Interested in All-on-4 dental implants? Learn all about this dental option, its procedure, cost, and so much more in this in-depth, all-in-one guide.
When you have missing or damaged teeth it can really knock your confidence. Having a gap in your teeth is likely to affect your smile. The more teeth you lose, the worse you’ll probably feel.
Not only will losing your teeth affect your smile, but it’ll also cause issues with the function of your teeth; you’ll struggle to bite and chew food. This will make your enjoyment of certain foods somewhat challenging.
But there is a solution. All-on-4 dental implants are a way of permanently solving the issue of having multiple damaged or missing teeth.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the
All-on-4 procedure
and talk about some of the benefits of having the treatment.
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are designed to replace either your entire upper or lower set of teeth. They are a permanent and naturalistic option that has numerous benefits over dentures and traditional dental bridges.
All-on-4 dental implants are sometimes referred to as implant-supported dentures.
In
standard dental implants, each implant will have one small titanium screw. This is placed through the gums and into the jawbone. With traditional dental implants, you’ll have a single false tooth or dental crown attached to the screw.
With All-on-4 treatment, you’ll not need to have each of your missing teeth replaced individually. Instead, your dental surgeon will insert four titanium posts to act as replacements for the roots of your teeth.
Once this has been done, you can then attach a permanent denture onto the four posts for a natural look across your whole mouth.
Once your All-on-4 dental implants have been placed and have healed, they’ll remain in your mouth permanently. They’ll also look and feel as real as your surrounding teeth.
What Are the Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants?
One of the main benefits of getting the All-on4 dental implant procedure is that you’ll be able to smile naturally once more.
Some of the other benefits include:
- You can replace a whole set of teeth in just one dental procedure
- The implants will be permanently secured to your mouth meaning they won’t move around like dentures
- The All-on-4 cost is less than replacing each tooth on its own
- The procedure restores a whole set of teeth using four implants
- The implants can be placed in just one day
- There's no need for a bone graft meaning they are suitable for everyone
All-on-4 dental implants are a great option for anyone who has lost an entire set of teeth.
How Long Will My All-on-4 Implants Last?
Getting the All-on-4 dental implant procedure carried out will provide you with long-lasting replacement teeth. Assuming you take good care of your new teeth, you can expect your implants to last for 20 years or more.
There is a
94% success rate of All-on-4 implants lasting more than a decade.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From the All-on-4 Dental Implant Procedure?
Recovery time for All-on-4 dental implants varies depending on the person. Typically, recovery times can be anywhere from three to eight months.
Because of the angle of dental implant penetration, the bone takes less time to fuse than it might with a traditional dental implant procedure.
Step One: The Consultation
The first stage in getting your All-on-4 dental implants is to visit your dentist for a consultation. During your consultation, you’ll have a full examination of your mouth in addition to dental x-rays and potentially a CBCT scan.
This consultation will give your dentist the chance to assess the condition of any remaining teeth and your gums. The CBCT scan and x-ray will look at the condition of your bone.
In your consultation, your dentist will also discuss your current medical health along with finding out about any medication you’re taking.
Once your dentist has made a full assessment, they will be able to discuss the plan for carrying out the procedure. If you elect to go ahead with the procedure, it’ll be arranged for a later date.
Step Two: The Implant Placement
On the day of the procedure, you’ll need to wear comfortable clothing. You’ll also need to ensure that you have someone that can drive you home following the procedure as you’ll be unable to drive because of the sedation.
To begin the procedure, you’ll be sedated. Following this, your dentist will extract any remaining teeth. They will then make an incision in your gums and will shape the sockets where the implants will eventually go.
The titanium screw will then get placed into the jaw. Once the abutments are in position, the gums will be closed up around the abutment leaving it visible.
Step Three: Recovery
Once your dental implants have been placed, they will need time to heal. You may experience a small amount of soreness and swelling. Any discomfort that you feel can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Throughout the next few months, your dental implants will start to heal. Initially, you’ll need to go on a soft food diet so that you don’t put too much pressure on your implants as they heal.
Find Out More About All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants are life-changing. They’ll restore the full look and function of your teeth. The procedure is relatively straightforward and the whole procedure takes just one sitting.
To learn more about the procedure or to make an appointment for your initial consultation,
get in touch today.
