5 Facts You Should Know About All-on-4 Dental Implants

When you have lost all or most of your teeth to accidents, poor genetics, or advanced gum disease, it’s hard to believe your smile will ever feel complete again. The good news is that full-mouth implants are designed to restore your smile just like natural teeth.

Here’s what you need to know about all-on-4 dental implants.

1. They are placed in a day!
   All-on-4 dental implants are also called “teeth in a day” because the entire procedure can be completed in a single appointment. After implant surgery, the dentist restores your smile with a temporary restoration to maintain your appearance and function. Same-day restoration means you don’t have to live without teeth even as your gums heal and implants fuse with the jawbone.
   Once your implants integrate fully with the jawbone, you’ll return to our office to replace your provisional restoration with a permanent one. Your new teeth rival the aesthetics and functionality of natural teeth, making it impossible for anyone to tell they are replacements.
2. Bone grafting isn’t always necessary
   When you lose teeth and their roots, your jawbone shrinks, losing its volume and density. Traditional implants require sufficient jawbone, so patients with bone loss may need bone grafting to augment the bone.
   All-on-4 implants rarely need bone grafting. The dentist takes advantage of the available bone, placing the implants at an angle in the densest areas in the jawbone. Eliminating the need for bone grafting makes your treatment less invasive and faster.
3. Only four implants are required
   As mentioned, you don’t need an implant for every missing tooth to restore your smile with implants. The dentist strategically places only four implants in the jawbone to support a full-mouth denture. Using the fewest number of implants results in quick treatment and faster recovery.
4. Enjoy improved stability
   Conventional dentures rest on your gums and remain there with the help of suction or dental adhesives. Although they effectively replace teeth, traditional dentures can be unstable and uncomfortable. The all-on-4 implants are anchored in the jawbone, so don’t expect them to slip or fall out when using your teeth. This way, you can chew, speak, and smile confidently without worrying about your teeth.
5. All-on implants don’t need any special maintenance
   Just because you have restored your smile with implants doesn’t mean you must change how you clean your teeth. Full-mouth implants are maintained just like your natural teeth. This means you floss and brush your teeth and see a dentist regularly for routine check-ups and cleanings. Furthermore, avoid/manage harmful habits like smoking, tooth grinding, and chewing on hard objects.