Everything You Need to Know About All-on-4 Dental Implants
What are all-on-four dental implants and how do they work?
That's like a trademark name for a specific company of implants. But basically, we use four to six implants, and then there's a type of denture that's mounted onto those implants. It is something that's fixed and doesn't come out of your mouth. The dentist, like myself, can remove it for cleaning.
How is the all-on-four procedure different from traditional dental implants?
It really just comes down to semantics or definitions. The implant is only the part—the screw, the titanium screw that goes into your jawline. People get confused about that. If you're missing one tooth and we place an implant, we put one tooth on it, and that would be a crown. If you're missing several teeth, you might put two implants and then do what we call a bridge, a fixed bridge. But when you're missing a lot of teeth, like basically all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw, we would put anywhere from four to six implants, and then what goes over it is what we call the fixed denture, also known as a hybrid denture. Or it could be something that's removable, and we call that an overdenture. That's a type of denture that looks more like your traditional denture, but it's held in by the implant. You can snap it in, snap it out to clean it, and snap it back in.
Who is a good candidate for all-on-four dental implants?
Really, anybody who's missing their teeth. The only thing that might limit you is if you are lacking bone. Nowadays, there are some very modern, cutting-edge techniques where we place implants that go into the bone below your eye and into the bone way in the back of your mouth. Almost anybody could be a candidate for a fixed denture if they have the resources and go to a skilled surgeon.
Are all-on-four denture implants a good option for seniors?
Of course, it is. It doesn't matter how old you are. It's about quality of life. Having a fixed denture is the closest thing you'll ever get to having your teeth again. Whether you're 50, 60, 70, or even 80 years old, it's never too late to have good teeth and be able to eat whatever you want and have a great quality of life.
Are all-on-four implants suitable for patients with bone loss in the jaw?
One question I get is, I have a lot of bone loss, doc. Can I do all-on-four or hybrid denture, fixed denture? Usually yes, but it does depend. We take a 3D X-ray called a cone beam. We're able to determine whether you have the necessary bone for such a procedure.
What does the all-on-four dental implants process look like?
It is a process. You see on TV that you get your teeth in a day. That doesn't mean you're going to go home and chew steak the first day. Generally, if you have teeth, that means removing the teeth and placing the implants the same day. Oftentimes, we can give you your denture that's fixed the first day.
Sometimes we have to go with the traditional denture while you're healing—it's a case-by-case basis. As you heal, we make modifications to your denture. Over the first four months, we see what works, what looks good, and then once you're done healing, we make you a final fixed denture.
How long does the all-on-four procedure take from start to finish?
It is a range of time, but I would say you're going to probably be between four to eight months. It varies from individual to individual, but it is a process. It doesn't just happen overnight.
How many visits are required for an all-on-four dental implant?
It's really hard to say. It varies. It can be as quick as three to four visits if you're doing digital dentistry, but I would probably say it's going to be closer to maybe 10 visits to get everything dialed in to your satisfaction.
Are all-on-four implants a permanent solution for missing teeth?
Having the all-on-four hybrid fixed denture is really a solution for missing teeth. It's the closest you'll ever get to having your teeth again. It probably restores 85% of your chewing capability that you had when you had all your teeth.
What is the difference between full arch implants and the all-on-four procedure?
Sometimes they're used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences. Sometimes the full dental implant procedure is just replacing the teeth and not really the gums. Imagine if you had to lose some teeth and we just place the implants and then put teeth on without changing the gums.
For people who have gum disease or bone loss, when we do the all-on-four hybrid, the fixed denture, we're not just replacing teeth; we're also replacing the lost gums. We're replacing both soft tissue and hard tissue. When we make that denture, it replaces both.
What are the advantages of all-on-four implants over other tooth replacement options?
The biggest thing is it's as close as you'll ever get to having your teeth again. It's going to be the most comfortable. You'll be able to chew the best and it will be almost like you never lost your teeth. That's probably the biggest difference.
What do your before and after results of all-on-four dental implants look like?
The before and after results of people who get the all-on-four dental denture hybrid, the fixed dentures, are basically life-changing. You go from people who are afraid to smile, afraid to laugh, can't chew, or maybe it hurts to chew, to someone who has regained confidence in eating, smiling, and being a happier, healthier person.
How do all-on-four implants improve oral health and quality of life?
All-on-four fixed dentures improve your quality of life by getting rid of infection and diseased teeth. You're restoring your confidence. You can smile again and chew with confidence. If you already have dentures, you can chew with confidence without being afraid of them falling out and being embarrassing while you're eating or laughing in public with your friends.
Alternatives to Dentures
I often get a question: do I have any alternative to dentures? In today's day and age, now we do, which is really a great new procedure. You might have heard of it: All-on-X or All-on-4.
After you remove all your teeth, we're replacing your teeth with four to six implants and making a denture that is fixed permanently to those implants. Now, it's not a true full denture in the sense that it's not removable by you. It still resembles a denture in that it replaces your teeth and, oftentimes, your gums.
But the beauty of it is that it pretty much restores your chewing and speaking ability to almost 100%. It's the closest thing you'll ever get to having your teeth back. It's a little bit more costly, but I don't think you can put a price on comfort and the ability to chew and eat again like you used to.
What are potential problems or complications with all-on-four dental implants?
Just like what God gave you, nothing lasts forever. Your natural teeth didn't last forever, and your all-on-four denture will not last if you don't take care of it. Sure, an implant can't get a cavity or decay, but it can get gum disease. You have to maintain it. You have to clean it, usually with a water pick and something we call super floss. It's a type of floss that you can get underneath the hybrid with. Most importantly, you still have to visit the dentist for a professional cleaning done by a hygienist. Everybody varies, but sometimes once a year or every couple of years, we actually remove the hybrid, clean it, clean underneath it, and make sure the implants are in good shape.
What is the cost of all-on-four dental implants?
People often want to know what an all-on-four or all-on-x fixed denture costs. It can vary, but I think you can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to upwards of $50,000.
What is the recovery process after getting all-on-four dental implants?
A question I often get is what's the recovery period after you've had all-on-four surgery? Again, that varies from patient to patient.
At Delgado Dental Group, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (209) 474-8888 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.