Step-by-Step Process of Getting All-on-4® Dental Implants

Whenever you visit a dental expert looking for tooth replacement options, the first thing they’ll do is to examine your oral health. That’s a basic part of your consultation.

For the All-on-4® system, your dentist needs to take multiple factors into account: your jawbone strength, number of missing teeth, existing oral health and medical issues, and your budget. Dentists also take digital X-rays and 3D oral scans to view the full picture.

All this information goes into making a treatment plan for you and getting a successful outcome.

When only a single tooth is missing, most patients can get a dental implant right away; no extra steps are needed. But that’s not the case with the All-on-4® dental implant procedure.

Some patients may require additional procedures, such as tooth extractions or treatment for gum disease, before implant placement. Although the All-on-4® technique is designed to reduce the need for bone grafting in many cases, some patients may still require grafting depending on their bone volume and overall oral health.

This is the most important part of the treatment. Dentists numb the mouth completely using a local anesthetic. Because of the numbing technique, you’ll likely not feel any discomfort during the process.

The dentist prepares the gums and jawbone before placing four dental implants into the jaw to support a full-arch restoration.

Two implants are placed toward the front of the jaw, while two are placed toward the back at carefully planned angles to maximize support.

Then comes the healing stage during which osseointegration occurs. The term seems complex but the procedure is simple. The jawbone practically grows around the implants, keeping them secure and stable.

The healing phase is usually 3 to 6 months for most people. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to see how your bone is healing.

Expect some soreness/pain at the beginning. You’ll need to stay on a soft diet for as long as your dentist recommends.

Your full-arch denture is made using impressions of your mouth. Once it’s ready to be placed, the dentist secures it over the four implants.

The fit of the denture, your bite, and your smile’s final look are all checked before you’re given the aftercare instructions.

Now that you have an understanding of the All-on-4® dental implant process, you can feel confident knowing what to expect. If you’re considering this treatment or exploring other dental implant options, consult our dentists at Ace Dental of Texas. Get started today by booking your visit with us!