All-on-4 Dental Implants is a full-arch tooth replacement procedure that utilizes four strategically placed dental implants to maximize bone density for optimal support. Two implants are positioned vertically at the front of the jaw, while the remaining two are placed at a 30–45 degree angle toward the back of the mouth to anchor the entire prosthetic bridge.
This is a permanent solution commonly used for patients who have lost all their teeth or have severely decayed or fractured teeth. The minimally invasive procedure requires only four implants, which promotes faster healing and typically eliminates the need for bone grafting surgery.
As a result, All-on-4 Dental Implants is an ideal treatment for patients with reduced jawbone volume. The strong osseointegration between the bone and implants, combined with the stability and secure fit of the bridge, makes All-on-4 Dental Implants a durable, aesthetic, and long-lasting solution, often lasting for decades.
Minimally invasive procedure: Compared to other implant techniques, the All-on-4 dental implant uses only four implants per jaw, making it less invasive. This helps reduce pain, speeds up the healing process, and lowers the risk of complications such as infection.
Fast treatment process: All-on-4 dental implant surgery can be completed in a single appointment, minimizing the need for bone grafting, reducing extended healing time, and saving overall treatment time compared to other implant procedures. It enables same-day restoration of function and smile, delivering a strong, stable, and aesthetically pleasing prosthesis that looks and feels like natural teeth.
Reduce the need for bone grafting: All-on-4 Dental Implants uses the technique of positioning the posterior implants at a 17-45-degree angle to allow the anterior jawbone to fully function. This reduces the need for additional bone grafting, protects vital organs and nerves, including the maxillary sinuses and mandibular nerves, and prevents postoperative numbness in the lip and chin.
Preserves bone density: All-on-4 dental implants help maintain the volume of the alveolar bone, keeping the jawbone upright and preserving the shape and length of the face. This slows down the aging process and prevents facial sagging and distortion.
Improved chewing function and aesthetics: Compared to removable dentures, All-on-4 dental implants allow patients to chew more comfortably and naturally. The prosthetic bridge is custom-designed to match the shape and color of natural teeth, and it offers strong, stable support without slipping. This enables patients to bite and chew with greater force, evenly distributing pressure across the mouth without causing gum pain during eating.
Higher cost: While All-on-4 dental implants are more cost-effective compared to other full-mouth implant procedures, they are more expensive than removable dentures due to the higher cost of implant placement.
Risk of implant failure: Although complications are rare, All-on-4 dental implants—like any surgical procedure—carry certain risks, including infection, complications, or failure of the implants to integrate with the jawbone fully. To minimize these risks, it is essential to consult with a highly skilled and experienced dental professional.
Consultation and Diagnosis: The All-on-4 dental implant procedure begins with a comprehensive consultation and examination by the dentist. This includes evaluating your oral health and taking X-rays to assess bone density and determine the optimal implant placement while avoiding critical anatomical structures such as nerves, sinuses, and blood vessels. The dentist will also discuss your goals and desired outcomes in detail and provide an estimate of the total treatment cost.
Treatment Planning: Before the surgery begins, the dentist will take a series of precise measurements to plan the exact placement of the implants and design the shape of the replacement teeth. This careful planning phase is essential to ensure a perfect fit, maximum patient comfort, and increased stability between the implants and the prosthetic teeth. This step may also include tooth extractions or any necessary pre-treatment procedures.
Implant Placement: The first step is administering anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Then, four implants are placed into the dental arch. These titanium screws serve as a strong foundation for your prosthetic teeth. Once placed, the implants typically require 3 to 6 months to fully integrate with the bone through a process called osseointegration. During this healing period, you will wear a temporary denture supported by the implants until they are ready to hold the permanent prosthesis.
Implant Abutment Placement: Once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, the dentist will attach small connectors called abutments to the implants. These abutments serve as attachment points for securely anchoring your prosthetic teeth to the implants. After the abutments are in place, the dentist will take impressions of your mouth and send them to a dental laboratory, where custom prosthetic teeth are crafted to match the shape and color of your natural teeth.
Prosthesis Placement: Once the dental laboratory has completed your custom prosthesis, it will be securely attached to the abutments on your implants. Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and functionality before officially completing the All-on-4 Dental Implants procedure.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are several options to consider, such as dental implants, bridges, and dentures. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option with your periodontist.
While dental implants are often considered the top choice for missing teeth due to their natural appearance, durability, and long-term results, they can be expensive, especially for patients requiring multiple implants. On the other hand, dentures are a more affordable option but may be less convenient and uncomfortable, as they need to be removed and cleaned regularly, and can cause irritation. A newer tooth replacement method that combines the benefits of implants with the affordability of dentures, such as All-on-4 dental implants, may be the ideal solution for you.
At VTS Dental Lab, we take pride in providing high-quality, premium All-on-4 dental implant prostheses that ensure the best fit and natural feel, helping you restore optimal function and aesthetics to your smile.
