All-on-4 Dental Implants Facts & More

Replacing missing teeth is key to restoring one’s oral health and ability to function on a daily basis. One of the best ways to replace missing teeth is with the use of dental implants, and one treatment that utilizes dental implants is the All-on-4 concept.

With All-on-4 treatment, patients can benefit from the stability of dental implants while enjoying a highly functional prosthesis.

What are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 is a treatment concept in which a full-arch prosthesis is entirely supported by four dental implants. The patient receives four dental implants to provide an anchor for the prosthesis, which is attached to the implants.

The All-on-4 Procedure: What is Involved?

• The first step in the All-on-4 procedure is to make sure the patient’s oral health is in good condition and that he or she is a good candidate for dental implants. Some patients will need to have their remaining teeth extracted prior to the procedure, as the entire arch will be replaced.
• Next, the implants are surgically placed within the patient’s jawbone. The implants function much like tooth roots in that they keep the teeth stable.
• Once the patient has the four dental implants, the arch can be attached and he or she can begin to learn to function normally with the new prosthesis.

Who Should Undergo the All-on-4 Procedure?

• Patients who need to replace an entire arch of missing teeth can often greatly benefit from the All-on-4 procedure. Many patients find that this procedure gives their restorations a significant increase in stability; patients who have dentures but experience slipping or other inconveniences may be good candidates for this procedure.
• Patients who wear dentures may suffer from bone and/or tissue loss. Conversely, dental implants are beneficial for the patient’s oral health, as they stimulate the jawbone and keep it healthy. Therefore, patients who are at risk for bone or tissue loss could benefit from the All-on-4 treatment.

Missing teeth pose a danger to your oral health and can cause a wide range of problems, but dental implants can be a real solution. Talk to our dentist, Dr. Clinton Timmerman, about your options for replacing teeth.