What is an All-on-4 procedure?
We commonly get questions about a type of prosthesis called an All-on-4 procedure. It's a common name for this type of treatment, and we'll go into some of the details and explain some of the pros and cons.
The truth is, the number of implants used may not always be four. Sometimes it may be four, and sometimes it may be five, six, or another number depending on the patient's needs. The general idea is that we're replacing a full arch of teeth with a new set of teeth that is fixed to dental implants so the patient doesn't remove the prosthesis at home like a traditional removable denture.
How is an All-on-4 procedure different from traditional dental implants?
The All-on-4 procedure is different from other dental implant treatments in the overall goal. All-on-4 is designed to replace a full arch of teeth on the upper jaw, lower jaw, or potentially both.
The replacement teeth are fixed to the implants and don't come in and out like a traditional removable denture. That's different from using a dental implant to replace a single tooth or using implants to help support certain removable dentures. Simply, the goal is different with an All-on-4 type of procedure.
Who is a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants?
All-on-4 dental implants can be a helpful treatment, but only specific patients are candidates. This treatment is generally considered for patients who are already missing all or most of their teeth in an arch or whose remaining teeth can't predictably be maintained. All-on-4 dental implants aren't simply a cosmetic treatment.
If someone may be a candidate from a tooth perspective, we also want to evaluate the available bone because that's where the implants will go. We review the patient's medical history and other health factors that could affect implant treatment or healing.
Are seniors too old for All-on-4 treatment?
All-on-4 dental implants can be an option for some seniors. Many patients ask us if they're too old for this type of treatment. Age alone doesn't determine candidacy. We look at the patient's overall health, oral condition, available bone, medical history, and treatment goals to determine if implant treatment is appropriate.
How does bone loss affect All-on-4 dental implants?
Many patients ask us questions about bone loss in the jaw and how that affects dental implant treatment. We need to evaluate the amount and quality of bone in the areas where implants may be placed.
Even when bone is present, there are other factors we need to consider when determining candidacy and planning implant placement. That's why an individual evaluation and appropriate imaging are important.
What is the All-on-4 dental implant process like?
The All-on-4 dental implant process can be done a few different ways, and it varies from person to person. One approach people commonly hear about involves removing the remaining teeth, placing the implants, and attaching a temporary fixed set of teeth on the same day when the implants have appropriate stability and the clinical conditions allow it.
Not every patient can have a fixed temporary prosthesis attached immediately. We'll evaluate your individual situation and explain what you can expect during the healing period.
How long does an All-on-4 procedure take?
The length of an All-on-4 procedure varies from patient to patient depending on the number of implants being placed, the number of teeth being removed, whether we're treating one arch or both, and whether a temporary prosthesis is being attached that day.
This isn't a short procedure, and the surgical appointment can take several hours. The complete treatment process extends beyond the surgical visit because the implants and surrounding tissues need time to heal before the final restoration is completed.
How long does an All-on-4 restoration last?
The goal of an All-on-4 procedure is to provide a long-term fixed solution for replacing a full arch of teeth. That being said, there's always going to be ongoing maintenance, and components of the restoration may eventually need repair or replacement.
It's not a set-it-and-forget-it type of situation. It's more like owning a car. There's still going to be some maintenance afterward.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of All-on-4 treatment?
Many patients who are missing most or all of their teeth have difficulty eating or feel self-conscious about their smile. A fixed implant-supported restoration can provide an alternative to a traditional removable denture and may improve chewing function, stability, and confidence for appropriately selected patients.
There are also considerations to keep in mind. All-on-4 treatment involves surgery, requires healing and ongoing maintenance, and isn't appropriate for every patient. We discuss the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and alternatives before deciding if this treatment makes sense for you.
What can change before and after All-on-4 treatment?
One of the most transformational things we can do is help a patient who has severely damaged or nonfunctional teeth receive a new smile. We have a smile gallery on our website that shows before-and-after examples of treatments we provide.
All-on-4 dental implants and other full-arch treatments can change the appearance of the smile and improve chewing function for appropriately selected patients. The specific result varies based on the patient's starting condition, anatomy, treatment plan, and healing.
What is recovery like after an All-on-4 procedure?
Recovery depends on how many teeth we're removing, whether we're working on the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, the number of implants being placed, and the patient's overall health.
Patients can experience soreness, swelling, bruising, or other temporary symptoms after surgery. The amount and duration vary from person to person. We'll provide post-operative instructions, explain how to manage your symptoms, and let you know when to contact us if something doesn't seem right.
How long do All-on-4 dental implants last?
Dental implants are intended to provide long-term support for the replacement teeth, but no implant or prosthesis can be guaranteed to last forever. Implant longevity depends on factors such as healing, oral hygiene, surrounding bone and gum health, smoking, medical conditions, bite forces, and ongoing professional maintenance.
The teeth and other prosthetic components attached to the implants experience wear over time and may eventually need maintenance, repair, or replacement. The implant fixtures and the restoration on top therefore don't necessarily have the same lifespan.
What dental care is needed after All-on-4 treatment?
A common question that comes up is regarding dental care after an All-on-4 prosthesis is fabricated. This is a great question because it's an important one.
Sometimes All-on-4 treatment is presented as a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. Unfortunately, that's not the case when it comes to maintenance. Just as if you owned a really nice car, it would still need regular maintenance.
You'll still need routine professional visits so we can evaluate the health of the implants, surrounding tissues, and prosthesis. You'll also need to clean around and underneath the restoration at home using the techniques and tools recommended for your particular prosthesis.
At Periodontics and Implant Dentistry of Tallahassee, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (850) 909-9731 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Replace an Entire Row of Teeth in 1 Appointment
If you have several missing teeth or even an entire row that is gone, then your oral function is probably severely compromised, and you want to have it fixed as quickly as possible. Traditional implant procedures usually require months to be completed, but there are exceptions: All-on-4 dental implants in Tallhassee, FL. With this treatment, Dr. Rasmussen can restore an entire row of teeth in a single appointment, helping a patient reclaim their health, bite, and confidence in a matter of hours. Want to learn more about All-On-4? If so, give us a call today.
Why Choose Periodontics & Implant Dentistry of Tallahassee for All-On-4 & Teeth-in-a-Day?
- Treatment Provided by a Board-Certified Periodontist
- Helps Patients Avoid the Need for a Bone Graft
- Customer Service That Ensures You Feel Welcome & Comfortable
How Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Work?
On the surface, All-On-4 implants might sound too good to be true, but Dr. Rasmussen has already used this procedure to help countless patients quickly reverse years of tooth loss. Just four special dental implants are placed along the jaw at specific locations so they can provide the most support possible for a new denture. Typically, two are located towards the front of the bone with another two towards the back that are slightly tilted. This is where the jawbone is naturally thicker, maximizing a patient’s existing bone density. Once the implants have been positioned within the bone, they are immediately attached to a full denture, instantly giving a patient the new teeth they desire.
Am I A Candidate For All-On-4 Dental Implants?
All-On-4 dental implants are usually recommended for patients who are missing most if not all of their teeth along their upper or lower arch. Most people in this situation have experienced quite a bit of bone loss as well, so much so that traditional dental implants are not a viable option. All-On-4 implants are specially designed to help patients in this situation. If you have extensive tooth loss and have been told you’re not qualified to get dental implants in the past, then this procedure was made for you.
What Are the Benefits of All-On-4 Dental Implants?
Speed: In a single appointment, a patient can completely renew their smile and vastly improve their ability to speak and eat comfortably.
Cost: In most cases, the cost of getting All-On-4 dental implants is less compared to a traditional implant denture, which often requires six to eight implants to stay in place.
No Bone Graft: As we touched on above, All-On-4 dental implants are meant to work with a patient’s existing jawbone even if it has shrunk, meaning it helps many avoid the need for a bone graft procedure. This helps lower the overall cost and shortens the time a patient needs to replace their teeth.
All-On-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants
The posts used for All-On-4 tend to be bigger compared to traditional implants, and this is why such a small number of them can be used to secure a full denture. Traditional implants are usually placed in the specific locations where teeth have gone missing, but with All-On-4, they are spaced across the entire jawbone. All-On-4 implants are designed to maximize a patient’s jawbone density, which is why they are exclusively located in the thickest part of the bone.
All-on-4 FAQs
All-on-4 is a different kind of dental implant treatment, so it’s not unusual for patients to have plenty of questions about how it works. We encourage you to reach out to us right away if there’s anything you’d like to know about All-on-4 before you decide whether you want to move forward with it. To help make things a little easier, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked All-on-4 questions below.
Will All-on-4 Look Like My Natural Teeth?
Yes, dentures supported by All-on-4 implants look and feel very natural. The implants themselves won’t be visible because they’ll be covered by your dentures and your gums. Your new teeth will be made out of materials that closely resemble natural tooth enamel. Your restoration will be customized with your unique smile in mind so that the final results are as lifelike as possible.
Additionally, since the implants will keep your teeth firmly in place, there’s no risk of your dentures slipping or moving at awkward times. This can help you feel much more confident in your smile and your overall appearance when interacting with others.
What Can I Eat After All-on-4?
With traditional implants, you would normally be limited to only eating soft and liquid foods for a while after the surgery. However, that’s not necessarily an issue with All-on-4. Because you can often receive your new teeth on the same day that All-on-4 dental implants are placed, you may be able to eat solid foods right away following the procedure. That said, you will need to avoid hard, brittle, or chewy foods for a while. It will typically take around 6 to 10 weeks for you to be able to return to a normal diet.
Is the All-on-4 Procedure Painful?
There’s little to no discomfort during the surgery itself because a local anesthetic is used to numb the mouth beforehand. Also, if any kind of sedation is used, it will further reduce your body’s ability to notice pain. And of course, our team will take whatever steps are needed during the procedure to help you stay comfortable.
Once the treatment is complete and your mouth is no longer numb, you’re likely to experience some mild soreness and swelling. It should only take a few days for these side effects to subside, but we do recommend that you call us right away if there’s any severe pain.
What is the Success Rate of the All-on-4 Procedure?
The success rate of All-on-4 is as high as 98% for both the upper and lower jaw, meaning it’s a very reliable choice for anyone that’s eligible for the procedure. Of course, even with an extremely high success rate, you still have to be aware of the possibility of dental implant failure. Make sure that you’re practicing excellent oral hygiene after receiving your new teeth; daily brushing and flossing are essential for preventing gum disease that could lead to complications with your dental implant posts.