Have you heard of All-on-4 implants? All-on-4 implants are a convenient, durable solution for replacing an entire arch of teeth. Whether you have suffered an accident or an oral health condition, this treatment offers an alternative to traditional implants that see extensive long-term benefits. At Creekside Dental, we provide expert consultation and care for this advanced dental solution. To give you a more in-depth understanding of all-on-4 permanent dentures, we will walk you through our comprehensive guide to help you understand the benefits, considerations, and suitability of All-on-4 full arch implants.
What Are All-on-4 Implants?
All-on-4 implants, also known as All-on-4 permanent dentures, are an advanced technique for patients seeking full arch implants to replace an upper and lower set of teeth. As the treatment name implies, All-on-4 implants need only four implants. Unlike traditional implants requiring a post to be installed for each tooth individually, which takes considerable treatment and recovery time, All-on-4 implants utilize four posts at strategic locations in the dental arch.
The process of getting All-on-4 implants is similar to that of traditional dental implants. For each strategically chosen location, your prosthodontist will make an incision in the gum and insert a metal post into the jawbone.
Next, the patient will proceed with a 6-month healing time, where the bone fuses around the metal posts in a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration ensures that the implants will remain sturdy within the jaw, mimicking the functionality of tooth roots.
Afterward, your prosthodontist will implement a screw-retained replacement when fixing a new set of teeth to the jaw. Once they are permanently affixed, it will be like having normal teeth!
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing All-on-4 Implants:
For adults considering full arch tooth implants, especially those exploring alternatives to traditional dentures or who want a long-lasting, stable solution, there are key factors to consider, including bone health, oral health, lifestyle needs, budget, and long-term benefits. Let’s dive into each of these considerations to fully understand the eligibility requirements at health, lifestyle, and fiscal levels.
#1: Bone Health
A critical aspect for patients considering all-on-4 permanent dentures is that they must have sufficient jawbone density to hold the implants and undergo the treatment process. However, getting these all-on-4 permanent dentures actually requires less bone density than most other procedures, making it a viable option for those suffering from some degree of bone loss.
For example, patients who suffered from osteoporosis or had severely resorbed upper jaws were often considered ineligible for traditional dental implants in the past. While bone grafting may need to be added to a patient’s treatment plan, with the all-on-4 implants, patients are now more likely to have access to these life-changing full arch implants.
#2: Oral Health
When it comes to oral health, All-on-4 implants can be used in cases where patients are typically ineligible for other types of tooth restoration. As we mentioned above, those with decreased bone density are still eligible for a consultation. Additionally, even those missing every tooth on their top or bottom arch are still eligible for full arch implants.
What is more likely to affect your eligibility is any pre-existing dental work or severe periodontal disease. While prosthodontists can work around existing healthy teeth and many other pre-existing conditions or treatments, a more lengthy discussion is required to determine eligibility should you have these conditions. For those with gum disease, a treatment plan would need to be put into place, and the condition must be fully resolved prior to an All-on-4 implant treatment can begin.
#3: Lifestyle Needs
Another factor to consider for all-on-4 permanent dentures is whether it is suitable for your lifestyle. A benefit of All-on-4 dental implants is that they closely mimic real teeth, including bite strength. In terms of dietary preferences, this means that patients who successfully finish the treatment will likely be able to improve their eating experience, enjoying hard-to-chew foods again, such as steak or nuts.
Next, All-on-4 dental implants also improve social and professional interactions as they can, after some practice, enhance speech clarity and eliminate denture slippage. This can be a huge advantage for those who are active socially, especially in speaking-heavy scenarios.
In addition, for our sports enthusiasts, patients who utilize all-on-4 permanent dentures also have the ability to engage in physical sports and strenuous activities without having to worry about dental shifts. Whether you play contact sports or have high-impact activities you love, you can engage in them without worrying about your teeth hindering your abilities.
However, it is vital to note that while All-on-4 dental implants are less maintenance-intensive than traditional implants, they will require a strict oral hygiene routine. Additionally, certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking or heavy alcohol consumption, may hinder the healing process and long-term success of getting full arch implants. Therefore, it is likely that your periodontist will recommend quitting or reducing these habits in advance as well as maintaining your new habits after your procedure.
#4: Budget
A critical factor to consider before initiating an all-on-4 permanent dentures consultation is one’s budget. Typically considered an elective cosmetic procedure by insurance companies, patients may be responsible for full or partial payments for this procedure. While all-on-4 permanent dentures have a higher initial investment than other traditional options, the long-term value is actually more cost-effective due to reduced treatment time, long-term success rate, and minimal maintenance requirements.
We recommend speaking with your insurance company, considering any health savings accounts you can utilize, and discussing payment plan options with your dental office to get a detailed understanding of what parts of the All-on-4 procedure are covered and what the estimated out-of-pocket costs will be.
#5: Long-Term Benefits
The last factor to consider before choosing All-on-4 Implants is the long-term benefits. While the treatment process takes more time than traditional dentures and less time than individual dental implants, it still requires active diligence and adherence to treatment guidelines to achieve a successful outcome.
However, in doing so, patients can gain exponential benefits. With All-on-4 Implants, patients achieve improved stability and functionality – allowing for those lifestyle benefits mentioned above, including more extensive dietary options, improved social and professional interactions, and the ability to play contact sports without worry.
On top of it all, with these full arch implants come better aesthetics. All-on-4 permanent dentures look like real teeth, so patients can grin away without anyone else being the wiser!
All-on-4 Permanent Dentures – How Creekside Dental Can Help You Decide What’s Right for You!
If you are considering whether All-on-4 permanent dentures are the next step in your oral health strategy, we at Creekside Dental provide expert consultation and care for All-on-4 implants with our newest team member, Dr. Tyagi Ankur. Dr. Ankur is the only prosthodontist in the Tri-Cities, serving as an on-call specialist so our patients can receive the highest level of care.
How Full Arch Implants Work with Creekside Dental:
When considering All-on-4 implants, we at Creekside Dental start with an initial consultation to determine your oral health needs. If all-on-4 permanent dentures are a suitable treatment option, you will then receive an expert consultation with Dr. Ankur Tyagi. Dr. Tyagi has a passion for reconstructive dentistry, helping patients restore their smiles and confidence.
During this consultation, Dr. Tyagi will personally evaluate your existing oral health conditions and your current bone health. In addition, he will discuss your lifestyle needs and preferences, as well as your actionable preferences for treatment recovery and post-treatment maintenance. From this consultation, you will walk away with a clear understanding of your treatment eligibility and requirements moving forward.
Should you be eligible for All-on-4 implants, you can trust in the comprehensive care Creekside Dental provides all its patients. From active support throughout the process, from initial consultation to post-procedure follow-up, we believe in a patient-centered approach. We place a heavy emphasis on comfort, education, and satisfaction for every patient.
Additionally, as a comprehensive dental office, we have built a state-of-the-art facility with advanced technology. We use cutting-edge tools for precise placement and optimal outcomes. On top of that, should you need any dental procedures prior to full arch implants, such as a tooth extraction or gum disease treatment, we are available to ensure a comprehensive approach all under one roof.
Then, at the end of your treatment, after you have received your gold star for successful completion, we will be there for your continued oral health maintenance. From regular cleanings to oral cancer screenings, we will ensure that your oral health stays top of mind so you can get the full benefits of your treatment for decades to come.
Don’t Wait in Discomfort – Give Creekside Dental a Call Today to Schedule Your Consultation
At Creekside Dental, we want our patients to be able to smile with confidence. If you are considering All-on-4 implants, we are here to help. Get started by contacting Creekside Dental today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a confident, functional smile!