All-On-4 dental implants can be a life changing solution for patients with missing or failing teeth. When all of the teeth need to be replaced in the upper or lower jaw, or both, this option allows for fast restoration of your smile and dental function.
But many patients wonder if they qualify and how to find out. There are some specific criteria that must be met for this treatment option to be considered. A professional evaluation is essential to determining candidacy for All-On-4 dental implants. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?
All-On-4 dental implants, also called Teeth in a Day, are dentures that are anchored in the jaw using titanium posts. This involves the placement of 4 dental implants in the jaw, spaced strategically to offer the strongest support for the prosthetic. All-On-4 dental implants can replace all of the teeth in a single arch with more stability than traditional dentures, providing improved chewing capabilities and comfort.
Common Reasons Patients Consider All-On-4 Treatment
- Extensive tooth loss. When the majority or all of the teeth in a single arch are missing, All-On-4 provides complete restoration.
- Failing dental work. Patients with crowns or bridges that are damaged may need to replace the teeth completely.
- Uncomfortable dentures. Traditional dentures are prone to slipping, resulting in pinching and chafing of the gums. But All-On-4 dental implants stay securely in place.
- Advanced gum disease. In cases of advanced gum disease the teeth often become loose or fall out, requiring in the need for complete replacement.
General Requirements for All-On-4 Dental Implant Candidacy
To be eligible for All-On-4 dental implants, the following criteria are strongly considered:
- Overall oral health. The state of your oral health encompasses both the hard tissues (teeth, bone) and soft tissues (gums, etc). The better your oral health, the greater the chances of dental implant success.
- Jawbone condition. The structure and density of your jaw is a key element in dental implant candidacy. Missing teeth and gum disease lead to bone loss in the jaw, which can mean there is not enough bone or that the bone is too weak to place dental implants.
- General medical considerations. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and active chemotherapy treatment could make it more difficult for you to qualify for All-On-4.
- Smoking. Moderate to heavy smoking can increase the risk of implant failure, potentially making you ineligible for the procedure unless you quit.
While these factors can be problematic, it is still possible that even if you were previously told you are not a candidate, you may still qualify. A professional evaluation will be necessary to determine if All-On-4 is a possibility for you.
Can You Get All-On-4 Dental Implants If You Have Bone Loss?
Bone loss is typically the biggest factor in dental implant eligibility. However, many patients with bone loss can still get All-On-4 dental implants because they can be placed at an angle, meaning the jaw bone doesn’t have to be as thick throughout the jaw as it does for traditional implants.
In some cases bone grafting may be necessary to regenerate lost bone tissue in the jaw. This procedure can make many patients eligible for dental implants who would not be otherwise. It can take a several months for adequate growth of the bone, meaning restoration will not be immediate.
What to Expect During an All-On-4 Consultation
- Consultation. The first step is a consultation during which the procedure will be explained and you will have the opportunity to ask questions to determine if you wish to proceed with this course of treatment.
- Evaluation. The next step is an evaluation, including a visual assessment of your overall oral health and digital imaging to measure the density and structure of the jaw.
- Treatment planning. Depending on the results of the evaluation, a personalized treatment plan and timeline will be established to help you reach your dental health and smile goals.
Is All-On-4 the Right Solution for Your Smile?
If you are missing teeth, struggling with uncomfortable or ill-fitting dentures, generalized cavities or gum disease, it’s time to schedule a consultation to find out if All-On-4 dental implants or other options are right for you. Contact us today to learn more and make an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About All-On-4 Dental Implants
How long do All-On-4 dental implants last?
With proper care and regular dental visits, All-On-4 dental implants can last many years and often decades. The restorations are designed for long term function and durability.
How soon can I eat normally after All-On-4 treatment?
Patients usually follow a modified diet during healing, then gradually return to normal eating. Your provider will give detailed guidance based on your recovery progress.
We are Progressive Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, dedicated to helping patients restore their smiles with advanced periodontal and implant solutions. Our team focuses on personalized care, long term oral health, and patient comfort at every stage of treatment. Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation.