All on 4 Dental Implants-What You Need to Know

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Introduction to All On 4 Dental Implants

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, and All On 4 Dental Implants are dental implants that support an entire arch of teeth for someone who has lost all their teeth. Unlike regular implants that need one for each missing tooth, All On 4 Dental Implants use 4-6 implants to support an entire arch of teeth. They are a great solution for someone who has no teeth or needs to have all their teeth removed.  In this article, we will talk about how an All On 4 Dental Implants System works, why they are the best solution for someone without teeth (edentulous), how they differ from dentures.  We will also explain who is a candidate for an All on 4 Dental Implant System, recovery after surgery, getting to your final set of teeth. Then we will explore the  care of your new smile, how well they work, how long they last, and what the treatment costs can be. We believe you will have a better understanding about the All on 4 Dental Implant System to help you make sound decisions with your dental treatment and full mouth replacement solutions.

How All On 4 Dental Implants Work

With All-On-4 dental implants, you can replace all of your missing teeth with one bridge for each jaw. Here’s how it works: Once you have been evaluated and approved for the procedure, the dentist will place 4-6 dental implants into the jawbone. These implants are the anchors for a fixed dental bridge (your new teeth) that is secured with screws. The great thing about an All On 4 Dental Implant System is that they give you a full set of functioning teeth the day you have your procedure.

The trick to only needing 4-6 implants per jaw is that they are strategically placed to best support the new bridge of teeth; 2 towards the front and 2-4 angled towards the back for optimal support. This setup ensures the implants create a strong base for your new teeth. With All On 4 Dental Implants, people can have a complete set of teeth without needing individual implants for each missing tooth.

There is healing time (3 months) and then you will be transitioned into try-ins before your final set of teeth is made. This allows for your new teeth to be designed to fit you.

Comparison between All On 4 Dental Implants and Traditional Dentures

All On 4 Dental Implants are a great choice for people with missing teeth because they function more like teeth and less like dentures. An All on 4 Dental Implant System secures your teeth permanently in your mouth unlike dentures that are removable and do not stay secured. The bridge of teeth is screwed into the implants and unlike traditional dentures, you will not need adhesives to hold them in. So, your new teeth stay put. You won’t have to worry about your teeth moving around or slipping when you eat your favorite foods. It gets you back to about 95% functionality of healthy teeth.

Furthermore, All On 4 Dental Implants help preserve the jawbone by stimulating bone to keep it around through the implant roots. This prevents the bone from deteriorating or atrophy over time, which can occur with traditional dentures.

Benefits of All On 4 Dental Implants vs single implants

While many people use traditional dental implants for missing teeth, there are some big differences between them and All On 4 Dental Implants. The main thing is how many implants you need. Regular implants need one for each missing tooth, which can take a long time if you are only doing one at a time, it is not recommended to have implants at every tooth site and overall will cost more. But with All On 4 Dental Implants, you only need 4-6 implants to support all your teeth, making it quicker and more affordable.

Another difference is where they put the implants. Regular ones go straight up and down in the jawbone, but All On 4 Dental Implants are angled strategically. 2 in the front are straight, and 2-4 are angled towards the back of the jaw. The placements ensures the implants connect with the jawbone where they can best support the implants, giving better stability and support for the new teeth. When placing individual implants in certain areas of the mouth, there may not be enough bone for the implant so additional procedures would be necessary adding time and money to your treatment.

Also, recovery for an All On 4 Dental Implant procedure is usually faster than with regular implants because you receive replacement teeth on the same day as the procedure so they can return to normal activities sooner. With single implants they will not be fully restored for 3-4 months.

Candidates for All On 4 Dental Implants

All On 4 Dental Implants work well for many people who don’t have teeth or are needing to have their teeth removed. The best candidates are those who have plenty of bone to support implants, but those that have bone loss still may be a candidate. It is important to be evaluated to know if this is the right procedure for you.  Also, it’s important for candidates to have good overall oral health. 

People who might want All On 4 Dental Implants should talk to your dentist to find out if it’s right for them. At your consultation, the dentist will check/evaluate your bone levels, discuss treatment options and give treatment cost estimates. This will help to make a sound decision for your dental health and which type of treatment is right for you and give you your best result.

The All On 4 Dental Implant procedure

The All On 4 Dental Implant System usually takes about 6 months from start to finish: the initial consultation, the records appointment, the surgery day, 3 months healing, try-in appointments and then delivery of your new teeth.The appointments leading up to your surgery will determine the exact treatment needed. You will go over the procedures, sign consents, have your questions answered, and take care of all of the treatment costs for treatment.  This is an opportunity for the patient to give input as to what they want their new teeth to look like.

On surgery day, you will be given IV sedation so you will sleep through the procedure. Once you are fully sedated, the dentist will place implants into the jawbone.

After placing them, the dentist will attach a temporary dental bridge to the implants. This will give the patient working teeth while the implants heal. Osseointegration is when the implants fuse with the jawbone over several months. Once the implants have fully integrated and the bone has healed, the dentist will remove the temporary bridge and replace it with a permanent, custom-made bridge that will look good and last a long time.

All On 4 Dental Implant Recovery and Aftercare

After the procedure, you might have some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but the dentist will give you medicine to help with the pain. It’s really important to follow what the dentist tells you about caring for your mouth, what to eat, and what medicines to take while you’re getting better.

While you’re initially healing, it’s a good idea to eat soft foods so you don’t press too hard on the implants. You will be provided with a list of what you should eat. It’s also really important to keep your mouth clean by brushing your teeth and gums gently. It would help to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a water flosser. Another very important thing is to keep going to the dentist for checkups and cleanings. That way, they can ensure the implants and your mouth stay healthy.

Regarding long-term aftercare, patients with All On 4 Dental Implants should treat their new teeth like natural ones. This includes brushing and flossing every day, avoiding hard or sticky foods that could damage the dental bridge, and getting regular dental cleanings and checkups. By following these aftercare practices, patients can maximize the lifespan of their All On 4 Dental Implants.

Success rate and how long they last

One of the key factors that contribute to the popularity of All On 4 Dental Implants is their high success rate. When performed by an experienced and skilled dentist, All On 4 Dental Implants work over 95% of the time when done by a skilled and experienced dentist. This success rate is attributed to the strategic placement of the implants, which maximizes their stability and support.

All On 4 Dental Implants can last long if you take good care of them. The dental bridge that’s connected to the implants might need to be changed after 10 to 15 years because it wears out over time. But, the implants can stay in your mouth for your whole life. Frequent dental checkups and cleanings and good oral hygiene are crucial to the longevity and effectiveness of All On 4 Dental Implants.

Cost of All On 4 Dental Implants

The cost of All-On-4 dental implants can change depending on factors such as case complexity, dentist’s experience, location, and additional treatments required. Although All-on-4 dental implants have a higher initial cost compared to traditional dentures, they provide long-term benefits and savings.

Unlike removable dentures that require periodic replacements or adjustments, All On 4 Dental Implants provide a permanent solution and function more like natural teeth. Additionally, All On 4 Dental Implants provide improved functionality and aesthetics, which can greatly enhance the quality of life for patients. Many dental practices provide financing options to make All On 4 dental implants more affordable for patients.

FAQs about All On 4 Dental Implants

Do All On 4 Dental Implants hurt?

The dentist does the All On 4 Dental Implant procedure with anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Afterward, you might have some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but the dentist will give you medicine to help with the pain.

How long does it take to get All On 4 Dental Implants?

The time for All On 4 Dental Implants can be different depending on how hard the case is. Usually, getting across the finish line takes about 6 months. Part of that time is for healing, knowing that the implants will need about 3 months to fully join with the jawbone before you can get the permanent bridge.

Can All On 4 Dental Implants be done on the upper and lower arches?

Yes, you can get All On 4 Dental Implants for both the top and bottom teeth. It depends on what you need and how healthy your teeth are.

Do I have to take out All On 4 Dental Implants to clean them?

No, they are permanent and only the dentist can take them in and out.To clean them, you will treat them just like natural teeth, brushing and using a water flosser 2x daily. Don’t forget that you will still need to have regular check ups with your dentist and schedule cleanings to keep them healthy and clean.

Conclusion

All On 4 Dental Implants are a game-changer in the world of tooth replacement. With their unmatched strength, stability, and aesthetics, they provide an excellent solution for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth. By understanding All On 4 Dental Implants, their benefits, differences from traditional implants, ideal candidates, procedure, recovery and aftercare, success rates and longevity, and cost, patients can make informed dental health decisions.

If you are thinking about getting All On 4 Dental Implants, you should talk to a qualified dentist who has done this procedure before. At Roots Dental in Portland, our experts are dedicated to providing high-quality and top-notch dental care and helping patients achieve their ideal smiles. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you.