All-on-4
Four Implants for One Row of Dazzling Teeth
The sooner you replace your missing arch of teeth, the sooner you’ll be able to eat all your favorite foods again and smile without embarrassment. Of course, with traditional implants, you do have to wait a few months for your mouth to heal before the posts are ready to bear the load of new teeth. Here at Blue Ridge Dental, though, we can help you enjoy the benefits of implant-retained dentures sooner with All-on-4. Suffering from extensive tooth loss? Contact one of our practices today.
How Do All-on-4 Implants Work?
Like traditional implants, the first step to the All-on-4 procedure is surgery to place the implant posts in your mouth. As the name suggests, four posts are all that’s needed for full dentures. Normally, you would then need to allow time for osseointegration (the process of the bone joining with the implant) to take place. With All-on-4, however, you can often have a temporary denture attached to your implants while waiting for a permanent one. The implants near the back of the mouth are angled so that they can fuse with the denser, stronger areas near the front of your jawbone, helping them to bear the load.
Am I a Candidate for All-on-4 Implants?
All-on-4 is meant to replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw at once; thus, you may consider it if you’ve already experienced – or expect to suffer from – extensive tooth loss.
Some patients might not be candidates for traditional implants because their jaws have already started to break down thanks to their missing teeth. They might require bone grafts before they can receive their new teeth. But with All-on-4, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to have the surgery done right away even if your jaw has already lost some of its density.
What are the Benefits of All-on-4 Implants?
Regular dentures can do a fine job of fulfilling the functions of your smile, but there are several benefits you can only enjoy if they’re supported by dental implants:
- Better Stability: Your teeth will be firmly anchored in place without relying on messy adhesives, and they’ll offer better chewing power as well.
- Natural Feel: A lot of patients have found that implant-retained false teeth feel a lot more natural in their mouths.
- Youthful Look: Implants keep the jawbone healthy so that it can continue to support your facial features, helping you look younger.
- Durability: Made out of titanium, implants can easily last 30 years or longer.
All-on-4 VS Traditional Dental Implants
As mentioned above, All-on-4 can allow you to have implants placed without a bone grafting procedure. Furthermore, you might be able to receive a temporary denture right away. This gives All-on-4 a significant advantage over a traditional implant procedure. If you’ve made an appointment to talk to your dentist about implants, be sure to ask whether All-on-4 could work in your case!
All-on-4 FAQs
If you would like to pursue dental implants in Charlottesville, our team is ready to help you! Before you contact us to schedule your All-on-4 consultation, however, you may want to learn more about the journey ahead of you. That is why we have put together this brief list of frequently asked questions. If you would like more explanation on anything you find here, or you do not see the answer to your specific question, please give us a call.
How Long Does the All-on-4 Process Take?
From beginning to end, the All-on-4 process may take several months. Your treatment journey will include your initial consultation, any necessary preliminary treatments, your dental implant surgery, osseointegration, and design and placement of the final restoration.
All-on-4 is sometimes called Teeth in a Day because in many cases, extractions, dental implant placement, and placement of a temporary restoration can all be completed in a single appointment.
How Much Does All-on-4 Cost?
In general, All-on-4 costs less than traditional dental implant procedures. That is because it uses as few implants as possible and typically requires only one surgery (as opposed to two or more). We will be able to provide you with a cost estimate when you visit us for your consultation.
Is an All-on-4 Denture Removable?
An All-on-4 denture is permanently attached to the implants that support it. It will only be removed when you visit us for your routine preventive appointments, during which we will inspect the implants and your restoration. We will also give your mouth a thorough cleaning before we replace your denture. If you would like a removable restoration, you may be eligible for other implant treatments.
How Can I Care for My All-on-4 Dental Implants?
In many ways, caring for All-on-4 dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. For example, you should regularly visit your dentist in Charlottesville for checkups. You should also keep your mouth clean by practicing excellent daily oral hygiene habits. Additionally, avoiding bad habits, such as tobacco usage and overconsumption of sugary foods, can play a big role in helping your restored smile stand the test of time.
Will People Be Able to Tell that I have Artificial Teeth?
We carefully design implant restorations so they look as natural as possible. The size, shape, and color of your new teeth will all be customized to complement your natural facial characteristics and oral anatomy. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to tell that your teeth are not the ones you have had since your youth!