All-on-4 Dental Implants Procedure
All On Four: A “full arch” refers to either all the teeth on the top of your mouth or the bottom of your mouth. When replacing a single tooth, a single implant is needed, however, when replacing an entire arch, the all on 4 process can be used to implant four titanium posts that are able to support the full set of teeth on an arch. Having fewer implants in the jawbone improves recovery time and creates a long lasting bond when the implant fuses to the bone.
All on 4 can be a solution for patients who need dental implants but want to avoid the damaging effects of traditional treatments, such as removable dentures or a dental bridge. With All on 4 dental implants, patients can receive implants even if they have little available bone mass. There are a number of benefits of choosing this treatment rather than traditional treatments.
Benefits of All on Four Dental Implants Include:
- Shorter recovery period
- Traditional dental implants cost more
- There is generally no need for bone grafting surgery
- Easy maintenance and care
- It is easier to eat and speak clearly than with dentures or a dental bridge
- Long term sustainability
- Preservation of bone and surrounding gum tissue
- A more attractive appearance than traditional dentures.
A Permanent Solution for Tooth Loss
Implant Dentistry can be utilized when advanced gum disease or other oral health issues cause tooth loss. Even if the patient has had poor dental care in the past, the all-on-four process can still be utilized. Saving your natural teeth is always our preferred course of treatment, however, when full mouth reconstruction is needed, the all on four treatment concept takes advantage of four implant posts to support a full arch of teeth.
Before receiving the dental implants, patients are administered a local anesthetic to keep pain and discomfort to a minimum. We then place four implants in strategic locations based on where bone density and volume are the highest. Afterward, a temporary set of fully functioning dentures is attached until the implants become fully integrated.
The All-on-4 method is designed specifically for use with just four implants. With All-on-4 dental implants, patients do not require bone grafting surgery. This is because of the positioning and angle of the implants.
The front two implants are placed at a 90 degree angle while the two back implants are placed at a 45 degree angle. Because of the angle of the back implants, we are able to maximize the use of available bone tissue. This also makes dental implant treatment a cost effective solution for patients with a limited budget.
All on four dental implants will last over 20 years, and with the proper care can be a permanent solution to tooth loss. Our periodontists in Greenwood Village are uniquely qualified to place even the most difficult dental implants.
The recovery time for an all on four procedure will vary depending on how much healthy bone the patient has, your ability to heal, and how well you follow your treatment plan. However, a typical recovery from an All-On-Four procedure is 4 weeks. After six months you can receive your final fixed prosthesis; your new permanent teeth.
The All on four implant supported dentures can also aid in the prevention of further bone loss. With only 4 posts, the patient recovery time is much faster than if a dentist had to place an implant for each individual tooth and makes replacing teeth a lot less uncomfortable. The doctors at Mountain Top Periodontics are specialists in treatment planning, as well as placing and maintaining dental implants.