Anyone researching tooth replacement is probably going to come across the term All-on-4. However, most people may not know what this procedure is or what it can mean for them. For those who have multiple teeth missing or are going to have a procedure to remove multiple teeth, understanding the options is important. As you begin the process of restoring your smile, it is beneficial to learn why this procedure is so popular with dentists today.
This procedure essentially allows a dentist or oral surgeon to fully replace a patient’s teeth in one day. In the same day that teeth are removed, a full arch of teeth is installed. This is a large improvement over other methods that can require multiple surgeries to restore a patient’s teeth. The name of the procedure is derived from the fact that only four implants are required to secure the bridge device.
Patients considering the options may be intimidated by the cost of this procedure. However, there are many benefits to making the investment:
Traditional implant-supported dentures require a large number of implant screws. In many cases, as many as 10 are required per arch. For patients wishing to have both their upper and lower jaw done, this could mean having up to 20 implants installed. Since this requires surgery, it usually means multiple visits and is impactful on the patient.
Alternatively, All-on-4 procedures are much less invasive. Only four implants are required per arch, which means for a full replacement of both upper and lower sets of teeth, only eight implants are needed. Also, the rear two implants are angled, which improves contact with the jawbone. This means there is less chance of a bone graft being required.
Before the appointment, the dentist or oral surgeon designs and molds the bridge device to fit the patient’s mouth. On the day of the appointment, the patient is typically first put under anesthesia. Next, any teeth that need to be removed are extracted from the mouth. Afterward, the implants are surgically installed into the jawbone. This requires four implants for a single arch of teeth or eight for two arches. After the implants are set, the bridge device is affixed to the implants with screws.
As patients embark on the road of tooth replacement, All-on-4 is a helpful and convenient treatment option. This procedure generally provides immediate results with less downtime and surgical recovery needed. It can be a great choice for anyone who wants to restore their confident smile fast.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gladstonefamilydental.com or call Gladstone Family Dental And Implants at (816) 559-7943 for an appointment in our Gladstone office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Preventive dentistry aims to keep the mouth healthy by preventing problems rather than waiting to fill a cavity when the patient feels pain or only addressing enamel erosion after teeth become sensitive. These services may include a deep cleaning of the teeth and other treatments that can only be performed by a licensed dentist.Many patients…
If you have a decayed tooth in need of repair, a dental inlay is one of several restoration options available. Many people are not familiar with inlays and may confuse them with fillings. The confusion is understandable as both inlays and fillings restore a tooth that is damaged due to decay. However, each is appropriate…
Your kid friendly dentist understands how difficult it is to motivate kids to brush their teeth. Children often think of brushing as a tiring activity. Proper motivation can help them form this healthy habit. If you want to give your kids stronger reasons to brush, here are some details from a kid friendly dentist.Brushing two…
Invisalign® is a teeth-straightening treatment that entails wearing sets of custom-made transparent aligners over the teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces that use wires and brackets, the aligners are removable, which means wearers can take them off when they want to eat or brush their teeth. Learn about these clear aligners and how they are used to…
Preventive dentistry aims to keep the mouth healthy by preventing problems rather than waiting to fill a cavity when the patient feels pain or only addressing enamel erosion after teeth become sensitive. These services may include a deep cleaning of the teeth and other treatments that can only be performed by a licensed dentist.Many patients…
If you have a decayed tooth in need of repair, a dental inlay is one of several restoration options available. Many people are not familiar with inlays and may confuse them with fillings. The confusion is understandable as both inlays and fillings restore a tooth that is damaged due to decay. However, each is appropriate…