All-on-4 Dental Implants

Dr. Kanehl is one of the first cosmetic dentists in Jacksonville offering the new All on 4 dental implant system. Read on to learn more about this new procedure and whether or not you may be a suitable candidate.

What are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants simplify the process of getting teeth replaced by attaching a full arch of beautiful replacement teeth to the top or bottom of your mouth, using just four precisely placed screws in each jaw. Made with titanium, these implants are durable enough to support the entire arch, instead of requiring an individual screw for each tooth implant. Titanium is one of the few metals that can fuse to living bone, allowing the All on 4 implants to function as an extension of the jawbone. The result is a smile full of beautiful teeth with minimal time and recovery needed. 

Who is a Good Candidate for All on 4 Dental Implants?

To be a suitable candidate for All-on-4 dental implants, a patient should have healthy soft tissue within the mouth and a stable level of bone to attach the implants into. Every case is different, and the only way to know for sure is to have a consultation done by a qualified dentist like Dr. Kanehl. During this consultation, Dr. Kanehl will examine the structure of the mouth and jawbone to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for All on 4, as well as answer any questions you may have about the procedure.

How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Work?

All on 4 is a minimally invasive procedure done within the dental office, which can be completed within a day. But the process begins at the initial appointment, where the dentist will perform examinations and diagnostic work, such as CT scans or X-rays. These diagnostic tools are used to determine the best place to put the implants within the mouth. Once all of the planning is complete, Dr. Kanehl will schedule an appointment for the placement of the All on 4 implants with a surgeon. During this appointment, any partial or damaged teeth can be removed before the implants are placed. Initially, temporary replacement teeth are placed within the mouth. This is done to allow time for the soft tissues to heal and settle properly before the permanent teeth are placed. About six to eight weeks later, once the implants have fused to the jawbone and the bridge sits properly in the mouth, Dr. Kanehl will replace the temporary teeth with permanent ones.

Typical Results of All-on-4 Dental Implants

Most patients who undergo the All on 4 process report a significant change to their quality of life once the implants are placed. Too often, these patients have suffered in silence for years, restricting the types of foods they eat and when they allow themselves to smile due to the lack of self-confidence they feel because of their teeth. Once the All on 4 implants are in place, these patients are free to enjoy any foods they like without worrying about the impact on their teeth. Over the years, these patients may also see a change in the shape and look of their face due to tooth loss, which can cause facial skin to look sallow or sunken. Because the dental implants are fixed and permanent, many patients report a fuller, healthier facial look with All on 4 in place.

All-On-4 Common Questions

What does the “4” mean in All on 4?

The 4 refers to the number of dental implants required to hold that arch in place whether it be the upper or lower set of teeth that will need to be anchored by the 4 dental implants.

What does fixed teeth or fixed dentures mean?

They are referred to as fixed because they are installed on a permanent basis, meaning they cannot be removed by the patient.

What does implant mean?

It is a placement of an artificial root into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth called a crown. It mimics the shape of the root and is usually made of titanium and other materials that are well-suited to the human body.

Did you know there are 3 parts to a dental implant?

The three parts are:

1. The post, also known as the screw, body, or fixture.
2. The abutment.
3. The crown, also known as the prosthetic or the restoration

What does abutment mean?

An abutment is a connector that the dentist builds onto, or attaches, to the top of the dental implant. It serves as the attachment for the replace crown or bridge and keeps it firmly in place.

Contact Us

The process of having All-on-4 dental implants placed in your mouth can significantly improve your dental health and quality of life. To find out if you are a suitable candidate for All on 4 implants, book a consultation with Dr. Kanehl today.