Even those who take excellent care of their oral health can still face tooth loss. Depending upon your individual situation, options for prosthetic teeth restorations can include a dental bridge, partial denture, full dentures and dental implants. Although dental implants are popular for their ability to look, feel and function like your natural teeth, they are sometimes more practical as replacements for one or two teeth, as each is fashioned and placed in the jawbone individually. For more extensive restorations, All-on-Four dental implants offer an alternative to full dentures — either upper arch, lower arch, or both. All-on-Four implants combine the permanent stability of individual dental implants with the full arch restoration of dentures while providing additional advantages.
If you’re not familiar with All-on-Four implants, it’s a proven restorative treatment introduced in the 1990s. Could it be the right solution for restoring your teeth? Read on, then discuss it as an option with your dentist or oral surgeon!
Advantages of All-on-Four Implants
All-on-Four implants consist of a full arch of prosthetic teeth and four titanium screws — two in the front of the arch; two in the back. The screws are implanted in the jaw, permanently holding the arch in place. This is one obvious advantage over dentures. One obvious advantage over traditional implants is that only four implants are needed, as opposed to as many as would be necessary to replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
Other advantages include the following:
Less expensive than multiple individual implants — Titanium is a rare metal. Once you add the cost of each individual prosthetic tooth — be it made of acrylic or porcelain — replacing an entire arch with single implants can be prohibitively expensive. Instead of individual implants to replace each missing tooth, All-on-Four requires only four implants to anchor the arch of replacement teeth. This means your smile or your lower teeth can be replaced in less time, and typically with less expense.
A possible option even for those with bone loss who’ve been told they’re not good candidates for traditional implants — In areas of the mouth with no teeth, or in areas with gum disease and bone loss, the size of the jawbone is reduced and has an effect on the ability to place implants to support full arch, non-removable teeth. This bone loss makes it difficult to place implants — not only because the jawbone is smaller, but because avoiding the posterior nerve in the lower jaw is difficult. All-on-Four may prevent the need for bone grafting, as the four titanium implant posts are strategically placed into the thickest part of the jaw at an angle.
Can address different restoration circumstances — All-on-Four implants can be the ideal option for those who already wear dentures, as well as those already missing teeth whose remaining teeth must be extracted.
Less discomfort to the patient — A conscientious dentist ensures that every dental procedure is pain-free. However, as an invasive procedure, a dental implant involves some post-surgical discomfort that’s typically well-managed with prescription pain medication the day of surgery (as well as the following day or two), and over-the-counter pain medication thereafter. Receiving only four implants at one time — rather than many — results in less discomfort, allowing you to easily and quickly resume your usual activities.
Improved self-confidence and self-image — No matter how well-made and well-fitted, dentures still slip, and make eating certain foods difficult or impossible. Plus, dentures need to be removed for cleaning and sleep, leaving you to see a toothless image in the mirror that makes you feel older than your age. Not only do All-on-Four implants give you the freedom to eat what you want, they’re permanently fixed in your mouth, allowing you to navigate all social situations without fear they’ll slip or fall out. In addition to making you feel younger, they’ll also help you look younger, as the anchoring implants act as the roots of natural teeth by stimulating bone production and preserving facial structure.
Who is a Good Candidate for All-on-Four Implants?
Keep in mind that this is a surgical procedure. Your oral surgeon should take your medical history to ensure you’re an appropriate candidate. Those who are not good candidates for this or any other type of dental surgery include the following:
- Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, since the condition interferes with the healing stage. Therefore, it could lead to treatment failure.
- Patients with uncontrolled hypertension. It is risky to perform almost any surgical procedure on patients with this condition, due to the high risk of health complications during the procedure.
- Tobacco users, as it interferes with healing.
Although we stated earlier that even those who have jawbone loss can still be a good candidate for All-on-Four implants, this depends upon the amount and location of bone loss. Only your oral surgeon can determine if this treatment is right for you. If you’re healthy, have the proper bone density and decide that All-on-Four implants is the ideal solution, make plans with your oral surgeon to proceed!
What You Can Expect During the All-on-Four Implant Procedure
After taking your medical history and before the procedure itself, your oral surgeon will create a detailed treatment plan. This involves evaluating the best implant placement angle, type of implants and bone augmentation (if necessary) to ensure optimal results. The procedure itself and post-surgical period generally consists of the following steps:
Surgical implantation — During the procedure, your oral surgeon will place the implants strategically into the jawbone to support the prosthetic tooth arch. The angle at which these implants are placed is critical as it maximizes the use of available bone, eliminating the need for bone grafting in most cases. A titanium screw is placed into the implants, and the temporary teeth are screwed or clipped into place.
Healing process and temporary teeth — Once the implant placement is complete, the healing process begins. To minimize discomfort and provide immediate functionality, your dentist will place temporary dentures. These allow you to adjust to your new teeth while your gums and bone heal, giving you the freedom to smile and eat soft foods during this period.
Osseointegration — the process where the implant fuses with your jawbone — typically takes three to four months. During this time, your dentist will make necessary adjustments to ensure proper healing and prepare for the placement of your permanent teeth.
Final fitting and follow-up — When the healing process is complete, your temporary teeth will be replaced with a custom-made, permanent restoration. This final prosthetic arch of teeth is designed to match the shape, size and color of your natural teeth, giving you a complete smile makeover. After the placement, you’ll follow up with your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups.
The Take-Home Message
All-on-Four dental implants offer a permanent, aesthetically pleasing restoration option that feels, functions and looks like your natural teeth, without the drawbacks of dentures or individual implants — allowing you to feel confident and look your best at all times! To achieve optimal results, of course, choose a dentist who specializes in dental implants.
NK Family Dental is proud to have Dr. Amir Danesh as a valued member of our practice. Dr. Danesh earned his DDS in 2008 and received his postdoctoral training in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry from New York University. He is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals. You can learn more about Dr. Danesh’s credentials and honors on our Meet the Doctors page.
At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.
Our team of experienced, dedicated dental professionals will help address your oral health concerns, and determine the best solution for you based on your individual situation. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs. Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and, of course, Dr. Danesh!
We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.
NK Family Dental serves the Chicago neighborhoods of Bucktown, Logan Square, Wicker Park, and Humboldt Park. Appointments can be made through ZocDoc or by contacting us directly. We look forward to treating you soon and improving your smile!