What is All on 4 Dental Implants?
Missing teeth don’t have to define your appearance and limit your well-being. All on four dental implants are a great way to replace an arch (or jaw) of teeth. They give you a secure, natural-looking smile, improve your chewing ability, and enhance your dental health.
Let’s explore what is All on 4 dental implants and if they could be the solution you seek:
What is All on 4 Dental Implants?
An All on four dental implant replaces a full arch of teeth (upper or lower jaw) secured with four implants. This is a fixed and permanent solution for tooth loss. It’s the best solution for complete tooth loss (edentulous patients) or extensive tooth decay or gum disease.
Why Choose All on Four Dental Implants?
These dental implants provide a permanent and natural-looking replacement for an arch (jaw) of teeth. Since an arch only needs four implants for support, it’s a less invasive procedure. This means a faster recovery and better oral health.
The Procedure
Here are the stages of an All on four dental implant:
Initial Consultation
We perform a comprehensive examination including X-rays and digital 3D scans. We’ll also review your dental and medical history. These processes identify any underlying issues. Next, we’ll discuss your treatment plans in detail.
Pre-Treatment Procedures
You may need pre-treatment procedures such as:
- Tooth extractions to ensure your implant fits.
- Bone grafts to strengthen your jawbone to receive the All on 4 implant.
- Addressing any gum disease that would affect your implant.
Placing the Implants
On your surgery day, we’ll administer general anesthesia. Next, we’ll insert four titanium screws (or posts) into your jawbone. These screws form the base of the arch of teeth (whether upper or lower jaw).
After your first surgical procedure, you’ll wait three to nine months for your posts to fuse with your jawbone (osseointegration). During this time, you will wear temporary dentures over these implants.
Placing the Implant Abutments
After osseointegration, we’ll place your abutments (small connectors) onto the implant posts. These abutments will serve as the attachment points for your arch of teeth. We’ll take impressions of your mouth and send them to a lab to create your custom prosthesis.
Prosthesis Placement
Once your prosthesis is ready, you’ll come in for the final placement. We attach your prosthesis to the four abutments of your implants. After making all adjustments for comfort and functionality, your All on four implant is complete!
Aftercare
Here are some tips for your implant aftercare:
First Few Weeks
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activities and give yourself a lot of rest time.
- Diet: Stick to soft foods. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or sticky to avoid irritating or dislodging your implants.
- Oral Hygiene: Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush, avoiding direct contact with the surgical sites. Rinse your mouth several times daily with warm salt water solution and use our prescribed antibacterial mouthwash.
- Pain and Inflammation Management: We’ll prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable as you recuperate at home. You can use ice or cold compresses on your face to reduce any swelling.
Follow-Up Appointments
Always keep your scheduled appointments with us! We’ll monitor your healing process and address any concerns that may arise.
Regular Dental Checkups
We’ll schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to keep your implants and gums healthy.
Long-Term Care
Oral Hygiene: Maintain your daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use.
Diet: Eat a balanced diet! Avoid eating sugary or acidic foods and drinks as they lead to plaque accumulation and gum disease.
Avoid Harmful Habits: Smoking and tobacco use can retard your healing process and lead to dental implant failure.
The Benefits of All on 4
Some advantages of these implants include:
Stability and Functionality
- Stable Teeth: These implants provide a solid foundation for a full arch of teeth, so they feel and perform like natural teeth.
- Enhanced Chewing Ability: You’ll have a more comfortable and efficient chewing experience.
- No Dental Adhesives: You won’t need dental adhesives or need to remove your implants.
- No Slippage: All on 4 implants are fixed and don’t slip and cause discomfort.
Aesthetics and Self-Confidence
- Natural-Looking Smile: All on four implants give you a natural-looking smile that boosts your appearance and confidence.
- Better Facial Appearance: These implants preserve your jawbone, prevent bone loss, and help you maintain a youthful appearance.
- More Self-Confidence: A fully restored smile significantly improves your self-confidence and quality of life.
Oral Hygiene and Health
- Jawbone Preservation: These implants stimulate your jawbone, prevent bone loss, and maintain your gum health and face structure.
- Easy Maintenance: Your implant care routine is similar to caring for natural teeth.
- Better Oral Health: All on four implants preserve your jawbone and gums contributing to your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about these implants:
Are All-on-4 implants worth the money?
These implants are a good investment. Despite the initial cost, they yield long-term benefits and enhanced quality of life. They are durable and natural-looking replacements for a full arch and perform better than traditional dentures.
Does food get under All-on-4 implants?
Yes, food particles can get stuck under this implant. However, don’t worry! We can adjust the gap between your dental implant and gums if this becomes a recurring issue.
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
Your All-on-4 dental implant can last 20 years and more (potentially for the rest of your life). The titanium posts are permanent, and the denture can withstand normal wear and tear.
How much does All on 4 cost?
All-on-4 dental implants range from $12,000 to $24,000 per arch (or jaw). A full-mouth restoration (both arches) costs between $24,000 and $50,000.
Get Expert Dental Care
We’ve discussed what you need to know about All on four dental implants. Paramount Implant Center is your source for professional dental care. We’ll take you from your initial consultation to your restored smile. Let’s begin the journey to better dental health: