Patients who are considering San Rafael All-on-Four Dental implants often have several questions regarding what All-on-4 is and whether or not it is the right option for them. If you are considering having All-on-4 dental implants placed, the following commonly asked questions and answers may help in your decision making process. In addition to reviewing this information, it is also important to consult with your dentist to determine if All-on-4 dental implants are right for you.
What are All-on-4 dental implants?
All-on-4 Dental implants are a fast and effective method for replacing missing teeth or dentures. Unlike traditional dental implants, which can require having up to eight or more implants placed to support an arch, All-on-Four only requires four implants to support the arch. All-on-4 is equally effective for patients who are missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
What are the benefits of All-on-4 versus traditional implants?
Benefits of All-on-4 dental implants include:
- Permanent solution
- Does not require daily removal, unlike dentures
- No adhesives required
- Comfortable natural feel
- Preserves your ability to bite with increased force, taste food, and experience the sensations of different temperatures of food
- Prevents deterioration of jawbone
- Restores facial features
I have bone loss. Is All-on-4 still an option for me?
Potentially. One of the unique benefits of All-on-4 is that the design allows for the angled posterior implants to use longer implant posts, which reduces the need for a bone graft.
What are the differences between traditional implants and All-on-4?
The primary differences between All-on-4 and traditional implants include:
- Number of implants. Traditional implants may require 6-8+ implants per arch, whereas All-on-4 only requires four.
- Bone grafting not required
- All-on-4 is faster and generally cheaper than traditional implants
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure time will vary from patient to patient, but typically takes between 2-3 hours for each arch.
How do I know if All-on-4 Dental Implants are right for me?
If you are healthy, missing most or all of your teeth, and/or if you currently have dentures, All-on-4 may be the right solution for you. Talk to your dentist to determine what options are available and best suited to your particular needs.
What is the recovery process like?
Immediately following your procedure, you will need to follow recovery guidelines. It will be important to rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first 72 hours after surgery. Patients who are given anesthesia should also arrange for someone to drive them home. During the recovery process, it is also important to avoid touching the surgical sites or pulling on your cheeks or lips. It is also important to follow the administration directions of prescribed medication.
Patients recovering from the All-on-4 implant procedure should plan on following a soft food diet for at least three months. Finally, the most important thing you can do to facilitate the healing process and ensure that your procedure is successful is to continue practicing good daily oral hygiene habits such brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
More on All on Four Dental Implants : All on Four Dental Implants vs All on 6 Dental Implants
High Quality Periodontal Care You Can Trust
When you come to Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, you can expect a friendly and professional dental team. Dr. Seda will listen carefully to your dental goals and provide a custom treatment plan that works with your budget and needs. We want you to fall in love with your smile again, so all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, and to feel confident in our services.
At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we aim to provide cutting edge perio and implant solutions in a comfortable and relaxed environment, where patients feel we put them first. Scheduling an appointment for All-on-4 Dental Implants is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (415) 482-9901.