Procedures
All-on-4® Dental Implant Procedure
All-On-4® Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants are a modern technique for replacing missing teeth using dental implants.
Known as DIEM, Teeth in a Day, or Smile Today, this technique involves placing four or more implants in the jaw to support a complete set of replacement teeth.
In this technique, the implants are placed at a 45-degree angle to maximize support in areas with reduced bone density, often eliminating the need for bone grafting.
AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons offers All-on-4 dental implants in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low and Tempe, AZ.
Key Takeaway
All-On-4 dental implants are an advanced solution for replacing an entire arch of teeth using four or more strategically placed implants. This innovative procedure provides a permanent, natural-looking smile with minimal downtime, often eliminating the need for bone grafting.
All-On-4® vs. Traditional Dental Implants
Unlike traditional implants, which may require multiple implant placements for each tooth, All-on-4 uses just four or more implants per arch. Each patient will have different needs depending on how many teeth are being replaced. We customize each case for every patient so they can have a long-lasting outcome. Your oral surgeon will discuss this in detail with you and will create a plan that is best suited to you.
Advantages
If you want a successful and affordable way to replace missing teeth, All-On-4 may be the right choice. This modern technique offers several benefits, including:
- Reduced time: With All-on-4, patients will leave the office with a full arch of teeth.
- Reduced cost: Fewer implants mean they are a more affordable option than replacing individual teeth.
- Quicker recovery: Fewer implant placements reduce the healing time, allowing patients to resume normal activities sooner.
- Quality of life: Provides permanent teeth that look and function like real teeth, improving oral health, chewing ability, and confidence.
Disadvantages
While All-on-4 offers several benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. These may include:
- Inadequate support: All-On-4 may not be suitable for everyone, depending on the strength of your jaw, bone density of the jaw, and position of the teeth.
- Learning to Speak: All-on-4 implants feel natural after a while, but there is a learning curve. You may find it difficult to talk when you first have the surgery, which becomes easier with practice.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with All-on-4 dental implants. These may include:
- Infection: If the implant site is not properly cleaned and cared for, it can become infected and cause damage to the jawbone or gums.
- Nerve damage: Placing the implants too close to a nerve can lead to temporary or even permanent nerve damage.
- Implant failure: There is a possibility that the implant may not fuse correctly with the jawbone, resulting in implant failure.
The Procedure
The All-on-4 procedure is carefully planned to restore the functionality and appearance of your smile. Below is an outline of the steps involved:
- Consultation: Your oral surgeon will review your medical history, oral health, and bone condition to make sure you have enough healthy bone to support the implants. They will take photographs, X-rays, and 3D images to view your jawbone better.
- Implant placement: On the day of surgery, your procedure is performed under dental sedation. Four or more implants are strategically placed into the jawbone to support the prosthetic teeth. A titanium screw is placed into the implants, and the temporary teeth are screwed or clipped into place.
- Healing period: Over the next 3-4 months, the implants fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. During this time, the temporary teeth provide functionality. Once healing is complete, the temporary teeth are replaced with a permanent, customized set of prosthetic teeth that look and feel like real teeth.
Recovery Time
Recovery times vary based on individual healing and how your body responds to the procedure.
Some swelling, discomfort, or bruising around the surgical site is normal but typically subsides within a few days. Most patients can resume normal activities within one to two days after surgery. However, full integration of the implants with your jaw bone may take several months.
Activity
Rest is crucial in the early recovery phase.
Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or excessive exercise for the first few days to promote the healing of the jawbone and gum tissue.
Oral Hygiene
The restoration you will be wearing is called a fixed healing bridge. You will not be able to remove it for cleaning.
Use a Waterpik to gently irrigate out food debris that may get stuff between the bridge and gum tissue. Fourteen days after surgery, use a perio brush or super floss to clean between the bridge and your gums.
Diet
For the first few months, follow a soft food diet to aid healing and reduce pressure on the implants.
Soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and scrambled eggs are ideal. Avoid hard, crunchy foods or anything that requires heavy chewing.
Download our printable PDF for a list of foods to eat after dental implant surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for All-on-4 dental implants if:
- You have lost all or most of your teeth or are about to lose all of your teeth.
- Your jawbone can support the implants.
- You are healthy enough to undergo surgery and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.
You may not be a good candidate if you have:
- Active gum disease.
- Insufficient jawbone for implant support (may require dental bone grafts).
- Medical conditions that make implant surgery risky (e.g., diabetes, cancer, and some autoimmune diseases).
How Long Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, All-on-4 implants can last a lifetime.
Like natural teeth, they require the same daily care and maintenance, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups.
Follow Up Visits
Regular follow-up appointments are vital for the success of your implants.
Initially, you will need frequent visits within the first three to six months to monitor healing and integration. Once stabilized, plan for 1-3 dental visits annually for thorough cleaning and assessment.
Schedule Your Free Dental Implant Consultation Today
If you are ready to restore your smile with minimal downtime, All-on-4 dental implants could be the perfect solution.
At AZ Max, we specialize in advanced implant treatments designed to improve your quality of life by providing functional teeth that look and feel natural. Our team of skilled oral surgeons is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful smile with expert care.
Whether you are exploring All-on-4 dental implants or other implant options, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
To book a free dental implant consultation at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low or Tempe, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
