All-on-4 – Gainesville, GA
Sturdy Smiles with Fewer Dental Implants
The All-on-4 technique is one of the most prominent examples of the advancements that have been made regarding dental implants. This innovative approach uses fewer dental implant posts to permanently replace an entire row of teeth – and the way it’s done makes it a viable choice even for those with less jawbone density! If you schedule an appointment with Dr. Her at Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, you can learn more about All-on-4 and the benefits it might have for your smile.
Why Choose Lifetime Dental of Gainesville for All-on-4?
- Entire Dental Implant Process Completed In-House
- Sirona® 3D Cone Beam Scanner Improves Precision
- Sedation for Patients with Dental Anxiety
How Do All-On-4 Implants Work?
All-on-4 involves surgically placing four dental implant posts in your jaw. What makes this different from a regular dental implant procedure is that the posts are specifically placed in locations of the jaw where the bone density is highest. Furthermore, the posterior implants (as in, the ones placed closer to the back of your mouth) are inserted at a 45-degree angle. This approach gives the four posts enough stability to support a full denture – oftentimes on the same day as the surgery.
Am I a Candidate for All-On-4 Implants?
If you’re wondering about your candidacy for All-on-4, consider the following questions:
- Are you an adult who has lost most or all of the teeth in a single arch or both arches?
- Is your mouth healthy?
- Are you able to have a minor surgical procedure done?
- Can you commit to a lifetime of good oral hygiene?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you’re most likely able to get All-on-4 implants. Note that even people with oral health issues may still be eligible for the procedure after preliminary work is performed.
Keep in mind that the placement techniques used for All-on-4 reduce the level of bone density needed in the jaw. That means that even patients who would need a bone graft to receive traditional dental implants may be able to have All-on-4 done right away.
Benefits of All-On-4 Implants
Like all dental implant procedures, All-on-4 lets you enjoy new teeth that both look and feel natural. There’s no danger of the restoration slipping or falling out of your mouth, which is good news for those who don’t want to deal with the inconveniences of traditional dentures. And of course, you can eat virtually anything you want thanks to the bite force and chewing power provided by your implants.
All-On-4 vs. Traditional Implants
There are three major reasons All-on-4 is different from traditional dental implant placement:
- The Number of Posts: Regular implant dentures often need 6 or even 8 posts to support them. All-on-4 lets you replace the same number of teeth with fewer implants.
- Less Need for Bone Grafting: All-on-4 can speed up the implant process for patients who would otherwise need bone grafting before dental implant surgery.
- Less Waiting Time for New Teeth: In many cases, patients who have All-on-4 performed are able to get a customized denture immediately after receiving their implant posts.
All-on-4 FAQs
Is All-on-4 Painful?
There is a common misconception out there that recovering from All-on-4 surgery is very painful. Fortunately, this isn’t the case at all. Your mouth will be numbed during the procedure itself, so you shouldn’t feel a thing. You may experience some soreness over the next few days due to inflammation, but this can be managed with your over-the-counter and/or prescribed pain relievers. By carefully following the aftercare instructions provided to you, you’ll feel back to normal in no time!
What Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Feel Like?
All-on-4 dental implants are designed to be much more comfortable than traditional dentures. This is because they don’t press down on your gums or shift around as ill-fitting dentures do. All-on-4 allows you to bite down with increased force and experience the sensation of enjoying a wider variety of foods.
Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4 Dental Implants?
Most people who have experienced extensive tooth loss can benefit from All-on-4. There aren’t any age restrictions once the patient is in good health. However, smoking can affect the body’s ability to heal, so if you smoke, it’s important that you drop the habit for a few months after your procedure for the highest possibility of success. Of course, this is also a great time to give up smoking entirely. If you are currently someone who wears dentures but isn’t happy with them, All-on-4 is likely the solution for you!
How Are All of the Teeth Anchored at Only 4 Points?
Implant dentures are traditionally placed on as many as 8 dental implants. However, All-on-4 dental implants work a little bit differently. They call for additional strategy and precision of placement within the jawbone. They are also placed at a slight angle to increase stability and provide maximum support for the whole arch with fewer anchor points. This process also minimizes the need for bone grafts before placement.
How Long Does the All-on-4 Procedure Take?
Everyone’s case is a little bit different so this can vary. Most of the time, it takes 2–4 hours for each arch to be placed. A lot of the time, patients are able to leave the practice with a set of temporary teeth. Once the jaw completely heals, you will return to the practice to get your permanent set of replacement teeth.