All-on-4 dental implants are full-arch tooth replacements meant to replace the entire top or bottom row of your teeth. They are similar to traditional dental implants, but instead of using just 1 post, they are anchored to 4–6 posts (abutments) in your jaw. Hence the name, All-on-4—as in, all of your teeth on 4 posts.
All-on-4 implants are designed to look and function just like natural teeth, and they can be a convenient option for improving the look of your smile and your ability to speak. Speaking with an oral surgeon can help you learn more about dental implants. We can use our expertise to help you make an informed decision about replacing missing teeth.
What Are the Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants?
The convenience of All-on-4 dental implants can improve your quality of life in several ways, especially when compared to other methods of full-arch tooth replacement, such as dentures. Dental implants in general can also enhance the comfort and function of your teeth, as well as your ability to speak clearly.
Some of the benefits of All-on-4 dental implants include:
- Convenient tooth replacement: Unlike dentures, All-on-4 dental implants are attached directly to the bone in your jaw, so they don’t come out and don’t require special adhesives. After you recover from the procedure, they can be as convenient as natural teeth.
- Natural-looking, durable teeth: All-on-4 dental implants are permanent, and are made to look natural and function just like natural teeth. They can last for many years with proper cleaning and support from your oral surgeon.
- Same-day results: The All-on-4 dental implant procedure can be completed in just 1 day. Your initial recovery can take up 5–7 days, but some people start feeling better in 1–2. Your full recovery from surgery will vary based on your personal health and whether or not a bone graft was required.
- Eat what you want: When you have fully recovered, and your implants have integrated with your jawbone, All-on-4 dental implants can let you eat whatever you want—no need to cut your steak into tiny pieces.
- Regular tooth cleaning: Taking care of All-on-4 dental implants can be as simple as taking care of natural teeth.
What Problems Can All-on-4 Dental Implants Solve?
All-on-4 dental implants are recommended for people with significant tooth loss or other severe dental problems. Some of the problems that can be solved with an All-on-4 dental implant include:
- Speech difficulties caused by tooth loss
- Frustrations with the inconvenience of dentures
- Bone loss in the jaw due to missing teeth
- Difficulties chewing because of missing teeth or dentures
- Concerns about the appearance of your smile
All-on-4 dental implants can be an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth, but they may not always be the right solution for your needs. In some cases—such as when you are only missing a few teeth—single dental implants may be a better option.
It’s important to speak with your family dentist and CVOS oral surgeon about the right option for replacing missing teeth. When your dentist refers you to us, we use our knowledge and experience to determine which option may be best for supporting your personal needs and health.
Do You Need a Bone Graft for All-on-4 Dental Implants?
In many cases, there is less need for bone grafting with an All-on-4 dental implant, but each person is unique. During your first visit, we’ll evaluate your jawbone to determine whether or not a bone graft may be needed. In many cases our high quality Nobel Biocare full arch prosthetics and implants are graftless.
Do You Need to Go Without Teeth for an All-on-4 Dental Implant?
An All-on-4 dental implant is meant to replace all your teeth, and the procedure does involve removing any remaining teeth. It’s for that reason that an All-on-4 implant is usually only recommended for people with significant pre-existing tooth loss or severe dental issues.
When you are only missing a few teeth, it is often possible to get many of the benefits that come from an All-on-4 dental implant with traditional implants or a bridge instead. With that approach, you can also preserve your remaining healthy teeth.
How Long Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Last?
All-on-4 dental implants are designed to be a lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. In many cases, an All-on-4 implant can last 20–25 years—sometimes longer—with proper care and guidance from an oral surgeon. We use high quality prosthetics from Nobel Biocare
After your procedure is complete, we will provide aftercare instructions and ongoing guidance during your recovery and beyond. Our goal is to help you enjoy the benefits of your dental implant for many years.
How Do You Know You Need an All-on-4 Implant?
When your oral health, speech patterns, or confidence are affected by severe tooth loss, that can be a sign that you should speak with your dentist about getting a referral to visit an oral surgeon and explore your options for dental implants.
During your exam, we’ll fully evaluate your oral health and discuss your personal goals to help you find the right solution for getting a consistent, natural-looking smile that supports your well-being. At CVOS Oral Surgery, we use all of our expertise as oral surgeons to help our patients reach positive outcomes. Contact us to learn more about how to speak with us about dental implants and other procedures that can support your long-term health and wellness.
