new set of fixed teeth.
What makes the All-on-4 dental implant procedure different?
All-on-4 Dental implants are a similar concept to all-on-6, but with a slight difference in the number of placement of implants.
Here’s what sets all-on-4 dental implants apart:
- Number of implants: the reduction in the number of implants can be beneficial in situations where the jawbone volume or density is limited, minimizing the need for other procedures.
- All-on-4 implants often allow for immediate or early loading of the prosthetic.
Schedule a Consultation with Premier Smiles to Learn What's Right For You
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at (610) 553-3389 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!