All-on-4 Dental Implants Step by Step

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are a revolutionary dental implant procedure that uses advanced materials and methods to restore missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, All-on-4 implants require no adhesives and can be cared for just like natural teeth. They work by using titanium implants inserted into the jawbone where the missing teeth used to be, followed by a set of custom-made teeth that are connected to the implants.

All-on-4 Dental Implant Timeline

The All-on-4 dental implant procedure is typically completed in one day. Once the implant posts have been surgically placed, a temporary set of dentures will be used until the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone. Once the integration—called “osseointegration”—is complete, your dentist will place your permanent teeth. Usually, this takes place about six to eight weeks after the implants have fused to your jawbone. Here’s what to expect at every step of the All-on-4 procedure.

What Are the Steps to Getting All-on-4 Dental Implants?

As many as 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and 36 million are missing all their teeth. All-on-4 implants are an excellent way to replace one or more missing teeth. The process for placing All-on-4 implants is not as complicated as many of our patients first think.

Step 1: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

To evaluate your needs, you should expect a complete examination of your mouth, including dental X-rays and a possible CBCT scan to look at the jawbone and other underlying structures. We’ll also discuss your medical history, any current health problems, and current medications you’re on to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

Step 2: Tooth Extraction

Once a diagnosis is made, the next step will involve removing any existing teeth that need to be replaced. This may include some healthy teeth as well if they are blocking the way for All-on-4 implants.

Step 3: Implant Placement

Since you’ll be sedated for the procedure, make sure you have someone available to drive you home once it’s completed. Once you’re fully sedated, the dentist extracts any of your remaining teeth and makes small incisions in your gums to shape the four upper and four lower arch sockets. These incisions are where the implants will be placed. Implant screws are then placed in your jawbone, and a connector is attached. A bone graft is sometimes required during this stage of the surgery. The last step is to suture your gums and place temporary dentures while the implant sites heal. That’s it!

Step 4: Final Adjustments and Follow Up

Nearing the end of the treatment process, abutments will be put into place and a new set of custom-made teeth will be connected to the abutments. This process may take place during the same visit when implants were placed or at a later date.

Now that your dental implants are in place, they must be given time to heal properly. Everyone’s healing process is a little different, but your post-surgery recovery will typically include 72 hours of rest and the use of ice packs to reduce any swelling that may occur. In some cases, your dentist may also prescribe medications for pain and to prevent infections.

It takes about three to six months of “osseointegration” for new bone growth to integrate around the implants and for the healing process to be complete. To avoid placing too much force on your newly established implants and to reduce your discomfort, a soft-food diet is highly recommended for the first few months after surgery. Once the osseointegration is complete, the dentist will replace the temporary dentures with your permanent dentures.

All-on-4 Dental Implant Consultation

With a 98% chance of success, there’s absolutely no reason to put off getting a consultation for your new smile! To learn more about whether an All-on-4 dental implant procedure is right for you, contact Kanehl Dental today to book a consultation.