What To Consider with All-on-4®

All-on-4® is a full teeth replacement option that offers several attractive advantages. It provides permanent and stable replacement teeth at a lower cost than other dental implant options. However, it is important to know what is involved and who makes a good candidate. If you are considering All-on-4, here are some key things to know.

All-on-4 Explained

This option involves replacing an entire arch of teeth with a denture supported by four metal dental implant rods. Four implants support the bottom denture, and another four support the bottom. Usually, full teeth replacement requires 6-8 dental implants. However, All-on-4 is strategically placed with the back implants at an angle, requiring fewer implants.

Advantages of All-on-4

A key advantage to the All-on-4 option is that it provides the benefits of dental implants through a procedure with less surgery and recovery time. Here are more benefits of All-on-4:

• Stable teeth replacement
• Alternative to traditional dentures
• Does not need to be removed
• Natural-looking
• Faster treatment times
• Long-lasting
• Reduced need for bone grafting

Also, the procedure can typically be completed in a day. The patient will leave with a new set of teeth and a temporary denture that a permanent one will replace after the recovery period.

Canidicy for All-on-4

An ideal candidate is someone who is missing most or all of their teeth and is seeking an alternative to removable dentures. All-on-4 is also a fitting option for those who do not qualify for other dental implant procedures due to a lack of bone density. However, all candidates should be in good oral health, non-smokers, and healthy enough for oral surgery. In addition, patients must be committed to good oral health after surgery, during the healing process, and beyond.

Things to consider

All-on-4 tends to be less expensive and has fewer candidacy requirements than other implant options. Still, this does not make it right for everyone. Patients must understand there is a lengthy healing period between the time of the procedure and the placement of the permanent denture that can last between 4 to 6 months. Some patients may require some degree of bone grafting, and only a dentist or periodontist skilled in All-on-4 procedures can make that determination.

Though all-on-4 has a high success rate, no procedure is without risks or complications. There is a small risk of infection, nerve damage, complications related to anesthesia, and implant failure. The provider will give the patient detailed aftercare instructions and instructions on recognizing potential problems and when to call the office.