
- by Dr. Ravneet Dhillon
- January 27, 2023
Overview
Tooth loss can not only lead to many issues with everyday functions like eating and speaking of a person, but can also have a significant effect on one’s confidence level, and how a person feels about oneself.
Dentures have been the go-to solution for replacing missing teeth for many decades now. But they are not an easy option and can become loose and cause embarrassment.
With the advancement of technology, All on-4 implants, also known as same-day teeth implants can restore your smile in just one visit to an expert implant specialist at Morgan Hill Dentistry. More and more people are opting for this natural alternative to traditional dentures.
What Are All On 4 Implants?
Permanent set of teeth that look and feel like natural teeth, All-on-4 dental implants are known as full arch implants. They make it possible for you to have your teeth replaced with an effective and reliable treatment that helps you to avoid cumbersome long-term procedures and conventional dentures.
All on 4 Dental Implants have four titanium implant posts which are fixed in the jawbone at strategic intervals along the arch attached to a denture plate. A full arch of teeth helps to restore the function of the teeth and face aesthetics too.
All-on-4 dental implants procedure involves a minor surgery that takes roughly two hours per arch and eliminates the need for bone grafts to support the implant.
The dentist chooses the dense part of the jaw to place the posts, reducing both the procedure and recovery time. The entire procedure can be completed in one session, giving you a brand-new smile.
Also Read: Why Getting All-On-X Dental Implants Is The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make
How Do All On 4 Implants Work?
All on 4 dental implants help to provide a strong anchor for the replacement teeth. They can be placed both in the upper and lower jaw. A full arch of missing teeth can be replaced with just four dental implants through the procedure.
A fixed bridge or denture that supports the implants is attached to your natural teeth. This procedure eliminates the requirement of an implant for each one of your missing teeth.
The All-on-4 dental implant solution offers a superior tooth restoration solution as it provides a secure adhesion because the dental implants are directly embedded into the jawbone.
Moreover, they provide the same stimulation as natural teeth and help to prevent the loss of bone density, and work towards maintaining the strength of the jawbone.
Because of the stability provided by the implants, a much more solid connection is provided for the replacement teeth allowing the patient to enjoy any type of food without any worry of the tooth coming loose at all.
What is the procedure for All-on-4 Implants?
The all-on-4 implant procedure is performed under sedation to ensure the patient’s comfort.
Consultation & Examination
To begin with the procedure the dentist performs a comprehensive examination and consultation, taking a detailed review of the patient’s dental health and past medical history. Imaging tests, x-rays, and digital 3D scans are also taken along with performing a thorough physical examination of the mouth. These tests help the dentist ensure a complete understanding of the patient’s dental health, identify underlying issues, if any, and address or correct them prior to the beginning of the procedure.
The dentists at Morgan Hill Dentistry discuss with patients about their goals and explain to them the expected outcome on completion of the procedure. We firmly believe that it is always important for patients to make informed decisions.
Pre-Procedure & Patient Preparation
After the dentist confirms that the patient is an eligible candidate, the next stage of the procedure begins. The dentist takes various measurements to plan the exact placement of the dental implants and also to adequately design the replacement prosthesis.
This ensures the comfort of the patient and helps to provide the best possible stability between the implants and the prosthesis.
These measurements also help the doctor to decide how much ridge reduction will be necessary to accomplish the desired result.
Ridge reduction refers to the process where a certain portion of bone material is removed from the top and bottom jaw to accommodate the replacement tooth prosthesis. It also helps to create sufficient space for a natural look & feel.
Bite impressions of both the top and bottom jaws are also obtained to create molds that help test the fit & size of the different elements used in the All-on-4 procedure. Once all these things are in order, the All-on-4 surgery is scheduled.
The All-on-4 Procedure
During the surgery the dental surgeon measures and marks the correct natural distance between the top and bottom jaws.
This is done with the motive to preserve the distance at the end of the procedure so that the patient’s facial structure and jaw are in the same position as they were before the procedure.
The dentist extracts the remnants of previously lost teeth and removes excess or damaged gum tissue.
Making an incision along the length of the ridge on both the top and bottom jaws the dentist exposes the jawbone for ridge reduction according to the predetermined measurements of bone from each of the top and bottom arches.
The remaining bone is then smoothed and prepared to insert the dental implants.
All insertion points are marked on the surface of the bone and holes for the implants are drilled at precise angles to obtain maximum strength and stability.
After inserting and tightening the implants, the dental surgeon replaces the gum tissue around the implants and closes all incisions.
The abutments that will serve as the mounting posts for the replacement tooth are attached to the implants and the temporary prosthesis is secured in place using mechanical fasteners.
Recovery & Final Prosthesis
The patient is instructed to follow the ideal guidelines for post-surgery oral care. Pain relievers are prescribed as needed, and instructions about how to properly clean the mouth are given along with tips for a fast and optimum recovery.
The dentist schedules follow-up appointments to monitor progress.
The patients are advised to follow a soft-food diet for the first few months after the procedure to allow the implants to fully heal and integrate with the surrounding bone in the jaw. This process usually takes about 3-4 months.
Once the implants have healed, the patient returns to the dentist for another set of impressions which are used to prepare the final prosthesis.
After the final prosthesis is prepared and attached, the procedure is officially complete and the patient can enjoy the benefits of their brand new set of permanent replacement teeth that look completely natural and allow them to eat and drink all the foods they like.
We at Morgan Hill Dentistry use implants and abutments that are specially designed with angled connections for adequate shock absorption, and to facilitate rapid cell growth.
What Are The Benefits Of All On 4 Implants?
All on 4 dental implants offer several benefits as compared to other tooth replacement options:
- All on 4 Implants’ procedure is quick and safe
- It is much less invasive as compared to other tooth restoration options
- It does not require any special maintenance and can be cleaned like natural teeth
- It requires no adhesive
- There is no pain or friction between the gums and the dentures
- You can enjoy all the foods without any restrictions
- The treatment helps to restore your confidence
- Helps to prevent bone deterioration and restores the facial features
- Can help achieve a natural smile in a shorter length of time compared to other treatment options
- Are less expensive than other replacements for all of your teeth.
- Dentures supported by All-on-4 implants don’t become loose or shift position as the implants fuse with the bMaintenanceenanace Of All On 4 Implants
All on 4 implants look and function like natural teeth, and they essentially need the same amount of brushing and flossing as one would do with natural teeth. Brush twice daily and floss at least once a day and make sure to visit the dentist every six months for a routine check-up.
How Much Do All On 4 Implants Cost?
The cost of All on 4 implants depends on many factors. Our specialist can give you an exact idea of the cost after a consultation and an examination to assess the procedures that might be needed during the procedure.
To find out more about our All on 4 implants options in Morgan Hill, do book an appointment with our skilled and experienced team who will answer any questions you might have.
Morgan Hill Dentistry specializes in a wide array of dental procedures, including sedation, general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Allow us to restore your beautiful smile in just one day!