Dental Implants: What Does the All-on-Four Teeth Process Entail?

Are you missing teeth or have dentures that often slip? Does this make you feel self-conscious? Do you find that you tend to smile less and have trouble talking and eating?

Dental Implants offer a way to replace missing teeth and enhance your daily life. The Journal of Oral Implantology reports a 98 percent success rate with implants.

If you’ve lost a significant number of teeth, the All-On-Four implant procedure may be right for you. Keep reading to learn more about this type of implant and its benefits.

What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?

All-On-Four implants are often recommended to replace all the upper or lower teeth. Four dental implants act as anchor points. The dentist attaches overdentures or bridges to the implant for a permanent prosthesis.

This technique allows the replacement of 12 to 14 teeth without the need for bone grafting. Now you can replace missing and/or damaged teeth and avoid wearing dentures. Plus, dental implants look and function like natural teeth.

What Does a Single Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

The dentist will remove damaged teeth and their roots. A titanium screw (implant) is then placed into the jawbone. You’re given sedation and/or local anesthesia for this in-office procedure.

The jawbone tissue then grows around the screw. This forms a permanent base that helps preserve the bone.

You may wear a comfortable set of temporary “fixed” teeth while the bone heals. The healing process usually takes up to four months.

Once the implant heals, a crown (false tooth) is secured to the implant. If you’re missing several teeth, the dentist may insert two implants at each end of the missing area. A bridge is then bonded to the implants to permanently replace the row of missing teeth.

Can I Get All-On-Four Dental Implants in One Day?

State-of-the technology has made same-day “All-On-Four” implants an option. This means that you’ll leave the office with a full set of temporary teeth. Now you can more quickly achieve a confident, beautiful smile in one day.

This special technique has a lower risk of the implants becoming loose in the jawbone. It’s important to know that the same-day procedure isn’t an option for replacing one or a few teeth.

The All-On-Four Procedure

All-On-Four systems fuse with your jawbone easier than single implants. This creates more stability. The dentist inserts four titanium posts (implants) spaced across the treatment area. These become the anchor points for your bridge of replacement teeth. Sedation may be an option for this procedure. Next, the dentist will attach temporary teeth to the implants.

You won’t need to worry about the bridge shifting, slipping, or falling out. It gives you stable, usable teeth while the implants heal. You’ll be instructed to avoid biting on hard foods to promote proper healing.

In some instances, the dentist may use removable bridges. For example, if you grind your teeth the dentist will ask you to remove the bridge when sleeping. This ensures quicker and full implant healing.

Once the implants have bonded with the jawbone, you’ll get permanent bridges. This may take place up to six months after the first procedure.

How Much Are Dental Implants?

The cost of dental implants varies based on your specific needs and location. On average, All-On-Four dental implants cost between $12,000 and $25,000 per arch.

Often, same-day procedures cost less. This offers a more affordable dental implant option because it takes fewer visits.

Check with your dental insurance to find out how much they cover for this procedure. If you have to pay part or all of the bill, there are options available to help you. The Cosmetic Dentistry Grant Program helps patients by covering part of the cost.

Many dentist offices have payment programs that allow you to pay your bill over time. Some individuals choose to take a loan to cover the dental implant cost.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many benefits to choosing dental implants in place of dentures. Those who wear dentures for a long time begin to experience shrinkage of the jawbone. This prevents the dentures from adhering properly so they slip and fall out.

The implants stimulate the jawbone to keep making bone cells, so this doesn’t happen. Implants also look and function like natural teeth. You can eat normal food that’s safe for all teeth.

They only require routine oral care. Brush them twice a day, floss, and see your dentist twice a year.

Dental implants improve your daily life in the following ways:

• Enhanced self-esteem and confidence with a beautiful smile
• Restored natural facial contours to provide a younger look
• Reduced cavities and other dental problems of adjacent teeth
• Decreased sensitivity of your natural teeth
• Increased ease of eating which improves your health

If you’ve worn dentures in the past, you’ll enjoy not having to remove them or use messy adhesives. There won’t be any unattractive metal clasps holding the bridge in place. This gives you the closest look of natural teeth you can achieve.

Oral health affects your general health. Bacterial infections in your mouth can trigger chronic inflammatory diseases. This may cause infections in other parts of your body as well.

Untreated oral infections can lead to strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, oral health isn’t just about having white teeth and a pretty smile.

Do You Have Special Dental Care Needs?

If you’re missing several teeth, dental implants can restore your facial features and function. Santa Monica Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, founded in 1975, is the oldest practice in West Los Angeles. Our Board-Certified doctors offer state-of-the-art treatment options.

We’re committed to giving our patients an exceedingly positive experience. Our staff emphasizes compassion, integrity, honesty, and teamwork. We’re told by dental referrals that our communication and execution are unmatched.

You can trust that you will receive the best care in a supportive environment. Book your exam today let us help you achieve better dental health.