Missing teeth can significantly impact your daily life. Eating, speaking, and even smiling can become a challenge. But what if you are missing an entire arch of teeth?
Traditional tooth replacement options like dentures often slip, cause discomfort, and limit what you can eat. There has to be a better option!
All-on-4® dental implants are an innovative tooth replacement option that solves the problems dentures cause. In this blog, we will give you a step-by-step explanation of the All-on-4® dental implant procedure. We will explain what is involved in the procedure, how it works, and the benefits.
Table of Contents
- What Are All-On-4® Dental Implants?
- Benefits of All-On-4® Dental Implants
- All-on-4® Dental Implant Procedure Step-by-Step
- Recovery
- Aftercare
- Your Most Confident Smile
- FAQs About All-On-4 Dental Implants
Key Takeaway
All-on-4 dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing an entire arch of missing teeth. All-on-4 uses four to six strategically placed implants. These implants act as anchors for a fixed, non-removable bridge that replicates the look and function of natural teeth.
What Are All-On-4® Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing an entire arch of missing teeth. It’s an option worth considering if you are missing many teeth or if you are not happy with traditional dentures.
All-on-4 uses four to six strategically placed implants. These implants act as anchors for a fixed, non-removable bridge that replicates the look and function of natural teeth.
Benefits of All-On-4® Dental Implants
- Improved stability: Unlike removable dentures, All-on-4 implants are permanently fixed into your jawbone, providing unparalleled stability and confidence when eating, speaking, and smiling.
- Improved function: With a secure foundation, All-on-4 implants allow you to chew a wider variety of foods with ease, significantly improving your dietary choices.
- Natural feel and appearance: The custom-made bridge mimics the look and feel of natural teeth, restoring a beautiful smile and boosting self-esteem.
- Durability: All-on-4 implants are crafted from high-quality materials and built to last for many years with proper care.
All-on-4® Dental Implant Procedure Step-by-Step
Step 1: Consultation and Planning:
During your initial consultation, our oral surgeon will assess your oral health, bone density, and discuss your expectations. 3D scans and X-rays will be taken to create a personalized treatment plan.
Step 2: Implant Placement:
Under anesthesia or sedation, the surgeon strategically places four to six titanium implants into your jawbone. Two implants are placed at the front for immediate support, and the other two or more towards the back at an angle for optimal bone engagement.
Step 3: Temporary Dentures
After implant placement, a temporary set of teeth will be attached to the implants, allowing you to smile and eat comfortably during the healing process.
Step 4: Healing and Osseointegration
Over the next few months, your jawbone will fuse with the implants in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong and stable foundation for your permanent teeth.
Step 5: Permanent Bridge Placement
Once proper healing is achieved, your temporary bridge will be replaced with a permanent bridge.
Recovery
There are two stages to recovery: recovery from surgery and osseointegration.
Recovery from the surgery is typically fast. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can get back to their usual routines within a few days.
Osseointegration, when the implant fuses with the bone, takes several months. During this time, you should be careful with what you eat and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the implant.
Aftercare
Your surgeon will give you aftercare instructions to follow post-surgery. These instructions will outline how to deal with bleeding and swelling, how to manage pain and how to clean your teeth to avoid infection. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful and speedy recovery!
Tips for a Speedy Recovery
- Rest: Get plenty of rest to promote healing.
- Pain management: Take prescribed pain medications as directed by your dentist.
- Smoking and alcohol: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, as they can hinder healing.
- Regular checkups: Maintain regular dental visits for professional cleanings and to monitor implant health.
Your Most Confident Smile
Your smile is more than just teeth; it’s a window to your confidence. All-on-4 dental implants can help you unlock your most confident smile, letting your personality shine through with every laugh and conversation.
At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists, your comfort and care are our utmost priorities. Dr. Thompson, will ensure you have a comfortable experience throughout the process.
If you are searching for dental implants Deer Park, dental implants Barrington, or dental implants near me, we can help. Call us at (847) 381-0106 or complete the online booking form.
FAQs About All-On-4 Dental Implants
The implant surgery itself is completed in one day, but the overall process from initial consultation to the fitting of permanent teeth can take several months.
Patients are under anesthesia during surgery, so pain is minimal. Discomfort during the recovery period is usually minimal, and any discomfort experienced can be managed with medication.
All-on-4 dental implants boast a very high success rate, with studies reporting numbers in the range of 95% to 98.2%. This means a very high percentage of patients experience long-term success with the implants.
While the risk is minimal, as with any surgical procedure, there is a potential for implant failure or complications, particularly if post-operative care instructions are not followed.
