Table of contents
What Is All on Four?
All-on-4 dental implants utilize just four dental implants to anchor an entire arch of teeth in place firmly. This is far fewer than is normally needed when replacing a set of upper or lower teeth.
Sometimes, a treatment called All-on-Six is recommended, which utilizes two additional implants for added stability and strength. The treatment works on the same concept, but sometimes using two extra implants is preferable, especially when restoring an upper arch of teeth where the jawbone is naturally thinner.
How Do All-on-Four Dental Implants Work?
The procedure uses four or six implants that are inserted toward the front of the jaw. The way the implants are inserted is a little different.
Usually, implants are inserted vertically, and while the two at the front of the jaw are positioned this way, the other two on either side are angled. They are placed so they are angled toward the back of the mouth, allowing for longer implant screws to be inserted.
Using a longer implant screw increases the contact with the surrounding bone, enhancing strength and stability.
The Difference between Traditional Dental Implants and All-on-Four
Typically, with traditional full-arch restoration, dental implants are placed evenly throughout the jaw. With All-on-Four, this isn’t necessary.
Placing all four toward the front of the jawbone helps take advantage of the bone where it is thickest and strongest. Optimizing the use of the jawbone in this way helps eliminate the need for other procedures, such as dental bone grafting.
Dental bone grafting is often necessary when the jawbone is too weak or when there is an inadequate quantity to support dental implants. While bone grafting is highly effective, not everyone is suitable for or wishes to undergo this procedure. All-on-four is a good alternative.
Benefits of All-on-Four Implants
Choosing this treatment can provide several benefits outlined below.
- Stable and nonremovable teeth that restore functionality and appearance.
- Long-term durability.
- Restoring and protecting facial dimensions and supporting your facial muscles.
- Treatment is affordable since only four dental implants are needed, and it’s unlikely that grafting is required.
- The jawbone around the implants is protected, preventing bone loss.
- An increased biting and chewing strength enables a wider choice of foods.
- Immediate loading might be possible where a temporary set of teeth can be attached to the implants soon after surgery.
Who Is a Candidate for All on Four?
You are likely a good candidate for treatment if you have good overall health and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene. Ideally, you shouldn’t smoke or be prepared to quit.
It’s worth considering this treatment if you are missing most or all of your teeth or face tooth loss imminently. It can be ideal for denture wearers seeking a more permanent solution, especially if you are tired of loose, uncomfortable dentures.
If you have previously considered implants and have been told you are unsuitable for traditional implant treatment, it’s worth making an appointment to come and see us. We assess everybody on a case-by-case basis and can soon determine if this process could help you.
The All on Four Procedure Step-By-Step
Your treatment involves several steps outlined below. Please note that this is just an outline, as your treatment will be customized to meet your specific oral health needs.
Step One: Consultation & Diagnostic Imaging
An initial consultation is your opportunity to learn more about this treatment, discover the type of restoration you can receive, and understand what it will look like. During this appointment, Dr. Navid Rahmani or another of our experienced implant dentists will examine your mouth and review your medical history to ensure you are a suitable candidate.
The next stage involves diagnostic imaging, where we take a cone beam CT scan of your jaws and any existing teeth, creating a 3D image, as well as conventional 2D digital dental X-rays.
Step Two: Digital Smile Design & Treatment Plan
These diagnostic images are used to plan your treatment and to design your new teeth digitally. We review the plan with you, ensure you are satisfied with the predicted outcome, and clarify all associated costs.
At this stage, we will discuss any additional treatments that may be necessary, such as extractions, as well as your temporary teeth replacement options. If you require extractions, these may be completed before implant surgery or during the procedure, depending on the recommendations of our implant dentist.
Step Four: Implant Placement
Your implants will likely be placed in your jawbone using sedation dentistry to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed. Dental anaesthetic ensures you will not feel any discomfort or pain.
Step Five: Temporary Teeth (Immediate Loading)
Soon after surgery, we can attach your temporary teeth. You wear these temporary teeth during the healing process, and they splint the implants together, preventing movement that could impair healing.
Sometimes, immediate loading isn’t appropriate; in such cases, we will ensure you have some form of temporary teeth. For example, we can sometimes adapt an existing denture for use during the healing process.
Step Six: Healing & Osseointegration
After implant surgery and the attachment of your temporary teeth, you can return home to recover. Your new implants require time to fuse with your jawbone, a process known as osseointegration.
We provide detailed instructions on caring for your new implants and temporary teeth during the healing process. This information will include oral hygiene instructions and dietary advice.
It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months for healing and osseointegration to complete.
Step Seven: Making and Fitting Your Permanent Teeth
Once your implants have fully healed, you return to NYC Dentistry Center so we can fabricate your permanent teeth. After taking an impression of your implants, it will typically take several weeks for your new restoration to be made and fitted.
Maintenance and Aftercare
Once your treatment is complete, it’s essential to look after your new teeth to ensure they provide many years of trouble-free use and enjoyment. We can help you devise a suitable oral care routine, showing you how to clean around your implants and your implant restoration thoroughly and efficiently.
Dental checkups and hygiene appointments are essential so we can assess the condition of your implants and your implant teeth and clean them professionally.
FAQs
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What Can I Eat with All-on-Four?
Almost anything you wish, as your new teeth will have a similar biting strength to natural teeth. It is essential to avoid foods that could chip your teeth, such as those that are exceptionally hard or crunchy. If it is likely to damage natural teeth, it could damage your implant teeth.
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Is Age a Barrier for Treatment?
No, as your dental and overall health are far more important factors, as is a commitment to good daily oral care.
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How Long Will Treatment Take to Complete?
Typically, several months are needed for All-on-Four. However, the actual planning and surgery needed are relatively quick.
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How Much Will All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost?
The price depends on several factors, such as whether you have teeth that need extraction, the type of sedation dentistry used, the precise number of implants needed, and the type of final restoration required.
We will provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan, including a detailed breakdown of all costs, and we will explain these clearly so that you understand the necessity and benefits of each component in achieving your treatment goals.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th Street, 8th Floor, Suite 2
New York, NY 10017
(212) 810-9264