While losing teeth is a normal part of the aging process when we're children, most people don't expect to lose teeth as adults. Unfortunately, adult tooth loss is a common occurrence. The average adult has at least three missing teeth by the time they reach age 64. 

Missing teeth can affect your bite, smile, and overall oral health. There are many tooth restoration options available. All-on-4 dental implants are a great way to restore your smile and help you get your confidence back. 

This blog will discuss what you need to know about the All-on-4 implant procedure. We'll also talk about how it's different than other implant options and if you're a good candidate. 

What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants represent a revolutionary approach to tooth replacement. This procedure involves strategically placing four dental implants throughout the jawbone. The placement is designed to fully support the patient's fixed full-arch prosthesis. 

Your dentist will insert the titanium implants, or posts, into your jawbone. A custom-made tooth will get popped onto the top of the implant. Many patients can walk out of the office with a fully restored smile in as little as one day. 

How Is It Different From Traditional Implants?

The main difference between traditional and All-on-4 dental implants is that traditional implants might require many implants. The patient will only need four implants with All-on-4.

The posterior dental implants also get inserted at a 45º angle. This angle is great for those who are dealing with significant jawbone loss. Patients may not need to go through additional bone grafting procedures when choosing All-on-4 dental implants. 

Another benefit of this procedure is the cost of All-on-4 implants. They tend to be less expensive than other tooth replacement solutions. 

Am I a Good Candidate for All-On-4 Implants?

Many people should consider All-on-4 implants when exploring tooth restoration options. Some factors of a good candidate for this procedure include:

• Current denture wearers
• Be missing all or most of their teeth on both or either arches
• Non-smoker
• Have overall good health
• Possess good jawbone density 

Your dentist will evaluate your smile and determine if All-on-4 implants are the right choice. They'll let you know what your options are if they decide this isn't the appropriate procedure for you. 

What Are the Benefits of All-On-4 Implants?

Patients who want permanent restoration of their missing teeth can experience numerous advantages when choosing All-on-4 implants. You'll get to enjoy so much more than a gorgeous smile with this dental procedure. 

Aesthetics

The full-arch dental implants that get attached to these implants are custom-designed to resemble your natural smile and teeth. You'll achieve a natural-looking smile that fits in seamlessly with the rest of your face. Your lips and cheeks will also get supported by your new teeth, eliminating sunken cheeks and wrinkles. 

Stability

All-on-4 dental implants fuse to the patient's jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This process creates a stable and strong foundation for the prosthesis. Patients can confidently do the following activities:

• Speak
• Chew
• Bite
• Talk

They won't have to worry about their teeth slipping or shifting when they do the above activities. 

Swift Procedure and Recovery

As we mentioned earlier, many patients can have functional teeth in one day with All-on-4 dental implants. This is a great benefit if you're hoping to restore your smile without waiting a long time. 

Patients can also expect to go through a reduced recovery time and quicker surgical procedure with All-on-4 implants. That's because there are fewer implants used with this option than with other tooth replacement solutions.

Improved Oral Health

You don't have to do anything different when it comes to brushing and flossing your teeth with All-on-4 implants. You can maintain proper oral hygiene and reduce the likelihood of you getting gum disease or other issues. 

What Is the All-On-4 Implant Procedure?

There are several steps included in All-on-4 dental implants. The process starts with a general consultation and ends with you receiving a natural-looking smile. 

Evaluation and Consultation 

Your initial consultation with your oral surgeon serves as the foundation for your implant treatment plan. Some of the items that'll be discussed during this meeting include:

• Your dental goals
• Medical and dental history
• Assessing your oral health

Having an in-depth conversation with your oral surgeon is key to setting realistic expectations for yourself. It also ensures that you're a good candidate for the All-on-4 implant procedure. 

Planning Your Treatment 

Your oral surgeon will create a customized treatment plan based on the outcome of your initial consultation. They'll conduct a comprehensive dental exam that's more involved than a routine dental check-up. A few things you can expect from this stage include:

• 3D imaging of sinuses, nerves, and jawbone
• Planning of implant placement 
• Designing the prosthesis 
• Determining if bone grafting or extraction is needed

Surgery and Preparatory Treatments

Your oral surgeon will remove teeth or conduct bone grafting if needed before the implants get placed. There are multiple sedation and anesthesia options available to ensure our patients experience a pain-free surgery. The four dental implants will be placed to maximize support and stability. 

A temporary full-arch prosthesis will be attached to the implants. This allows the patient's gums to heal and seamlessly integrate with the jawbone. You'll regularly visit your oral surgeon over the next few months to ensure the implants are fusing with your jawbone. 

The temporary prosthesis will be replaced with permanent and custom-designed teeth once the implants are healed. The patient will need to attend multiple follow-up visits to ensure everything fits properly. 

Improve Your Smile and Confidence With All-On-4 Dental Implants 

You shouldn't have to feel self-conscious about your smile if you're missing multiple teeth. All-on-4 dental implants provide patients with a wonderful solution to restoring their smile and improving their oral health. Working with an experienced oral surgeon will fill you with confidence. 

If you've been searching for "dental implants near me" in the Lutz area, look no further than Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery. Dr. Guerra, our oral surgeon, has over 12 years of experience delivering exceptional results to his patients.

Reach out to our office to schedule a consultation to discuss your options.