How are All-on-4 Dental Implants different from dentures?

As opposed to dentures, All-On-Four dental implants are a permanent set of teeth that look and feel natural, which means:

•They are permanent teeth that look and feel like natural teeth
•They are stable, allowing you to bite with increased force - allowing you to eat all of your favorite foods once again
•No more discomfort, as they don't press down on your gums like dentures do
•They allow you to taste and experience your food, as you no longer have to worry about slipping
•The presence of the implants in the jaw stimulates the bone, thus preventing further bone deterioration
•No more gagging
•No more nightly removal and cleaning
•No more messy, sticky adhesives

How do All-On-Four Dental Implants compare to traditional implants?

The All-On-4 procedure utilizes only 4 implants to replace all teeth on an upper arch, whereas traditional implants utilize anywhere from 5 to 8 implants in one arch. The angled placement of the posterior implants of the All-On-4 procedure allow for increased support by using the natural support of your bone. Also, traditional implants often require bone grafting, a process that can take 6 months or more. The All-On-4 Dental protocol requires no bone grafting for most patients, with a success rate that is equal to or better than traditional implants.

The All-on-4 procedure can save you from unnecessary surgery and discomfort, as well as time and money!

How do i know if i'm a candidate for All-on-4?

We utilize cutting-edge 3D imaging techiniques to expertly assess which treatment option(s) will be right for you. Using the 3D image of your jaw, we evaluate bone quality, volume & quantity. Virtually 95% of patients with or without teeth are candidates for the All-on-4 procedure. We also perform virtual surgery before you are in the chair - meaning you will be able to see your results before the surgery, and each preplanned step will be executed with the utmost precision.

How is our All-on-4 different?

We use computer guided planning & perform computer guided surgery, all before your procedure, which allows the highest level of precision, saves you time in the chair, and allows for your teeth to be premanufactured. This means there will be no need for a Lab. & no wait after your procedure; You will leave with your new teeth on that very same visit. This technique can be used for both patients with some remaining teeth or patients with all teeth missing. What's more, with our prefabrication method, we are able to include a hidden metal framework in your bridge, making your new teeth much stronger and long-lasting. If we find it is necessary (due to lack of bone quality or quantity), we also will use 6 implants instead of 4 if necessary, to ensure the strength and longevity of your new teeth.

Will people be able to see the line between the fixed bridge and the jaw bone?

Our method eliminates this "line"e; in most patients. As part of your initial examination we evaluate your smile to determine where the junction of the fixed bridge and the jaw bone will be. During the All-on-4 procedure, we make adjustments to ensure that your new smile is not too "gummy" and that the edge of your bridge is completely hidden.

Click here for images of one of our patients, before and after his All-on-4 procedure.

Do you always use four implants?

Most of the time, 4 implants are used. If we find it is necessary (due to lack of bone quality or quantity), we will use 6 implants instead of 4 to ensure the strength and longevity of your new teeth.

Why don’t all dentists use the All-on-4 Procedure?

The All-on-4 technique is fairly new, and not all dentists are comfortable performing this procedure. The Advanced Periodontics team are All-on-4 specialists, and have been performing the procedure since it became available. Other more traditional treatments can sometimes be a viable option as well. In some cases, All-on-4 is a better treatment option. When you come in for a consultation, we evaluate your condition and make a custom diagnosis to see what option/method is the best treatment for you.

Does it hurt?

The All-on-4 surgery is virtually painless. After the numbness wears off, you will experience a little swelling and soreness that will last a few days. Many patients return to their normal routine (work,etc.) 1-2 days after their surgery, and this time is needed not because of pain, but because they need to adjust to the presence of their new teeth, as it may affect their speech slightly.

What about my post-surgery diet?

Because of the hidden metal framework we are able to include in our prefabrication process, your new teeth will be strong and stable. You will be able to eat most foods right away (except for hard, brittle or chewy foods), and you will be able to return to a regular diet within 6-10 weeks.

I was told I would need bone grafting to "build up" the bone before any implants could be placed. Does the All-on-4 Procedure involve bone grafting?

In the majority of cases, we are able to place 4 implants and restore a full arch of teeth without bone grafting. We use computer guided techniques, which allow us to plan the exact placement of each implant at an angle to make maximum use of the existing bone, and avoiding bone grafting.

How long does an All-on-4 Procedure take?

After your initial consultation and diagnostic procedures (CT scan, etc.), your implants and new teeth will be placed all in one appointment, even if you need extractions. With All-on-4, you arrive at our office with bad (or no) teeth, and leave the very same day with a beautiful set of fixed, functional teeth.

What is the success rate of the All-on-4 Procedure?

Published studies show a 98.2% success rate when using the All-on-4 technique in the lower jaw. Other studies show a 97 to 98% success in the upper jaw for the same procedure.

Occasionally, an implant will fail. Knowing this, we carefully evaluate bone quality and quantity prior to your procedure, and will place six implants if we feel it is a necessary precaution, making our success rate even higher.