Tooth loss is an unfortunate occurrence that can result from various causes. Sometimes it’s caused by accident, occasionally by advanced stages of tooth decay, and sometimes by other oral health factors. Regardless of the underlying reason for tooth loss, it’s a problem that must be addressed to avoid bone deterioration and restore the full functionality of your mouth. All-on-4 dental implants are one of the most innovative and modern treatment options for improving your quality of life and obtaining a beautiful smile.
What Is All-On-4 Dental Implant?
All-on-4 implants consist of four titanium posts placed strategically along your dental arch and linked to a denture base. The All-on-4 procedure is designed to replace an entire arch of teeth to restore the functionality of your bite and the aesthetics of your smile. This restoration method was specifically designed to help you if you suffer from multiple missing teeth, decayed teeth, and limited jawbone density that requires a bone graft.
With the All-on-4 procedure, the posterior implants are tilted 45 degrees toward the back of your mouth and positioned in the anterior maxilla, an area of your jaw with a higher bone density. As a result, this oral surgery does not require the same bone density as other dental implant procedures. While having a full set of teeth supported by a small number of implant fixtures was not novel, using a 45° angle for the posterior implants led to the development of All-On-4 implant surgery.
All-On-4 Dental Implant Procedure
Before your All-on-4 procedure, we will evaluate your oral health by performing various diagnostic tests to measure your bone structure and jaw bone density. We will also use special 3D dental imaging to make an accurate diagnosis, plan the surgical placement and create a treatment plan that enables us to insert the implants in their right position. We’ll also review your medical history, current health issues, and medications to see if you’re an ideal candidate for the treatment. After your initial consultation, you will be scheduled for surgery.
Your All-On-4 dental implant procedure will begin with sedation. So make sure to have someone drive you home after your dental procedure on the day of surgery. During your dental restoration, we will extract any remaining teeth and make small incisions in your soft tissue to shape the four upper and four lower arch sockets, all while you are under full sedation. The individual implants will be inserted through these incisions. Later, a connector is fastened to the implant screws in your jaw. In the final phase, the gums are sutured, and a temporary denture base is placed while the implant sites heal.
A dental implant procedure requires several months of healing time. As this surgical procedure is mostly atraumatic, the recovery time is significantly reduced, and your jawbone and gum tissue should be fully healed after three to six months. Although everyone’s healing process is different, you can expect to rest for at least 72 hours after surgery and use ice packs to minimize swelling. We may also recommend painkillers and antibiotics if necessary. A soft food diet is strongly recommended for the first few months after surgery to alleviate discomfort and prevent placing too much force on the new implants. After completing osseointegration, we will swap your temporary teeth with permanent dentures.
All-On-4 Implant Options
When considering All-on-four treatment, there are several options to choose from:
All the zirconia teeth, acrylic teeth, and titanium bars are customized to provide the perfect fit and color. However, it’s important to note that no one material or implant option is best for all patients. Rather, it’s more important that we completely understand your oral health before making a recommendation.
How Much Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Cost
Numerous factors can influence the price of All-on-4 treatment, including:
Will Insurance Cover All-On-Four Dental Implants?
Because many dental insurance companies only cover a portion of the cost, you should still file and send a dental implant claim to the insurance company. However, some agencies will not let you claim the cost of the oral surgery. This is because dental implants are still classified as cosmetic procedures by many insurance companies despite their health benefits.
The cost of your dental treatment for all-on-4 dental implant surgery depends on your insurance policy. However, as the coverage is minimal in most cases, it’s best to review their policies for specifics, as certain plans will cover this treatment.
Ways to Finance Your Dental Care
Fortunately, there are ways to lower the cost of All-on-4 implants; some of the most beneficial options include the following:
In addition, you can also combine dental financing with other payment options, such as flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSAs), and dental insurance benefits.
Are All-On-4 Implants a Good Investment?
All-on-4 is a smart financial move because of the high rate of return and minimum upkeep required. If you take care of your implant, it can last for the rest of your life. But traditional dentures will need to be changed every five to 10 years, no matter how well you care for them. Some of the other benefits include:
The advantages of All-on-4 implants are not limited to monetary gains. All-on-4 implants can help you gain confidence and improve your natural smile. But this confidence is not limited to being able to smile again; it also stems from knowing that your implants are firmly attached to your dental bridge. That means you don’t have to worry about any potential embarrassment associated with denture difficulties, such as them falling out during a meal or conversation. This assurance is what makes All-on-4 implants so beneficial in the end.
The first step in determining the cost of All-on-4 implants is to schedule a consultation, where we will evaluate your specific requirements and long-term goals. Once we’ve determined your candidacy for All-on-4 implants, we can advise you on the best course of action with your smile reconstruction.
At Big Smile Dental we look forward to understanding your dental concerns and finding the best treatment plan to get you smiling, speaking, and eating comfortably and more confidently.
