Extending the Lifetime of Your All-on-4 Implants

All-on-4® implants are easy to care for, allowing patients to achieve a natural-looking and fully functional smile. While other tooth replacement options require extra care and maintenance, All-on-4 does not drastically change one's oral health routine. In fact, with proper care, patients can extend the lifespan of these implants.

What is All-on-4?

All-on-4 is a full-arch restoration held in place by four strategically placed dental implants that mimic teeth roots. A periodontist will place these implants directly into the jaw, then place a temporary denture on top until the implants fuse with the jawbone. Then, they can place the permanent denture.

How to care for All-on-4 implants after placement

With proper care, All-on-4 typically last 10 to 15 years. They may even last up to 20 years. Here are a few tips for how to care for All-on-4 after placement to extend the full-arch restoration’s lifetime:

Follow postoperative instructions carefully

Even though each patient will have personalized care instructions, there are also general aftercare guidelines. Placing an icepack outside the mouth, near the implant, for 15 minutes several times a day can help to reduce swelling and ease jaw discomfort. Keeping the head elevated with multiple pillows can also help to prevent swelling. Patients should take any pain medication or antibiotics as directed. Maintaining a soft diet after All-on-4 placement is also necessary to avoid damaging the mouth.

Ignoring postoperative instructions can result in improper healing and dental implant failure, meaning the implants have failed to fuse with the jawbone. There may be other techniques or steps a patient must follow to ensure recovery.

Rest and recover

Patients must give themselves time to rest and recover after All-on-4 placement. This can include taking some time off from work and other responsibilities. The periodontist will review the benefits of proper rest in detail during a consultation, but it can greatly benefit the overall recovery process. In many cases, patients should take at least three days off work to recover from the procedure.

Maintaining All-on-4 implants for the long-term

Along with following recovery instructions for All-on-4, there are other steps a patient can take in their daily routine to further the lifespan of their All-on-4 implants. Here are a few of the potential ways to maintain All-on-4 implants:

Practice good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene for All-on-4 implants is the same as for natural teeth. Patients should brush them twice a day and floss at least once daily. Some patients find it helpful to use a water flosser for a better, easier clean than with traditional floss.

Refrain from chewing ice and similar habits

All-on-4 implants act like real teeth (and feel like them, too). Just like real teeth, it is not a good idea to chew ice or pens, bite nails, or use the teeth to open packages. These habits can damage natural teeth and permanent dentures.

Get routine oral exams and cleanings

It is recommended to have dental checkups every six months to ensure good oral health. With All-on-4s, a periodontist may recommend visiting the dentist every three months. This is to ensure there are no issues with the permanent dentures and to receive a professional cleaning.