All-on-4® Carpinteria, CA
If you are experiencing tooth loss or severe decay, All-on-4® implants could be the right solution. Trying to eat or speak with significant gaps in your mouth can be challenging and may cause you to avoid social situations. The All-on-4 implant treatment involves mounting all replacement teeth to four dental implants on the top and bottom of your mouth.
All-on-4 implants are available at Carpinteria Smiles in Carpinteria and the surrounding area. You can restore your smile and once again enjoy the proper function of your mouth. Call our office today at (805) 920-2141 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
What is All-On-4?
The idea of having a full set of teeth with All-on-4 was started in 1990’s. Gradually, improvement of implants surface design and advancement in technology made it a reliable method for full arch teeth replacement. With 4 implants, full upper or lower teeth can be replaced with fixed set of teeth. All-on-4 restores your chewing function and esthetics back while eliminating the need for removable dentures.
What are the advantages of All-on-4?
The main advantage of All-on-4 concept is elimination of the need for replacing each missing tooth with 1 implant in cases of full mouth restoration. All-on-4 concept reduces the number of surgeries by just having 4 implants placed for each jaw. Because the number of implants is limited to 4, your surgeon has more options to choose for the implant site in your jaw, or alternatively your implants can be place tilted. Consequently, extra surgeries such as sinus lifting or guided bone regeneration (advanced bone grafting) might be avoided. All these together expedite the process of having fixed sets of teeth. Even some patients can take advantage of having immediate full mouth restoration with All-on-4 option.
All on 4 Vs Conventional Full Arch Restoration
During conventional full arch restoration, 6 to 8 implants are placed to support a full fixed bridge while in the case of All-on-4, as it appears on the name only 4 implants are enough for a full set of teeth. Conventional full arch restoration might need more procedures depending on the amount of residual bone, such as sinus lift, guided bone regeneration and so on.
The advantage of conventional full arch restoration with 6 to 8 implants is that in rare cases of one implant failure there is no need to replace the whole full mouth restoration because there are more implants to support the bridges. However, in these rare instances, failure of one implant in All-on-4 cases, results in the need for replacing the whole full arch restoration.
Why Patients Should Consider All-on-4
Instead of waiting for several months to get false teeth attached to the implants, patients can get them attached the same day. The process takes a shorter amount of time because it does not require bone grafts or a large number of implants. The All-on-4 implant process gives the patient natural-looking teeth and helps them feel at ease chewing, speaking, and socializing.
When patients are missing only a few teeth, treatments such as partial dentures, bridges, or traditional implants may be a better fit. However, people who come to our office for All-on-4 implants either have no teeth, or their teeth are failing. Also, if a patient has certain health conditions, a bone graft may not be recommended and this treatment may be a safer choice.
“The All-on-4 implant process gives the patient natural-looking teeth and helps them feel at ease chewing, speaking, and socializing.”
Causes and Effects of Tooth Loss
According to WebMD, tooth loss is a common but not inevitable part of aging. Tooth loss can occur from an accident, such as a slip or fall that knocks out one or more teeth. Injuries such as hard blows to the face from playing sports or being involved in a vehicle accident could dislodge teeth as well. Over time, excessive decay or gum disease can compromise a tooth's structure and effectiveness. Teeth may wear down, fall out, or a dental professional may have to pull them.
Extreme tooth decay can cause severe pain and irritation. Aesthetically, a toothless smile can have emotional implications on a patient. Other effects of missing or damaged teeth include:
- Sensitivity to certain foods and beverages: When a patient has large cavities or failing teeth, it can be challenging to consume hot or cold food and drinks.
- Discomfort in the gum area: Patients who have no teeth may have trouble eating and speaking. Some may find wearing a complete set of dentures less comfortable.
- Social discomfort: Patients who are missing teeth may avoid smiling or even being out in social settings.
All of these effects can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Luckily, there are many tooth replacement options. Our team can help patients determine if All-on-4 is the right solution for them.
“According to WebMD, tooth loss is a common but not inevitable part of aging.”
How the All-on-4 Implant Treatment Works
Replacing the top or bottom arch of teeth with standard dental implants would require an implant for each tooth. Alternatively, All-on-4 uses just four implants to replace the top or bottom row of teeth. The treatment works even if the patient has no teeth at all. As explained in this article by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the four implants support the entire arch of replacement teeth. Also, this treatment does not require bone grafting. The implants will fuse with the existing bone and become part of the jaw. Because some of the implants are set at an angle, they are longer and offer more support.
All-on-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster. First, the doctor will take impressions and X-rays and send those to a lab. At a subsequent appointment, our staff will use a local anesthetic to numb the patient and may have to remove any remaining damaged teeth. Then, the dental professional will insert screws into four places in the upper and lower jaw. These titanium anchors will help support the artificial teeth throughout the mouth.
“All-on-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster.”
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After the Procedure
Our team will send you home with specific aftercare instructions that you should follow exactly for proper healing and prevention of infection. Instructions commonly include brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush, sleeping with your head elevated and eating only soft foods. Immediately following the procedure you may be sore, have swelling and light bleeding. As always, call our office immediately if these symptoms get worse rather than subside.
Patients should maintain proper care of the implants and their oral health. Just as with natural teeth, patients need to continue brushing and flossing daily. Regular dental checkups are essential. A dentist should routinely examine the implants and artificial teeth to ensure that everything looks the way it should.
“Patients should maintain proper care of the implants and their oral health. Just as with natural teeth, patients need to continue brushing and flossing daily.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Who is a good candidate for All-on-4?
Q. What is involved in the All-on-4 implant treatment?
Q. What should you do after the procedure?
People Also Ask
Q. Who is a good candidate for all teeth replacement?
Q. What are the differences between implant supported dentures and removable dentures?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does insurance cover All-on-4 implants?
A. It is essential to check with your provider first. All insurance plans have different levels of coverage. Our office can work with you on financing and payment plans.
Q. What is the cost of All-on-4?
A. Patients can benefit from the fact that All-on-4 implants tend to be less expensive than traditional implants. Some people can expect to pay about half as much as with regular treatments. Our staff will discuss the cost before starting the treatment.
Q. What foods should people avoid after receiving All-on-4?
A. All-on-4 implants allow patients full function within hours of the surgery. It may take a little bit of time to get used to the implants. Our team may advise patients to avoid hard foods at first.
Q. Are there any side effects from the All-on-4 procedure?
A. After the surgery, there may be some soreness. Patients can take over-the-counter pain medication. Minimal bleeding may also occur on the day of the procedure.
Q. When can patients return to normal activities after the All-on-4 procedure?
A. Because our dentist uses anesthesia to numb the patient, the person should take time to recover. Patients should avoid heavy physical activity for the next day or two. Rest is critical during this time.
Q. How long will the All-on-4 procedure take?
A. The process is faster than getting traditional implants. Typically, the patient can expect the surgery to last an hour or two. Time frames vary from patient to patient.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Denture Terminology
It is Your Turn
If you are missing teeth, consider All-on-4 implant surgery. Call us today at (805) 920-2141 to discuss your oral health needs. Join other patients in Carpinteria and rediscover your smile and ability to eat the foods you love. You may also finally feel good about your overall appearance.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2022
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2022
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2022
About our business, license, and website security
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