A Quick Guide to All-on-4®

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.

What is All-on-4?

The All-on-4 system supports a denture that replaces the entire arch of teeth with only four dental implants. In the past, replacing a full arch of teeth with dental implants required 6-8 implants per arch. Thanks to the All-on-4's use of angled posterior implants, only four dental implants are required to support a full arch of replacement teeth. This translates to fewer appointments and a more cost-effective process.

Benefits of all-on-4

Due to the techniques and the reduced number of implants, more patients with compromised bone density qualify for treatment. In addition, the All-on-4 option:

• Looks and functions much like natural teeth
• Is more economical than other implant procedures
• Involves faster treatment and healing times
• Reduces the need for bone grafting
• Is permanent and does not need to be taken out for cleaning

All-on-4 has a high success rate, and the replacement teeth fit comfortably in the patient's mouth for years. While the denture will eventually need replacing, the implants can last a lifetime with proper care.

The All-on-4 procedure

The process varies by patient, depending on their needs. However, it starts with the consultation and exam to determine candidacy and treatment planning. This includes determining the placement of the implants and if any preparatory treatment is necessary.

On the day of the procedure, the provider may extract any remaining teeth before strategically placing four metal implants into the lower jaw and four into the upper, followed by attachment of the abutments. Next, the periodontist sutures the gums before attaching temporary dentures are attached to the implants. The temporary denture will act as the patient's teeth through the healing process. However, the patients will leave with a set of natural-looking teeth that day.

After the procedure

The patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure. The initial recovery period takes about three days, during which the patient will experience swelling and discomfort that is usually well managed with over-the-counter medication. The periodontist will provide aftercare instructions that include changes to eating habits, recovery tips, side effects to watch for, and when to call the office.

It will be several months before the patient receives their permanent replacement teeth. During this time, the patients will attend checkups to determine whether healing is going as planned. It takes about 3-6 months to heal fully and for the implants to integrate into the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration.