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It can be excruciating to lose one, several, or even an entire row of teeth. Missing teeth can make you feel embarrassed and awkward, which can take a toll on your self-esteem. Dentures may be the first solution that comes to mind, but they are uncomfortable, clumsy, and make you look older than you are.
But all hope is not lost. There is another option for you: All-on-4 dental implants.
This article will explain how All-on-four dental implants work and the steps you should take before your procedure. Look over this guide to find out how much All-on-4 implants cost and benefits before and after your surgery.
What are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
It’s a permanent and predictable way of cosmetically and functionally replacing ALL of your missing teeth on all four of your dental implants in just 1-3 days.
Because no bone grafting is required, you will recover quickly and with little pain. Prepare for a stunning smile just days after your procedure.
What’s more, the success rate is astronomically high. It’s one of the most predictable dental procedures we perform!
Prices for All-on-Four implants
It would be best if you were prepared to spend on average around $20,000 per arch for this solution. The higher score comes from extra factors like bone grafting to strengthen the jawbone.
Also, the cost of all-on-4 depends on a range of factors. Consult your dentist for an accurate cost and work estimate that may be required.
Factors Affecting the Cost of all-on-4 Dental Implants Procedure
1. Surgeon’s Experience
Unfortunately, many dentists want to start doing all-on-4 procedures, but they lack experience and will often cut corners to win a case. Inexperience can impact the procedure. Whatever happens, you will suffer.
2. Implants Count and Type
Although four implants per arch are ideal, sometimes additional implants are required. This can be due to bone loss, infection, or inner bone density. The majority of implants are placed in the maxilla or mandible, but severe bone loss requires longer, more invasive implants placed in the zygoma bone just below the eye.
3. Cosmetics and Demand
The cost of an all-on-4 dental implant bridge varies greatly. The most durable and most expensive bridge is zirconia. Because stock denture teeth are used in most cases, titanium bars are cheaper than zirconia.
4. Anaesthesia Level
This procedure can be done under local anaesthesia, I.V sedation, or general anaesthesia, with each level of anaesthesia and location increasing the price. An anaesthesiologist in a hospital is much more expensive than a dentist.
5. Placement Methods
Modern computer technology allows for precise implant placement. Static placement requires scanning your mouth to create surgical guides. Dynamic placement uses computer monitors and software to guide the surgeon’s hand. Check out our gallery of our successful patients.
Common Reasons Why People Need Dental Implants
When we speak with our patients, we find that extreme fear of the dentist and a lack of routine dental care, missing teeth or teeth that are in a complete mess, possibly combined with ongoing tooth loss, are some of the factors that lead to people seeking all-on-4 treatment.
There’s also the social side of life, including dating and sex life embarrassment and dentures that don’t work, which can lead to a loss of self-esteem and a sense of being unfinished. We are here to assist you respectfully and privately.
You may have difficulty eating and speaking, which worsens medical conditions due to poor nutrition and inadequate food digestion – all of these issues can be resolved with our unique solution.
The following are some of the advantages of all-on-4 dental implants:
- You can have fully functional, new teeth.
- Enhance your physical appearance
- Eat whatever you want, whenever you want
- Get a smile that will last for a long time.
- Get rid of rotting teeth’s health issues.
- Maintaining your teeth is simple.
You can replace your dentures and have a permanent implant-supported bridge in as little as one day with as few as four dental implants.
Before and After the All on Four Procedure Step by Step
1. First meeting
Treatment begins with the first consultation. This is where the dentist:
- examines your oral and general health
- takes X-rays, and CBCT scans (cone beam computed tomography)
- asks questions about your habits, dental hygiene, health issues and medications, and your expectations for the procedure.
The dentist then decides if you are qualified for all-on-4 treatment.
It is also the best time to assess the dentist’s performance. The dentist-patient relationship is vital to a successful and stress-free treatment. If the dentist’s expertise and skills are in doubt, then you should consult another expert.
2. Dentures implantation
This is where the proper treatment begins. The visit starts with implant preparation. Because all-on-4 is for toothless patients, any remaining teeth must be extracted. Then the implants are put in. One jaw has four implants. It is a surgical procedure where the patient is anaesthetised.
Usually, local anaesthesia with sedation is sufficient. In extreme cases, such as dentophobia, general anaesthesia is possible. Regardless of anaesthesia, you will not be in pain during the procedure. The implants are placed precisely to protect the nerves and sinuses.
3. Adding abutments
After implant placement, the bone and gums need to heal. It usually takes 3–6 months. Then a permanent bridge can be built. After implant placement, the implantologist places healing abutments, which help the gum tissue heal around the implants. The temporary prosthesis can also be attached here.
After the gums heal, the temporary abutments are replaced by permanent abutments. After abutment placement, the gums typically heal in 4-6 weeks. Taking good care of the gums can speed up the healing process (e.g. avoiding some food, proper cleaning). After the recovery, the dentist can proceed to the final stage of treatment.
4. Bridge assembly
A permanent bridge replaces missing teeth and must fit perfectly. The restorative dentist must be very precise to make all-on-four dentures that look natural, aesthetic, and match the patient’s smile. As a result, the model for a permanent prosthesis may be made over several visits. This stage aims to create the ideal teeth, and their length can vary.
Impressions of the teeth, abutments, and jaws are taken to make custom-fit prostheses. The bridge is also fitted for bite and smile. After the model is finished, the laboratory prepares the bridge. A patient has a few fittings before the bridge is permanently cemented in place. Of course, a prosthodontist makes any necessary adjustments. The bridge is adjusted and fitted as needed, and then attached to the abutments with the patient’s consent. The all-on-4 treatment ends now.
5. Recovery
While not directly part of the all-on-4 treatment, recovery is critical to the implantation. A dental implant’s recovery time and ability to install a permanent prosthesis can be influenced by how they are. Thus, the time between implant placement and prosthesis fitting is critical, and only the patient can influence it.
First, the success of oral surgery is largely dependent on your oral hygiene. Always consult your dentist on how to clean All on four dental implants after the visit. It involves brushing, hot salt mouthwashes, and regular mouth rinses. Eating after All on four implants must also follow dentist guidelines. Keep food away from the surgically interfered area and avoid smoking.
Smoking is the greatest threat and should be avoided until the wounds are fully healed. After the implantation, patients should avoid cold and hot drinks and food until the anaesthesia wears off. No finger or tongue should be used in the surgical area, no exercise 48 hours after implantation.
Patients often experience bruising or swelling, which is normal and can be reduced with ice bags. The main concern is the pain, but it is unfounded. Pain from implantation is temporary and can be managed with regular painkillers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Work?
All-on-4 dental implants are a lifelong investment, so choose a dentist who provides exceptional care and a reliable dental solution. Poorly placed implants can lead to additional dental bills.
Are All-On-Four Risks Preventable?
The risks of all-on-four treatment are avoidable. I.e., peri-implantitis, a gum disease that affects the implant, can cause it to fail. Peri-implantitis can be avoided by brushing, flossing, and visiting your All on four dentists regularly. Patients with partial edentia, smoking habits, poor plaque control, or chronic periodontitis are at higher risk of developing peri-implantitis.
What alternatives exist to All-On-Four?
If your teeth can be saved, keep them. If your teeth cannot be saved, other options include a denture, or an implant retained denture. These are both removable.
Can I sleep during treatment?
Local or general anaesthesia is available. Our dental surgeons and assistants are skilled and gentle, and we monitor your comfort throughout the procedure. If you choose to have the All On four treatment under general anaesthesia, we have an experienced anaesthetic team on hand to ensure your safety and comfort.
A general anaesthetic is used for most All-On-4 procedures. Please inform us of any special requests or needs during your consultation so we can tailor your treatment.
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