All on 4 Dental Implant FAQ

What is an All on 4 dental implant?

All on 4 dental implants are a form of dental procedure that can provide a full set of teeth with only a quartet of implants; effectively “all” the teeth of one jawline built on top of four implants. They are a great option for anyone who has suffered severe tooth loss or whose history with decay and various diseases of the mouth have cost them several teeth.

Notably, this type of dental implant involves a shorter amount of recovery time than other kinds; this is because other dentures need six, eight or even more implants in place to root the dentures to the mouth. Furthermore, this type of implant is unique in that it is angled, giving the patient a more natural bite. Lastly, the overall design and aesthetics of this type of dental implant means that your smile will look as natural as the one you were born with. We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions on All on 4 implants. While the answers will ultimately depend on the specifics of each individual case, we’ve provided some general guidelines. 

How much do All on 4 dental implants cost?

The overall price depends on a number of factors including how many implants need to be installed, the necessity of bone grafting and how many appointments will be necessary. Some patients are without teeth and need to have bone supplied as a structure; others may have infections that need to be healed away before the implants can be put in place. All fees will be discussed during the consultation, well before you go in for the surgery. While the cost of All on 4 dental implants are higher than most dental procedures, patients find that their improved quality of life and confidence justifies the cost. For many individuals, financing options are available and can be discussed during your consultation. 

How long do All on 4 dental implants last?

It is important to recognize that All on 4 implants are a two-component system:

1. The implants.
2. The permanent denture that gives the implants their support.

While the implants will last as long as a normal human lifespan, the denture is a far different story. Even the best restoration made of the most durable material must eventually make way for the occasional replacement. With an ideal level of care and commendable oral hygiene, the permanent denture should have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years; patients who are negligent in the upkeep of their mouths and oral hygiene may need to have their dentures replaced in as soon as half that length of time. Fortunately, replacement of an All on 4 dental implant denture can easily be achieved without agitating the implants themselves.

How do you clean All on 4 dental implants?

While your dental hygienist will walk you through any intricacies of how to clean all on 4 dental implants, it is vital to adhere to a daily routine of brushing and flossing. While the permanent dentures are reinforced with titanium, you may need to take antibiotics for a while after the permanent dentures have been installed and you will also likely need to use an antimicrobial mouthwash.

How long is the All on 4 implant procedure?

The procedure itself will require 4-5 hours per dental arch. In some cases where the grafting of bone and/or teeth is required, that procedure, and the subsequent recovery time from that process, must come first.

What is the recovery time for All on 4 dental implants?

While minimally invasive, the procedure does require sedation. You will need someone to assist you after the procedure is over. 

It is also worth mentioning that you will not have your permanent denture immediately after the procedure is over. Since the mouth needs time to heal, you will be given a set of temporary fixed teeth to use until such time that your mouth has recovered (around 4 months). This temporary fixed bridge can only be removed by your doctor. The permanent version of the denture is typically ready somewhere between six to eight months after the procedure, so the overall timeline is around 8-12 months. Once again touching upon the need to heal, you will need to be restricted to a diet of liquids and soft foods for a handful of days and may want to consider pain medications if you notice sharp pain or swelling around the mouth. Lastly, you will need to stay away from working for no more than two to three days after the procedure.

In Case of Grafting

In the cases where a patient also requires teeth/bone grafting, it takes about three weeks for the body to heal before the temporary dentures can be added to your implants. Six months later, the implants will have settled in with the patient’s bones and your dentist can swap out the temporary bridge for the permanent set of dentures.

Interested in an All on 4 dental implant? Schedule a Teeth-In-A-Day consultation at Fortson Dentistry! If you live in the metro Detroit area and are interested in learning more about our Teeth-In-A-Day service using the All-on-4® implant technique or traditional implants, please give us a call or find your local office and set up a Teeth-In-A-Day consultation appointment online. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.