What is All-On-4 Dental Implants?
There are many restorations to choose from when replacing missing teeth, such as dental implants, bridges, and dentures. You and your periodontist should evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of each treatment. Dental implants are the optimal solution to missing teeth due to their aesthetic appearance, durability, and lifespan. However, a single implant with a crown will cost you $2,495 which can add up quickly for patients needing replacements for a full mouth of dental implants. Dentures are more affordable but have a less appealing reputation, considered inconvenient and uncomfortable due to the associated maintenance of removal and cleaning along with the potential for gum and mouth irritation.
There is a new technique in tooth replacement utilizing the functionality of implants with the affordable cost of dentures implants. "All-on-4 implants," "All On 6 Implants," and "Teeth Tomorrow" are all branded denture supported implants using only 6 or 4 implants for an entire arch, instead of the traditional 8, making this treatment more affordable and shortening recovery time.
How Does All-On-4 Work?
Similar to traditional implants, a titanium or zirconia implant is surgically placed into the jaw so it can integrate into the bone and serve as a functioning root for an artificial tooth. With implant-supported dentures, a minimal number of implants can provide support for up to 16 teeth in an arch. Implant-supported restorations allow for the same level of aesthetics and durability at a fraction of the cost.
In the case of All-on-4 implants, the placement of the four implants is strategic to support the entire arch adequately. Your dentist will place two implants in the posterior of the mouth, and two implants in the anterior of the mouth. The anterior or front implants are placed traditionally into the jaw, in a straight manner. In contrast, the posterior implants are inserted at a 45-degree angle to avoid the need for a bone graft. Bone grafts are typical for patients who do not have enough bone density to support the posterior implants fully. The angled placement simplifies the procedure and reduces costs by eliminating the need for bone grafts of the posterior jaw bone.
What The Procedure Is Like
The procedure can vary based on the type of implant-retained prosthetic you choose. However, to give an idea of the process, we will review the step-by-step process for All-on-4 Dental Implants.
Step 1: The first step is to schedule an initial consultation so your dentist can assess whether you re a suitable candidate for implant-supported dentures. Your dentist will use 3D imaging to get a picture fo your jaw bone structure and decide the aesthetic and functional properties of your new teeth such as dental crown length and bite placement.
Step 2 : Your dentist will prepare a computer simulation of your mouth using 3d imaging to determine the precise placement of each implant. A surgical template for fabrication may also be done at this step to serve as a guide.
Step 3: This step involves the surgery of inserting the four implants. This step also includes any additional necessary treatments, such as tooth extraction and bone shaping. Then the implants are capped with abutments and temporary teeth. At the same time, the jaw bone recovers and slowly begins to fuse with the implants. Diet during recovery must be carefully managed with soft foods to avoid any damage to the osseointegration process.
Step 4: Three months after their initial placement, the temporary teeth are removed and replaced with a permanently fixed denture. Recovery at this point should be relatively quick, with little discomfort.
All-On-4 Gives You New Teeth In Just One Day
One of the most significant benefits of the All-on-4 dental implant procedure is the ability to walk out of your procedure a brand new smile the same day. Once the doctor completes the surgical part of the procedure, an immediate temporary can be placed on top of the implants and patients can leave with a fully reconstructed smile. However, the same-day benefits only reflect the placement of implants and temporaries, as there is no shortcut to osseointegration. This treatment is not complete until the implants have fully fused to the bone, which can take several months and the permanent restorations bond to the implants.
Cost Of All On 4 Dental Implants
Several factors may affect the final price of same-day dentures. These factors include the location of the dentist as well as the need for additional treatments such as tooth extraction and bone shaping. The fee off All-on-4 dental implants is typically priced out "per arch" or "per row". The cost per arch can vary greatly depending on the type of procedure you choose. Although this seems like a large sum, it's considerably less expensive than individually reconstructing and replacing each tooth. This option also provides more exceptional durability and longevity than old removable dentures.
Are You A Candidate For All-On-4 Dental Implants?
If you require full mouth reconstruction or a complete arch replacement, implant-supported dentures such as All-on-4 could be the optimal solution for you. Schedule a consultation with a dentist experienced in performing implant-supported procedures. If you currently wear removable dentures, you may have already suffered some bone loss that must first receive treatment. Your dentist will thoroughly evaluate the health of your jaw bone to determine whether implant-supported dentures are right for you.