You may have heard how popular and successful dental implants are at replacing damaged or lost teeth.
But have you heard about the “All-on-4” dental implant system?
If you’re missing many teeth (or your teeth are in an advanced stage of decay), all-on-4 implants offer a simpler, less expensive alternative to individual implants.
We’ll teach you more about the all-on-4 implant process so you know what to expect, how it differs from traditional dental implants, and if the procedure is right for you.
Before we get into the details of the all-on-4 system, let’s look at the basic structure of a dental implant.
What is the structure of a dental implant?
- The Crown
- The Abutment
- The Screw (post)
We often refer to the screw part of the implant as the post.
We screw the post into the jawbone.
The abutment is connected to the screw and holds the crown in place.
However, the all-on-4 system uses a full prosthetic set of teeth, rather than a single crown. As such, many teeth can be replaced at once, without needing a separate screw and abutment for each.
What about implant-supported dentures?
Though the prosthesis is similar to an implant-supported denture, all-on-4 implants aren’t the same thing. Dentures are removable and don’t support the health of your jaw in the same way as implants, which are permanent.
The all-on-4 system can replace all lower teeth, all upper teeth, or both.
The all-on-4 implant process
One of the most frequent questions people looking into their all-on-4 teeth replacement options have is how long this process will take.
The short answer? Longer than it’d take for a smaller implant, due to the increased scope of the procedure.
However, it’s a process that’s well worth the wait, and it can significantly reduce your in-office and surgery time.
Step 1 – Evaluation and prostheses creation
During your first dental appointment, we will take X-rays and scans of your teeth and mouth and make a mold to create a custom set of prosthetic teeth.
3D imaging is used when taking a mouth mold, allowing for more precise measurements and a more comfortable end result.
Step 2 – Dental implant placement
Before the procedure starts, any existing teeth remnants will be cleared out of the way, ensuring there’s room for your new implant.
Then, we’ll screw four posts into your jawbone, creating a strong foundation for what’s to come. Abutments are affixed to each post, to act as connecting pieces.
At this time, we’ll apply a temporary prosthesis using low-strength dental adhesive. We do this to give your jaw time to heal and settle, ensuring your new implants aren’t misaligned.
Step 3 – Placing the permanent prosthesis
Once the osseointegration process is complete, it is time to place your permanent prosthesis.
After a short adjustment period, you should be able to perform everyday activities comfortably again, like talking, eating, and smiling.
How long does the all-on-4 implant process take?
The whole process takes four to six months to complete, on average.
It may take longer for those needing additional dental work, which can add another month or two to the overall process.
The takeaway
The all-on-4 dental implant process is much the same as a typical implant procedure – but with far fewer posts and far greater scope.
You won’t need to visit multiple specialists as Dr. Kenneth Eye has the training and expertise to install your implant in one office.
Dr. Kenneth Eye II, a part of this dynamic father-son team, has advanced skills and utilizes modern technology to ensure a stress-free visit.
If you are interested in learning exactly how long it will take to undergo the process, contact Exceptional Smiles Family Dentistry for more detailed information today.
- Call us at Harrisonburg 540-434-5500
- Call us at Woodstock 540-459-4341
- Email us directly info@exceptionalsmiles.dental
Our office is located in Harrisonburg, VA, and Woodstock, VA. We happily welcome patients from the neighboring communities, including Elkton, Woodstock, Bridgewater, Massanetta Springs, Keezletown, Pleasant Valley, Dayton, Zirkle, Massanutten, McGaheysville, New Market, Luray, Mount Jackson, Edinburg, and Weyers Cave, VA.