All-on-4 Dental Implants

Quick Guide to All-on-4® Dental Implants

While dental implants have been used for decades to replace missing or extracted teeth, All-on-4® implants are a newer development used to substitute an entire arch of teeth. This solution is an alternative to traditional removable dentures and is designed for patients who have lost a majority of their teeth due to gum disease or another cause.

The All-on-4® procedure

Read on for common questions and essential information for anyone considering this dental procedure.

Who is a candidate?

This treatment is acceptable for healthy patients of all ages who have widespread damage to the teeth or who are currently wearing removable dentures. It is also important that a patient’s jawbone has enough bone to support the implants. If a 3D CT scan reveals there is not an adequate foundation to proceed with the procedure, a bone graft may be needed ahead of time to strengthen the jaw structure.

What happens during the surgery?

All-on-4® implants involve a full prosthetic bridge secured to the jawbone with four strategically placed titanium implants. The gum-like base of the prosthetic is most often made from acrylic, and the teeth are made from resin or porcelain. This arch is prepared prior to the patient’s appointment by dental lab technicians.

While the exact process varies depending on the patient’s unique situation and the office’s protocol, it is not uncommon for a person to have any teeth extracted, implants placed and prosthetic placed all in one day. Some offices may provide the patient with temporary dentures during a three- to five-month healing process and then schedule a second appointment for attaching the permanent bridge.

What is required for aftercare?

Patients need time to recover after surgery and may experience discomfort in the days following the procedure. People often take several days off work to rest and heal. Rinsing with salt water every few hours is recommended to minimize bleeding. The patient should stick to a soft diet for at least a week or two.

Facial swelling and bruising in addition to minimal bleeding from the surgical area is to be expected. There are several other common issues a person may experience:

  • Nausea and lightheadedness
  • Sharp feelings in the mouth due to protruding bones
  • Stiff jaw muscles
  • Dry lips
  • Sore throat

Patients should contact a dentist if they are bleeding excessively from the site or experiencing extreme pain. Any signs of infection or improper healing needs to be addressed immediately. While rare, it is possible for the implant to fail due to a variety of reasons. Loosening of the implant, gum recession or swelling and problems chewing are all signs of a failed implant.

Conclusion

For patients who meet the qualifications necessary for All-on-4®, it is possible to get a whole new arch of teeth in one visit. A comprehensive consultation is necessary to determine the right course of treatment for each individual patient. Getting in contact with a dentist is the first step in determining if this is the appropriate restorative option for your missing or damaged teeth.

Are you considering All-on-4 in the Atlanta area? Get more information at https://atlantapamperedsmiles.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Why You Should Consider A Partial Denture For One Missing Tooth

A partial denture for one missing tooth can improve the appearance of your smile in addition to making basic oral functions easier. Partial dentures are an affordable solution to concerns about declining oral health due to missing teeth. If you are missing a tooth, your dentist may recommend partial dentures for several reasons.Partial dentures are…

Everything You Need To Know About Fastbraces

Fastbraces have gained popularity in recent years for their efficiency and convenience. They help reduce treatment time compared to traditional braces while allowing patients to achieve a straighter and healthier smile. The following blog will explore what Fastbraces are, how they work, their benefits and limitations, and who may be a good candidate for this…

Partial Denture For One Missing Tooth: Can It Be A Removable Denture?

A lost tooth can be a challenging situation to deal with in your life. Fortunately, a partial denture for one missing tooth is an excellent option to get your smile back to full capacity. Your dentist can go over your choices for this procedure and can even set you up with a removable denture. Opting…

How Easy Can It Be To Get A Partial Denture For One Missing Tooth?

When many people lose a single tooth, they may be inclined to ignore it and be grateful for the remaining thirty-one — despite the difficulties such a loss can cause. The good news is that getting a partial denture for one missing tooth is a relatively straightforward and largely painless procedure. Although you may experience…

J.D. Murray DDS

Share
Published by
J.D. Murray DDS

Recent Posts

Why You Should Consider a Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth

A partial denture for one missing tooth can improve the appearance of your smile in…

6 days ago

Everything You Need To Know About Fastbraces

Fastbraces are an innovative and efficient alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments.

1 week ago

Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth: Can It be a Removable Denture?

A lost tooth can be a challenging situation to deal with in your life. Fortunately,…

2 weeks ago

How Easy Can it Be to Get a Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth?

When many people lose a single tooth, they may be inclined to ignore it and…

3 weeks ago

The Long-Term Benefits of Seeing a Family Dentist

By addressing oral health concerns early, a family dentist helps reduce the risk of these…

3 weeks ago

What Is the Process of Getting a Dental Implant?

Studies show that dental implants remain the gold standard in dental restorations. These dental replacements…

4 weeks ago