If you have many missing or damaged teeth, you may believe you have no options beyond conventional dentures. Our patients are excited when they learn they can receive dental implants, which are comfortable, easy to care for, and hassle-free.
Our oral surgery practice offers two types of dental implants: All-on-4 (also known as implant-supported dentures) or traditional implants. We will help you choose the solution that best achieves a healthy smile.
Single-Tooth Implants vs. All-on-4
A single-tooth implant is best suited for patients with only a few missing teeth. Each replacement tooth receives its own implant anchor to act as a root, duplicating the natural tooth system.
However, if you have more than a handful of missing teeth to replace, you may find that the cost and healing time of single implant surgeries add up. Fortunately, your oral surgeon has an innovative tooth replacement method to share with you: All-on-4.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
An All-on-4 device replaces an entire arch of teeth with just four supporting anchors in the jawbone. This solution is excellent for patients with several missing or damaged teeth that require extraction. It is an advanced alternative to removable dentures.
The All-on-4 Process
Preparation and Implant Surgery
We may have to extract multiple teeth, but in many cases, we can place your anchors on the same day. Only four titanium anchors are needed to hold these appliances in place. Titanium is a biocompatible metal that your body will accept. We carefully angle your anchors within the jawbone to achieve the best fit and stability.
Temporary Prosthesis
On the same day as placing your anchors, we will send you home with a temporary denture. This denture covers your healing anchor sites. Adhere to a soft diet while you have your temporary replacement teeth to avoid damaging them or causing an infection.
Healing
A three- to six-month healing period follows. Your implants will bond with your jawbone in osseointegration, a unique biological process that creates a solid connection between the anchors and your prosthesis.
Final Prosthesis
After we determine that your anchors have healed, we will place your custom-made prosthesis. The artificial teeth will create a healthy, beautiful smile, boosting your confidence and improving your quality of life.
Advantages of All-on-4 Compared to Single Implants
With a single procedure per arch, All-on-4 costs less than replacing each tooth individually. It takes much less time to complete an All-on-4 process from start to finish. If you are looking for a faster, equally effective tooth replacement option, our All-on-4 treatment may meet your needs.
For patients missing a significant number of teeth, we can use All-on-4 anchors in areas with lower bone mass than required by single-tooth implants. Bone grafts and the waiting period required for them to grow may not be necessary with All-on-4.
Benefits of All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dentures
Protect Your Jawbone Health
One of the greatest advantages of implant-supported dentures is that they protect your jawbone mass. Dentures often cause a different facial appearance than implant-supported dentures.
Easier Care and Maintenance
Caring for removable dentures can be a chore. Cleaning, adjusting, and receiving necessary denture maintenance can take time out of your busy schedule.
Comfort and Discretion
After a brief adjustment period, your implant-supported dentures will feel natural. You will experience no issues smiling, laughing, or eating in public. Your friends and family will be glad to see your smile again.
Secure Fit
Since All-on-4 implants fit perfectly and cannot slip or click, you will experience clearer speech. You can also maintain a healthy diet with all the foods you love. Even steak and whole apples are easy to eat with implant-supported dentures.
Which Implant Type is Best for You?
If you are missing only a handful of teeth and your remaining teeth are healthy, single implants may be your best option. However, if your dental professional recommends a full-arch tooth replacement, All-on-4 is likely the optimal choice. We can assess your needs, explain your options, and guide you toward a complete, healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Does All-on-4 surgery hurt?
You will receive local anesthesia to keep you from feeling any pain. Many of our patients also opt for sedation to allow them to relax during the procedure. Most of our patients report no discomfort during the procedure. Generally, any post-surgery pain responds well to over-the-counter medications.
Who is a good candidate for implant-supported dentures such as All-on-4?
Patients whose teeth we cannot restore due to severe breakage or decay make good candidates. However, you will need enough jawbone mass to support the anchors and healthy gums. If your jawbone mass is severely compromised, you can undergo a simple procedure known as a dental bone graft. We introduce ground and sterilized bone material into your jaw, where it provides structure to support new bone growth.
How long does it take to get used to implant-supported dentures?
You may feel mild discomfort as your gums become accustomed to the prosthesis, but soon, you will feel as if they are your natural teeth.
How do I care for my All-on-4 implants?
Brush and floss as usual and attend all follow-up appointments. We may also recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash. If you feel any pain or unusual sensations, call us for help.
When I receive my All-on-4 implants, how soon can I eat a normal diet?
It may take a few months for your implant anchors to bond with your jaw. Ensure your soft diet provides adequate amounts of all necessary nutrients to maintain your energy and promote healing.
The team at Northern Virginia Oral Surgery Centers extends our welcome to the community. We offer a range of surgical procedures to help alleviate discomfort and restore your oral health. If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons, please get in touch with our office today.