If you are looking to replace a row of teeth with dental implants, either due to aesthetic purposes, a congenital condition, or an infection, your oral surgeon may recommend the All-on-4 procedure. A quicker option than the traditional dental implant route, an All-on-4 procedure allows for an entire row of teeth to be replaced with only four dental implants.
Deciding which type of dental implant to proceed with is a big decision to make and can vary based on your set of unique circumstances. To fully understand the procedure and how it may help your specific oral health conditions, our team of qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group has put together a full guide below on what to expect.
3 Things to Know About the All-on-4 Procedure
When considering the All-on-4 procedure, there are three main parts of the restorative surgery that are good to keep in mind:
The Surgical Process
These dental prosthetics are designed to replace an entire row or arch of teeth. By implanting four dental prosthetics into your upper and lower jaw, your oral surgeon is able to install a row of fixed dentures. The implants are commonly made of titanium and are placed in the jaw to replicate the exact function of regular teeth.
All-on-4 does not require your surgeon to conduct a bone graft, which is common for other forms of traditional dental implants. After the initial procedure is completed, your titanium implants will continue to fuse with the bone and become even sturdier.
Benefits
There are many benefits to receiving an All-on-4 procedure, the most prominent of which is the fact that you do not have to go through the process of receiving multiple individual dental implants. Similarly, when you receive an individual dental implant, like a crown, it is likely you will have to first undergo a bone graft, which increases your waiting time by up to a few months so that everything can heal accordingly first.
Additional benefits of the All-on-4 procedure include:
- It costs less than traditional dental implants
- It only takes a single day of surgery
- It is a permanent solution
- After fusing, the dentures will not become loose or shift their natural position
Of course, there are also possible downsides to All-on-4, and your oral surgeon can help you discuss the specific pros and cons for your case.
Recovery and Maintenance
The recovery for an All-on-4 procedure is fairly quick and you will likely be able to eat and drink normally after just a few days. The surrounding gums may take a little longer to fully recover, and the fusion to your jaw bone can take a couple of months to fully complete.
As for maintenance, you will need to treat your implants the same way you would your regular, natural teeth. Brush and floss daily, and also receive yearly dental checkups and professional cleanings. It is likely your oral surgeon will set up a check-up plan after the procedure to ensure everything is running smoothly and that your mouth is healing nicely.
Want to Know More about the All-on-4 Procedure? Speak to an Oral Surgeon Today
If you are looking for a painless, quick, and cost-effective All-on-4 procedure experience, look no further than Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group. With many years devoted to the world of oral and maxillofacial surgery, our team of professionals is here to lend their expertise to you and provide the best experience possible.
We understand that oral surgery can be expensive and stressful, so we will work with you to make your experience as comfortable and cost-effective as possible. To schedule an appointment and examination today, please give our Elizabeth office a call at (908) 663-5309 or fill out our contact form.
