Reviewed by Dr. J. Travis Thompson, DDS

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Tired of dealing with loose, uncomfortable dentures? Are you looking for a more permanent and aesthetically pleasing solution to replace missing teeth? All-on-4 dental implants might be the answer you’ve been searching for.

In this blog, we’ll explore the All-on-4 dental implant procedure and answer the question: How many teeth can you replace with this innovative solution?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

With All-on-4 dental implants, you can enjoy a full arch of functional and aesthetically pleasing teeth supported by just four implants. Whether you’ve lost most of your teeth or are simply unhappy with your current dentures, All-on-4 can provide a more comfortable, stable, and long-lasting solution.

Understanding the All-on-4 Dental Implants

In the late 1990s, Nobel Biocare and Dr. Paulo Malo, a Portuguese dentist and researcher, developed the All-on-4® treatment concept as an innovative solution for individuals experiencing significant tooth loss. Before this innovation, individuals who needed a full set of teeth often had to undergo time-consuming and costly procedures, including extensive bone graft.

Dr. Malo aimed to simplify the process by creating a method that would allow patients to get a full arch of teeth supported by just four implants, significantly reducing both surgery time and recovery. The key to the success of All-on-4 implants is the strategic placement of the implants—two at the front and two angled at the back.

One of the most remarkable aspects of All-on-4 is its ability to deliver immediate results. Patients can leave the clinic with a full set of temporary teeth on the same day as their surgery. With a success rate of around 98%, these implants are also designed to last for decades, offering a permanent and stable alternative to removable dentures.

Although it is called All-on-4, often the oral surgeon will recommend more implants to increase the longevity of the case. They will consider if the patient is or was a smoker, if they grind their teeth and bone quality.

How Many Teeth Can You Replace?

With All-on-4 dental implants, you can replace a full arch of teeth, from 12 to 14 teeth per arch. Whether you need your top arch, bottom arch, or both, you can get a full set of replacement teeth supported by just four implants.

Factors Influencing the Number of Teeth Replaced

  1. Bone density: Your existing bone density plays an important role in determining how many implants can be placed effectively. Less bone density may require additional grafting.
  2. Jawbone structure: The anatomy of your jawbone influences implant placement and stabilization.
  3. Gum health: Healthy gums are vital for the success of your dental implants. Conditions like periodontal disease can negatively impact your candidacy for All-on-4 implants.
💡 Did You Know?
Nobel Biocare introduced the All-on-4® treatment concept to the market in 2004, and since then, it has successfully been used to treat over 250,000 patients.

The All-on-4 Treatment Procedure

  1. Initial consultation: A consultation with a dental implant specialist will determine if you are eligible for this treatment.
  2. Imaging and planning: Using advanced imaging techniques, your oral surgeon will strategize the placement of the implants to ensure optimal results.
  3. Tooth extraction (if necessary): If you have any failing natural teeth, they might need extraction prior to the surgery.
  4. Implant placement: During the procedure, the surgeon will place the four implants into the jawbone.
  5. Temporary teeth: On the day of surgery, you will receive temporary teeth, allowing you to leave the office with a functional smile.
  6. Healing period: Over the next few months, the implants will fuse with your bone in a process called osseointegration.
  7. Final restoration: Following the healing process, you will receive your permanent restoration.

Benefits of Full Arch Restoration

All-on-4 implants offers many benefits:

  • Immediate results: You’ll leave the office with temporary dentures on the day of surgery, so there’s no waiting for your new smile.
  • Minimal bone loss: Since the implants are placed at an angle, they can often be positioned to avoid areas of low bone density, reducing the need for extensive bone grafting.
  • Cost-effective: Replacing an entire arch of teeth with just four implants is much more affordable than opting for individual implants.
  • Long-term solution: With proper care, All-on-4 dental implants have a high success rate and can last for decades.
  • Natural teeth look: The final prosthetic tooth restorations look and function just like your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful smile and renewed confidence.

Are You a Candidate for All-on-4 Dental Implants?

If you have experienced significant tooth loss and are tired of the discomfort of traditional dentures, All-on-4® dental implants might be the perfect solution for you. This tooth replacement option is especially beneficial for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth and want a more comfortable and stable option than removable dentures.

All-on-4® Implants: Your Path to a Confident, Natural Smile

The All-on-4 dental implant procedure offers a revolutionary method for replacing missing teeth, providing the opportunity to restore an entire arch with as few as four implants.

Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. To schedule your consultation at our office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or complete the online inquiry form. Our experienced surgeons Dr. Stephen Martin, DMD and Dr. J. Travis Thompson, DDS, can help you determine if All-on-4 dental implants are the right solution for you.

We look forward to helping you achieve a confident and radiant smile!

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