Facts About All On Four Implants

The All on Four dental implant procedure has become an increasingly common smile transformation treatment option. In the past, dentists would need to use 8-12 implants on a patient in order to provide sufficient strength to cement on restorations like bridges or dentures. With this revolutionary restoration option, only four dental implants are used to provide a good amount of foundation to hold the strength of a full mouth of false teeth.

While this procedure may seem like it’s an over-extended version of traditional implants, the reason why this treatment is much different is in the execution. In traditional dental implant surgery, the dental professional will insert the implant vertically into the missing tooth root (securing it into the jawbone).

With the All on Four procedure, your dentist will insert each implant on an angle to provide strength and offer a foundation for more teeth at once.

Like many patients, if you are still on the fence for opting for the All on Four dental implant procedure, see below for All on Four frequently asked questions for some clarity.

What Are All on Four Dental Implants?

In short, this procedure offers the surgical placement of four dental implants that become permanent foundations for fabricated teeth. The implants are placed directly into your jaw to mimic a natural tooth root and provide the strength and functionality of real teeth.

How Are All on Four Different than Regular Implants?

Traditional implants utilize 6-8 dental implants (per arch) to provide enough foundation for the full arch to be cemented on. This revolutionary treatment option only uses four implants per arch (inserted on a slant) to allow a good enough foundation for the whole arch to be added. In addition to this, traditional implants typically require a bone graft procedure before the implants are placed (depending on the patient). With All on Four, there rarely is a need for a bone graft treatment thanks to the way the implants are placed into the mouth.

How Are All on Four Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?

Many older patients are unsatisfied with traditional dentures as they require excessive maintenance as well as the need for removal for daily tasks. Unlike dentures, All on Four is a permanent solution for replacing a full arch of missing teeth. This means, there is no need to remove them for cleaning overnight, accidental slip-ups, uncomfortable chewing/talking and more.

How Long is The All on Four Surgery?

Unlike a traditional dental implant full-reconstruction surgery, the All on Four procedure is a fraction of that time. It’s estimated that each arch can last anywhere from 2-2.5 hours. Healing time depends on the patient and how well he or she follows the desired tips for healing quickly- this can usually take a few weeks to a few months.

Am I a Good Candidate for the All on Four Procedure?

In most cases, anyone who is missing the majority of their top or bottom arch of teeth is a good candidate for All on Four. Additionally, a patient who is already wearing dentures can benefit from this treatment; age is not a limitation of this procedure.

If you have additional questions about the All on Four procedure, talk to your dental professional or request a consultation.

Interested in reading more on All on Four? Here's some information talking about the differences between All on Four and All on Six Dental Implants.