Everything You Need to Know About All-on-4 Dental Implants

Before the development of dental implants, tooth loss could only be addressed using prosthetics like dentures and bridges. Unlike traditional prosthetics, implants are placed in the jawbone and function like natural tooth roots. With a global market value of nearly $4 billion, dental implants have become a popular solution for tooth loss. 

If the thought of extensive oral surgery keeps you from enjoying a new smile, you may be a great candidate for all-on-4 dental implants. In this article, we’ll explore the all-on-4 process and whether you are a good candidate for the advanced treatment.

Are You a Candidate?

If you are missing an entire arch of teeth, you are likely a great candidate for All-on-4 dental implants. The advanced implants support a 12 or 14-tooth denture that restores form and function to your smile.

Initial Consultation 

Our esteemed doctors will listen to your personal goals and perform an exam to determine if you are a candidate for this advanced dental implant solution.

Exam and X-rays

Candidates should be in good oral health and free from jawbone atrophy. Our doctors use x-rays, or 3D CT scans to look for signs of jawbone loss. Candidates who have lost extensive jawbone mass may be required to undergo sinus lift surgery or another procedure to augment their jawbone. 

Alternate Treatment Options

If you are missing one tooth or a few adjacent teeth, you may be a better candidate for a bridge or a partial denture. Whatever your tooth loss needs are, one of our doctors can describe your treatment options. All of our patients benefit from cutting-edge surgical technology and classic patient-centered care.

How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Work?

Implant-retained dentures typically require several implants. Each implant has to be surgically placed in the jaw. All-on-4 implants work differently. 

Fewer Dental Implants 

All-on-4 dental implants support a denture and only require the placement of four dental implants. Fewer implants mean a quicker recovery and lower risk of side effects following treatment. Fewer implants can also mean a lower overall treatment cost. 

Incredible Stability

Our surgeon will place two implants near the front of your jaw and two implants near the rear of your jaw.

The All-on-4 treatment allows one of our doctors to angle the implants in a manner that maximizes available jawbone space. This allows the prosthetic to be fully supported, so it doesn’t shift.

Ideal Treatment Following Bone Loss 

The All-on-4 option also allows one of our doctors to strategically place the implants in areas where jawbone density is highest. This can be a great option for people who have suffered jaw bone atrophy. Following tooth loss, it is natural for the bone that supported a tooth to be reabsorbed. 

All-on-4 implants are also ideal for people who have close anatomical features. New implants offer a safer alternative for these patients.  

Teeth In a Day

You may have heard the term “teeth in a day” associated with this treatment. Following the surgical placement of four implants, you can be immediately fitted with an implant-supported denture.

Traditional dental implant treatments require patients to wait months before they can finally be fitted with implants. Sometimes, extra follow-up surgeries to attach abutments are needed. With the All-on-4 treatment option, you can skip those extra steps and go straight to enjoying the benefits of an implant-supported denture.  

Treatment Overview

Although you will require fewer dental implants, oral surgery is still required for you to enjoy the benefits of gaining all-on-four teeth. Once one of our doctors creates a custom treatment plan, a date will be set for your oral surgery. 

Once your oral surgery has been carefully planned, you’ll arrive at our office, where you’ll be directed to the surgical room.

Sedation Dentistry

Our doctors are Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and they care about your comfort. That is why we offer sedation dentistry to help patients relax or even sleep during dental procedures for painless dental care.

Oral Surgery

Once you feel relaxed and comfortable, one of our doctors will remove any remaining teeth. The next step involves the placement of the implants.

One of our surgeons will place your implants. Your doctor will attach a special device called an abutment to the top of the implant. The abutment connects the implant to the denture. 

Our doctor will make an incision in the gums and will place an implant in the jawbone. Once They have placed all four implants, they will then attach your implant-supported denture. Someone from our team will walk you down from our office with your brand new set of teeth.

Recovery from Surgery   

There will still be a recovery period. During your initial recovery, you may experience minor side effects. You will be given recovery guidelines that should be closely followed. 

Long-term recovery takes three to six months. During that time, your implants will fuse with the surrounding jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration. 

Schedule Your Dental Implant Surgery Today

Our patients tell us that they feel heard by our staff. Our team has a reputation for giving patients the best experience every time they step into our office. If you are looking for a dental surgical team that goes above and beyond every time, you should consider working with Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants.

Our surgeons specialize in surgically placing all-on-4 dental implants. To schedule your oral surgery consultation, contact our office today.