When it comes to replacing a full set of missing teeth, All-on-4 implants offer a revolutionary solution that provides a secure, functional, and natural-looking smile. Unlike traditional dentures or other dental implant methods, All-on-4 implants use four strategically placed titanium posts to support a full set of teeth, giving you back both your confidence and your ability to chew and speak normally.
Let’s explore the benefits of these implants, and how they can be the perfect solution for patients who need a full arch replacement.
How Do All-on-4 Implants Work?
Each of the four implants are placed in areas of the jaw that have the most bone density and act as the foundation for a dental bridge (a full set of replacement teeth). This minimizes the need for additional implants or bone grafting. A dental bridge is then custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. All-on-4 implants are securely anchored into the jawbone to provide better support, enhanced stability, and improved function compared to options like dentures which only rest on the gums.
Our All-on-4 implant procedure involves the following steps.
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Consultation and Planning. Dr. Foleck evaluates your oral health and discusses your goals. X-rays and 3D scans are taken to plan the optimal placement of the four implants.
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Implant Placement. The four titanium implant posts are surgically placed into your jawbone under local anesthesia. The implants are positioned at specific angles to ensure the maximum amount of support and stability.
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Healing Period (Osseointegration). After implant placement, a healing period of 3-6 months is required for the implants to fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration.
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Final Restoration. Once the implants have fully integrated with the bone, the permanent bridge or set of teeth is placed. These teeth provide a natural look and feel, ensuring that you can eat, speak, and smile confidently.
The Benefits of All-on-4 Implants
1. Faster Treatment and Recovery
One of the major benefits of All-on-4 implants is the speed at which the procedure is completed. Traditional implants can require multiple surgeries and extended recovery times, whereas All-on-4 implants offer patients a full set of replacement teeth within a few months. In many cases, patients even receive temporary teeth the same day as the implant surgery, allowing them to leave with a fully functional smile.
2. Improved Aesthetics
All-on-4 implants provide a more natural-looking smile than traditional dentures. The replacement teeth are custom-designed to match the color, size, and shape of your original teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your existing smile. Additionally, All-on-4 implants are fixed in place, so you won’t have to worry about them slipping, clicking, or feeling odd when you speak or eat.
3. Less Invasive Surgery
Compared to traditional implants, All-on-4 implants require fewer implants and less invasive surgery. Because the implants are placed at specific angles in areas of the jaw with higher bone density, bone grafting is often unnecessary. This reduces the complexity of the procedure, decreases recovery time, and lowers the overall cost.
4. Enhanced Stability and Function
You won’t have to worry about your replacement teeth shifting or slipping like traditional dentures because they’ll be securely anchored, and will feel and function just like natural teeth.
5. A Cost-Effective Solution
Because All-on-4 implants use only four implants to support an entire arch of teeth, they are often more cost-effective than traditional systems that require additional implants. Combined with a faster recovery time and lack of bone grafting, All-on-4 implants are a more affordable option for patients who need full arch replacement.
6. Prevention of Bone Loss
One of the unique advantages of All-on-4 implants over traditional dentures is that they help preserve jawbone health. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area begins to deteriorate over time. Dental implants, including All-on-4 implants, prevent that loss by stimulating the jawbone in the same way that natural tooth roots would. This maintains your facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance that is characteristic of denture users.
Who Is a Candidate for All-on-4 Implants?
These implants are ideal for patients who have lost a full arch of teeth, or those who are currently using traditional dentures but are dissatisfied with their fit and function. Candidates for All-on-4 implants should ideally have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density to support implants, although patients with minor bone loss may also be eligible.
During your consultation at The Foleck Center, we’ll evaluate your oral health and determine if All-on-4 implants are the best option for you.
Why Choose The Foleck Center for All-on-4 Implants?
We have several years of experience providing dental implants like All-on-4 for many patients in the Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Hampton Roads areas. We understand that extensive tooth replacement can be a life-changing decision, and we’re here to guide you through every step of that process so that you feel comfortable and confident with the results.
Schedule Your Consultation for All-on-4 Implants Today!
If you’re curious about dental implants, we want to hear from you! Contact us online or by calling 800-800-8000 to discuss your questions and start the path to a healthy, beautiful smile.
