All-on-4® dental implants are restorative tooth options that follow a simple procedure. During an initial consultation, your dentist will explain your treatment and payment plan for the All-on-4® dental procedure.
The All-on-4® procedure follows a step-by-step process crafted by your dentist based on the results of some examinations you will undergo. Your dentist will let you know all the pros and cons of your All-on-4® procedure.
What Are All-on-4® Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implant are tooth root prostheses that are screwed into your jawbone and support an arch of artificial teeth. As the name implies, the treatment covers the installation of four implants.
The All-on-4® procedure involves the replacement of all the teeth in your upper and lower jaw. The four implants are placed into your jawbone, with two at the front and two at the back.
These implants are attached to prosthetic teeth with an abutment. The tooth prostheses may be permanently fitted or made to snap onto the dental implants, e.g., an overdenture.
All-on-4® Procedure Step By Step
Many patients are curious about how long the All-on-4® procedure takes and what it entails. As earlier stated, your dentist will enlighten you on the overall process and cost of all on 4 dental implants associated with the procedure.
This article will equip you with the basics of the All-on-4® dental implant procedure. So, you can ask informed questions and get all the necessary clarifications from your dentist during your consultation.
Initial Consultation & Preparation
The All-on-4® procedure begins with a step where your dentist goes through a thorough consultation and evaluation with you. This first line of action aims to determine whether you are a good candidate for All-on-4® dental implants.
Make sure to voice your concerns and questions at this point. Regardless, your dentist will thoroughly explain the procedure and inform you of your payment options. They should communicate effectively with you and ask for your expectations for the procedure.
Treatment Planning
Your dentist will carry out X-rays and 3D CT scans to evaluate the underlying structure of your mouth. They will also check for areas of bone loss and may recommend a bone graft if your dentist cannot fit the implants around the deteriorated area.
If your results show that you are a good candidate for the full mouth dental implant procedure, impressions of your upper and lower jaws will be taken, as well as a photograph of your mouth and additional X-rays to aid the treatment planning.
Depending on your pain tolerance and whether or not you have a dental phobia, your dentist may recommend sleep dentistry for your All-on-4® procedure.
Placement Of All-on-4® Implant
Your dentist will measure the distance between your upper and lower jaws to maintain the original structure of your face after the procedure. If you have any damaged teeth or tissues, the dentist will perform a tooth extraction and make sure to treat any lingering diseases in your gum area.
An incision will be made across the length of your upper and lower gums to allow for ridge reduction. Then, using a surgical guide or freehand, your dentist will drill holes into the most sturdy positions in preparation for the implants.
The four implants will then be inserted and tightened at an angle that avoids your nerves and sinus cavities. Your dentist will close all incisions and replace the gum tissues. This will be followed by the attachment of an abutment and a temporary prosthesis.
Permanently Attaching Teeth
You will need to undergo a healing period of at least four months after the implant placement. This will allow your jawbone to fuse with the four implants in osseointegration.
After the initial placement, you will need follow-up appointments where your dentist will monitor your healing process. Once deemed ready, your dentist will again take impressions of your mouth to construct the final prostheses.
The prostheses will then be fitted into your implants and screwed permanently. However, during this step, your dentist will check that the prosthesis fits well and make any necessary adjustments or modifications.
How Long Does All-on-4® Procedure Take?
The length of your All-on-4® procedure depends on several factors. The need for tooth extraction or a more complex procedure could add to the procedure\’s time.
On average, the length of the All-on-4® procedure will take about 2-4 hours per arch. This includes the tooth extraction, implant placement, and fitting of the temporary prosthesis.
Looking at the overall procedure, it can span from about 6 months to a year. This includes the healing periods between the implant placement and the fitting of the permanent tooth prostheses.
How Much Does The All-on-4® Procedure Cost
The cost of All-on-4® implants in Australia varies among patients. The price starts at about $20,000, but your dentist will let you know exactly how much your All-on-4® procedure will cost.
During the initial consultation, your dentist will check your bone quality to determine whether it is dense enough to support the implants. You will be scheduled for a bone graft procedure if it\’s not. This will contribute to the cost of your treatment and the implant materials, sedative medication, and such.
Depending on the dental clinic you visit, your dentist will provide you with financing options for your weekly, fortnightly or monthly budget.
Insurance may not cover the full payment for the procedure as some insurance companies consider All-on-4® implants cosmetic dentistry. You should check with your private dental insurance provider, as they may cover part of the dental implant cost of the procedure.
Pros And Cons Of All-on-4®Dental Implants
All-on-4® dental implants have an impressive success rate of about 98%. However, as with any medical procedure, as much as there are pros, there are cons to All-on-4® dental implants.
Pros Of The All-On-4 Dental Implants
- All-on-4® dental implants improve your speech and chewing ability.
- The All-on-4® implant procedure is a more secure tooth restoration option than traditional dentures.
- The implants do not cover your palates, so you keep your full sense of taste.
- The procedure strengthens your jaw bone and adds volume to it.
- The four implants contribute to the restoration of your confident-looking smile.
Cons Of The All-on-4® Dental Implants
- The All-on-4® procedure runs relatively expensive to acquire.
- You may feel intense pain or severe bleeding after the procedure.
- The four implants could fail or be rejected by your body.
- The All-on-4® dental implant procedure takes a long time to be fully completed.
FAQ
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How painful is All-on-4®?
Your dentist will administer an IV sedation or local anaesthetic to numb any pain you may have felt during the procedure. You will feel mild pain afterwards, but you can resolve this with over-the-counter medications.
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Does food get under All-on-4® dental implants?
Food does not get stuck under the implants but may be stuck underneath the tooth prosthesis like an implant-supported denture or bridge.
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Are All-on-4® worth the money?
All-on-4® dental implants are a long-lasting replacement for missing teeth and are worth it if your dentist deems you a good candidate for them.
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How long does it take to get used to All-on-4?
Although the acclimation varies from patient to patient, you should get used to your All-on-4® dental implants within a few days after the procedure.
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How long does swelling last after All-on-4®implants?
The swellings will typically subside 3-5 days after the procedure. Even so, it can be relieved with an ice pack wrapped in a towel for the first few days.