Approximately 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, while more than 36 million do not have any remaining teeth. Doe to a rise in gum disease and tooth decay, the number of people missing teeth is expected to increase in the coming decades. Missing teeth can affect jaw function, day-to-day diet, speech, and facial appearance, and lead to issues with bite alignment and irregular teeth wear.
If you are missing several teeth, all-on-4 dental implants are your premier solution. They are an affordable and convenient choice that provides permanent results, giving patients back the stability of natural teeth and allowing them to enjoy their favorite foods once again.
In this blog post, we will highlight everything you need to know about all-on-4 dental implants. We will look at the benefits, suitable candidates, the procedure itself, the recovery stage, and the differences from traditional dental implants. We'll also highlight why your best choice for all-on-4 implants in New Jersey is Montclair Dental Spa.
What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are prosthetic teeth that replace all of the bottom and/or top teeth at one time. The reason they are known as all-on-4 implants is that they are attached to the jaw using just four surgically placed anchors.
Losing teeth at any age and for whatever reason can seriously affect a person's quality of life. All-on-4 implants allow patients to get a permanent solution to tooth loss that feels and looks just like natural teeth. As noted, patients may choose either the bottom or top set of teeth, or both, depending on their circumstances and preferences.
What Are the Benefits of All-On-4 Dental Implants?
The primary benefit of all-on-4 dental implants is that patients can get a fully-functioning set of new teeth in a short amount of time. They allow for the trauma of placing individual implants to be avoided. A full run-down of the benefits include:
- Improves and restores speech
- Gives patients a perfect smile
- Restores self-esteem and confidence
- Reduces risk of infection (by removing teeth that are severely damaged)
- Helps to restore chewing function
- When properly cared for, can last forever
These benefits can be immediately realized with all-on-4 dental implants. Caring for your all-on-4 implants is also easy and follows the same routine as natural teeth.
Who Is a Good Candidate for All-On-4 Dental Implants?
The best candidates for all-on-4 dental implants are patients who are missing most or all of their teeth (on either or both arches). This will help to minimize tooth removal.
All-on-4 implants require less bone density than traditional implants. However, a certain amount of density is required so as to support the implants. A bone grafting procedure (more on that below) may be required prior to the all-on-4 procedure should they not have sufficient jawbone density.
Other prerequisites for this procedure are that the patient is in good enough health to undergo surgery and that they do not smoke. Smoking can seriously jeopardize the recovery process while also increasing the risk of several oral health problems which may lead to implant failure.
How Does the Procedure Work?
An important advantage of all-on-4 dental implants is that the full procedure can be completed in a short amount of time. In this section, we will highlight the easy 4-step process of getting all-on-4 implants.
Step 1
The first step involves a detailed examination of your dental and medical records. Our team will also discuss with you any existing conditions you may have and what your facial structure needs are. During this stage, we will be happy to answer any questions you have and give you a detailed rundown of the overall procedure.
Step 2
The second step involved CT scans (3D pictures) of your jawbone. These scans will give us important information about where the bones, nerves, and sinuses are located for the implants, and include the positions of the replacement teeth.
Step 3
We will then create a computer simulation of the dental implants. These are digitally positioned into the jawbone at the appropriate location to give you the best support from all-on-4 implants. As needed, we can adjust the implants for the best fit.
Step 4
The final and most important step the oral surgery itself. During the procedure, patients are provided with a form of sedation dentistry. The all-on-4 dental implants will be then placed directly into your jawbone.
Is a Bone Graft Required?
As noted, some patients may first require a bone graft before undertaking the all-on-4 implant procedure. In the majority of patients, there will be no need for a bone graft, given that the all-on-4 procedure is an advanced implant technique.
During the consultation phase, your surgeon will be able to advise on whether or not bone grafting is required.
How Long Does It Take to Recover?
The all-on-4 dental implant procedure is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning the recovery process is quick and straightforward. Over-the-counter pain medication can be taken to remedy any soreness that patients experience in the aftermath of the procedure. Pain medication and ice-pack application (to the outside of the jaw area) are also recommended if patients experience swelling and bleeding.
The good news is that patients will have full and complete functionality of their new teeth immediately. It is recommended that patients limit their diet to soft foods or liquids for a few days after the procedure. After a few days, patients will be able to eat and speak normally.
Normal activities can be resumed after a few days, on the advice of your doctor. Follow-up appointments will monitor the progress of the all-on-4 dental implants and ensure that everything is healing properly.
Are All-On-4 Dental Implants Permanent?
All-on-4 dental implants are a permanent set of teeth and have been proven to stand the test of time. With the right care, these implants can last for 20-plus years. Adjustments may be required over the years, though treatment results can be extended by following the below practices:
- Brushing and flossing regularly
- Scheduling routine dental exams and cleanings
- Avoiding using teeth to open bottles/other items
- Wearing a protective mouthguard when playing sport
- Limiting intake of hard and sticky foods
- Avoiding grinding the teeth
Speak to our team to learn more about how to care for your all-on-4 dental implants.
How Do They Differ From Traditional Dental Implants?
There are several distinct benefits of choosing all-on-4 dental implants over traditional dental implants. With the latter option, as many as 10 anchors may be required to hold the teeth in place.
Bone grafting is also more likely to be required compared with all-on-4 implants. This helps to increase the complication, time, and cost of improving your smile with dental implants.
What Are All-On-6 Dental Implants?
All-on-6 dental implants are similar to all-on-4, however, they secure the row of prosthetics using 6 anchors instead of 4. Depending on the specific case, all-on-6 implants may offer added stability, though both options are considered excellent long-term solutions.
What Is the Cost of All-On-4 Dental Implants?
Several factors will determine the total cost of all-on-4 dental implants. This includes the number of teeth that need to be extracted and any other work required to prepare the jawbone for placement.
We offer competitive rates alongside our world-class service. We also offer a range of financing programs, making it possible for everyone to healthy smile regardless of their financial position. Additionally, your implant surgery may be either partially or fully covered by your dental insurance plan.
Why Choose Us for All-On-4 Dental Implants?
At Montclair Dental Spa, we are guided by offering compassionate care that puts our patients and their oral healthcare goals first. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to create customized treatment plans for all of our patients.
Our team is highly qualified, experienced, and committed to providing safe, effective treatments. We are happy to guide you through every step of the procedure and answer any questions you have when choosing all-on-4 dental implants.
Everything You Need to Know About All-On-4 Dental Implants
The bottom line is that all-on-4 dental implants are prosthetic teeth. They are a wonderful option for people looking to replace missing or damaged teeth. If you are living in New Jersey, your premier option is Montclair Dental Spa.
To learn more, contact our team today and schedule a consultation. If you are unhappy with your smile or your oral health, all-on-4 implants are highly recommended. We look forward to speaking with you about your oral health goals.