The All-on-4 Dental Implants Procedure Explained
All-on-4 dental implants have been generating a lot of buzz. A growing number of dentists offer them, and a growing number of patients—who once thought themselves poor candidates for implants—are embracing them. If you’ve been thinking about dental implants but you’re not familiar with the all-on-4 procedure, you might want to familiarize yourself with this state-of-the-art solution.
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-Four dental implants, sometimes referred to as “Teeth in a Day,” are an innovative tooth replacement solution for patients who have multiple missing teeth. They’re perhaps best described as a cross between an implant and a denture. The dentist creates a complete upper or lower arch (similar to a denture), and the arch is then fused to the patient’s jaw bone using only four implants (similar to implants). When six posts are used, the procedure is referred to as all-on-6 dental implants.
This dental implant procedure was first developed in Portugal in 1998 by Dr. Paulo Malo. Dr. Malo devised an implant solution that could replace multiple teeth at a lower cost and with less surgery than traditional implants. Working with implant manufacturer Nobel Biocare, Dr. Malo was able to bring his vision to life, and it has since made its way into practices worldwide.
All-on-4 vs Traditional Implants
All-on-4 implants are similar to traditional dental implants in their end goal: to replace missing teeth and restore a patient’s smile. However, the mechanisms involved are different.
Traditional dental implants are a three-step process: First, the dentist drills a post into the jaw to support the implant. After the post placement, several weeks to months of healing time are required before the next phase of the procedure, which is the abutment placement. The abutment is the metal connector that will hold the new tooth in place. A few weeks after the abutment placement, the dentist can place the crown—which functions as the new tooth.
All-on-4 dental implants are placed in one day. The dentist or oral surgeon places two anterior implants in the front of the mouth and two angled posterior implants in the back to support a full arch. The minimally invasive procedure relies on computer modeling to create custom-designed arches that fit perfectly and look natural. While they’re not always ideal for patients who just need one or two implants, they can be life-changing for patients with several missing teeth.
The Benefits of All-on-4 Implants
The biggest benefit of all-on-4 implants is arguably the quickness of the procedure. Traditional implants can take anywhere from 6 to 8 months to complete, sometimes longer. All-on-4 implants are placed in a single day, and the rehabilitation process is short. Most people are able to return to their regular activities within a couple of days. For patients who require a bone graft, healing times are often as short as three weeks.
Then there’s the cost. Because all-on-4 implants require less surgery and fewer components, the cost can be considerably lower than traditional implants—especially for patients who require a large number of replacement teeth.
For patients who currently wear dentures, all-on-4 implants provide an alternative that is more stable, more natural-looking, and more permanent. They also feel more like natural teeth.
Who Is a Candidate for All-on-4 Implants?
A good candidate for the all-on-4 procedure is generally a patient who meets some or all of the following criteria:
Multiple missing teeth
Tired of wearing bulky or loose dentures
Missing bone density in the jaw
One key benefit of all-on-4 implants is that they’re suitable for many patients who otherwise lack the bone density to support traditional implants. Classic dental implants require a firm existing bone structure to hold the posts in place. For patients whose bone density has withered away due to missing teeth, traditional implants might not be an option—at least without bone grafting or a sinus lift first.
All-on-4 implants are designed with a 45° angulated implant, which allows bone-deficient sections of the jaw to be avoided in most cases. This means that the procedure is suitable for more patients without the need for preliminary surgeries. There are cases when bone grafts might still be needed to support all-on-4 implants, but most patients can get by without the pre-treatment.
How Long Do All-on-4 Implants Last?
The lifespan of all-on-4 implants is comparable to that of traditional implants. With proper care, the posts should never require replacement. The artificial teeth will suffer natural wear and tear and may require maintenance or replacement over time. It’s recommended that patients continue to see their dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every 6 months.
As with any type of dental restoration, proper care is key. It’s important to follow all aftercare instructions, brush at least twice a day, floss beneath the implants after each meal, and use an antiseptic mouthwash daily.
Paying for All-on-4 Implants
Your medical or dental insurance may cover part of the cost of your all-on-4 procedure. Because all-on-4 implants offer the functional benefits of a quality denture and are not strictly cosmetic, the procedure is covered by more insurance companies than traditional implants. You’ll need to check with your insurance provider.
If insurance doesn’t cover your procedure, financing is usually available. For example, at Salin Dentistry in Bakersfield, we help to make payments manageable through CareCredit. You can get all-on-4 implants from one of the nation’s premier providers and pay for your treatment in easy installments.
All-on-4 Implants Are an Ideal Solution for Many Patients
Dental implants are in high demand. By some estimates, nearly a quarter of the population will have at least one implant by 2026. Part of the reason for this spike is because of emerging technologies like all-on-4, which are making permanent teeth more accessible to more people.
All-on-4 implants aren’t right for everybody. But if you have multiple missing teeth and are seeking a solution that’s cost-effective, minimally invasive, and attractive, you might want to ask your dentist about all-on-4. Your new teeth are waiting.