All-On-4 Dental Implants
An Innovative Approach.
Restoring a beautiful and healthy smile has been made easier and more reliable with advances in dentistry. Extensive damage or loss of upper and lower teeth used to mean wearing uncomfortable dentures. When dental implants were developed, it made it possible for people to enjoy replacement teeth that were functionally the same as the natural teeth.
All-on-4 is an innovative approach to place a full arch (top or bottom set) of fixed, replacement teeth.
What are All on 4 Dental Implants?
You may have heard of all on four dental implants under the name of implant dentures or snap in dentures.
These implants consist of several key elements:
- Four dental implants in the jaw which serve as the anchoring points for a long-lasting denture.
- Four abutments above the gum where replacement teeth will be mounted.
- A row of full replacement teeth.
- Retaining screw to connect the denture to the abutments and implants.
Unlike a removable denture, all on four dental implants are considered a semi-permanent replacement. The dental implants themselves can last a lifetime when carefully managed, while the replacement denture will last a minimum of eight years, and usually much longer.
Advantages
What are the Benefits of All on 4 Dental Implants?
Read more about the benefits of dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
All-on-4 implants are a permanent set of teeth that look and feel like natural teeth. They do not have to be taken out and are very comfortable because they do not press down on your gums.
The All-on-4 dental implant technique utilizes only four implants per arch, whereas traditional implants utilize anywhere from six to eight implants, or more, in each arch. The implants of the All-on-4 procedure are also placed at an angle, which allows for increased contact by using the natural support of your bone. In addition, the All-on-4 procedure requires no bone grafting for most patients, which is common in traditional implant procedures. Therefore, All-on-4 dental implants save time, money, and discomfort.
The surgery takes approximately 4 hours per arch.
Published studies show a 98% success rate using All-on-4 dental implants. It is very important to keep up with regular visits to your Dental Hygienist to keep the area around the implants clean and disease free. Also, smoking is a major factor in the failure of all dental implants.
The ideal candidate for the All-on-4 dental implant procedure at Arlington Dental is someone who is currently wearing dentures or who will need dentures in the future. Age doesn’t matter but dental implant candidates should be in good health. Non-Smokers and people in good health are the best candidates.
Absolutely. The All-on-4 dental implant technique gives you permanent teeth that look, feel and function just like real teeth. No one will know you have implants unless you tell them.
All-on-4 implants can be placed on just the upper or lower arch. Your dentist will evaluate your circumstance and if he or she feels you might eventually need replacement teeth on both the upper and lower arches, he or she might suggest performing the procedure on both arches at the same time. This provides better results while also saving time and money. Your doctor will work with you to determine what best meets your needs both health wise and cost wise.
Dental implants should be treated like your natural teeth, daily brushing and flossing is recommended. Our dental hygienists will review oral hygiene instructions with you and will recommend the most appropriate oral hygiene treatment plan to fit your needs.
