If you are researching teeth replacement options, you have probably heard of All-on-4® implants. This procedure is a popular and natural-looking way to restore a smile after tooth loss using dental implants. In fact, it offers many benefits to anyone exploring smile restoration options. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions that should help you decide if you should explore this option further.
All-on-4 is a technique that uses four dental implants to replace an entire arch of teeth, while most other methods use six to eight implants. Thus, four implants support the bottom arch, and four implants support the top arch. Unlike other all-teeth replacement options, All-on-4 places posterior implants at an angle, requiring fewer implants to support the dentures.
This procedure offers many of the same advantages as other dental implant procedures, including:
Along with these benefits, All-on-4 usually requires less surgery than other options and often does not require the patients to undergo bone grafting. That means less healing and recovery time. Another significant plus is cost. All-on-4 tends to be much less expensive than other dental implant procedures.
Almost anyone looking for complete tooth replacement is a good candidate for this procedure. However, the patient must be in good oral and physical health to undergo surgery. The ideal candidate is a nonsmoker committed to caring for their teeth during and after the healing period.
The process starts with a thorough consultation and exam to determine candidacy. This is followed by treatment planning. The procedure happens in one day and can take two to four hours. The periodontist and team will likely use local anesthesia and put the patient under conscious sedation so they are comfortable during the procedure. It is a good idea to arrange a ride home after the procedure. The patients will leave that day with a new set of teeth in the form of a temporary denture that will be replaced with a permanent one after the healing period.
We recommend patients take two to three days off work to relax and heal. The majority of the discomfort is experienced during this time. However, many say any pain and swelling is easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medications. Patients will be on a soft food diet for a while and slowly ease back into their usual diet. This process will be different for each patient. It can take between four to six months for healing and for the metal implants to fully integrate with the jawbone. Our team provides extensive aftercare instructions and will follow up closely with the patient.
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Those considering this option should make an appointment for a consultation to learn how the specifics of the process will work for them. If we determine you are a good candidate, our staff will customize a treatment plan to fit you and help you with every step of the process. Please do not hesitate to call if you have further questions.
Request an appointment or call Charles E. Dyer IV, DDS, MS, PC at 281-213-0900 for an appointment in our Cypress office.
All-on-4® dental implants are permanent full-arch restorations. This alternative to dentures restores the teeth without the use of a removable device. Instead, All-on-4 functions like real teeth, providing various benefits beyond simply restoring one's smile. Here are a few pros and cons of All-on-4 implants.Dental implants are screwlike posts that act as replacement tooth roots.…
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All-on-4® offers a simpler and more cost-effective solution to tooth loss. This technique replaces a full set of teeth with just four implants, making for an easier process, among other advantages. Here is a quick overview of how All-on-4 is restoring smiles.The All-on-4 system supports a denture that replaces the entire arch of teeth with…