All On 4 Dental Implants – Step By Step

All On 4 Dental Implants has become a very popular treatment option for many who have already lost their teeth or are on the verge of losing their teeth. It is often called “teeth in a day” because patients walk out of the dental office with a full complement of teeth following a few hours worth of treatment. Many understand the basic process of all on 4 dental implants but do not understand the planning and experience that goes into such a procedure. All on 4 dental implants are ideal for patients who have either lost many of their top or bottom teeth or for those who are in the process of losing the teeth. This type of tooth loss can be brought on by many factors including age, genetics, trauma, and periodontal disease.

All On 4 Dental Implants Treatment Option

For many patients the convenience of the all on 4 dental implants procedure trumps the cost. The cost for all on 4 dental implants can be anywhere between $17,000 – $35,000 per arch. The convenience factor is, that almost all of the work is completed in one day. There are, of course, pre and post surgical follow up visits. So what are the exact steps in the all on 4 dental implants procedure?

Steps For All On 4 Dental Implants

Step 1

This visit comprises the initial consultation with your dentist. This visit builds the foundation for a successful all on 4 dental implants procedure. This visit comprises of the following:

• -Pre operative pictures -Impressions and bite registration. These will be used to create study models that will be sent to the dental laboratory in the fabrication of your custom dentures.
• -Consultation with the surgeon. Radiographs and Cat scans to get a clear picture of where the anatomy is located for planning the surgical phase with dental implants.
• -This first step will also include a discussion of how you want your final teeth to appear. Often times patients will bring pictures from when they were younger and had a full set of healthy teeth. This gives the dentist and dental laboratory a guide to use when fabricating a new set of teeth.

Step 2

Patient will arrive at the dental office the morning of the all on 4 dental implants procedure. This visit will include the following:

• -Removal of any remaining teeth
• -Placement of 4 dental implants.  These dental implants act as “pillars” to the bridge that supports the prosthetic teeth. The all on 4 dental implants process takes advantage of existing bone, even if scarce, avoiding having to use bone grafts. The posterior implants are substantially angled at approximately 45 degrees to avoid compromising the sinus cavity in the upper jaw and the nerve canal in the jaw.
• -Insertion of temporary denture. The complete temporary denture is fabricated using the highest quality materials to look as natural as your own teeth. The denture is fixed to the implants immediately using screws. This allows the denture to be secure and comfortable to the patient.

Step 3

A few months later (usually 6 months), once complete healing and integration of the dental implants to the bone has taken place, a final complete denture is usually custom fabricated. This bridge typically consists of a metal framework. This allows for a stronger system, and usually has a few more back teeth.

What Is Recovery Like?

Though you may be sore from your dental procedure, most cases will not see a big limitation on daily activities. Though some patients are able to eat a light meal the same day, you may wish to wait until the following day to eat solid food. Some patients are even able to return to work the next day.

All On 4 Dental Implants Conclusion

For many, the all on 4 dental implants procedure has been a blessing. It has allowed many to have “teeth in a day” and given them the freedom to speak and chew again like when they were younger. It is important to note, choosing the right dentist and surgeon for this procedure is critical. There are many offering discount all on 4 dental implant procedures.

The treatment planning, surgery, and fabrication of final denture requires training, skill, and knowledge. This includes fixing any problems that may arise during and after the process. Choosing the wrong dentist can create a lot of problems during and after the procedure. Choose wisely.