Tooth loss is an unfortunate reality for many people. Not only can this shake your confidence, but it also affects your ability to eat and speak. Fortunately, you can restore the look and function of your mouth with All-on-Four implants.
All-on-Four is an incredible implant solution that restores the look and function of your mouth. During this revolutionary dental procedure, the entire upper or lower dental plate is replaced in a single day. The replacement teeth are permanently anchored in the mouth by four dental implants, which are inserted into the jawbone.
An All-on-Four implant procedure is ideal for patients missing some or all of their teeth. Since an All-on-Four replacement is completed over the course of a single day, it’s much more manageable than going for multiple appointments to have several implants inserted. Anyone who struggles with conventional dentures should also consider All-on-Four implants.
First, your dentist performs a comprehensive examination of your condition. This includes reviewing your dental history, taking x-rays and digital 3D scans, and thoroughly examining your mouth. Then, a treatment plan is created based on the current state of your mouth and your goals.
Measurements of the mouth are taken to plan the exact placement of the dental implants. These measurements also inform the shape and orientation of the replacement teeth. As a result, the new dental plate will fit perfectly, leading to optimum comfort and function.
On the day of the procedure, your dentist measures and marks the distance between your top and bottom jaw. This distance will not change once you have your new dental plate. If it does, your facial structure and jaw can change position. Consequently, it is very important that your dentist marks the correct, natural distance.
An All-on-Four procedure is typically performed with oral sedation and not general anesthesia.
Once the procedure begins, your dentist extracts any existing teeth or remnants of lost teeth. Damaged gum tissue is also removed. The dental implants are inserted into the jawbone at precise angles for maximum strength and stability. Following placement, your dentist replaces the gum tissue around the implants and closes all incisions.
The healing time for an All-on-Four procedure is around three weeks. It takes three to four months for the dental implants to integrate with the jawbone. After six months, the bonding is fully complete and you’re due back at your dentist to receive your final prosthesis.
