What is the All-on-4 Dental Implant Process Like From Consultation to Completion?

Missing most or all of your teeth can feel overwhelming. You may struggle with eating, speaking clearly, and smiling confidently in social situations. The All-on-4 dental implant process offers a streamlined solution, replacing a full arch of teeth with just four strategically placed implants in a single day.

At North Creek Dental Care, our team provides comprehensive All-on-4 treatment to help you regain function and confidence. With advanced training in implant dentistry and prosthodontics, we guide you through each step of the process, from your initial consultation to your final restoration.

Understanding Your Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation. During this appointment, we examine your oral health, take detailed 3D imaging of your jaw, and discuss your treatment goals. We assess bone density, gum health, and any underlying conditions that may affect healing. This information helps us determine if you’re a good candidate for All-on-4 implants.

We also review your medical history and current medications. Certain health conditions or medications can impact the treatment process, so being transparent about your health allows us to create the safest, most effective plan. You’ll have time to ask questions about the procedure, timeline, and what to expect during recovery.

Preparing for Your Treatment Day

Before your surgery, we provide detailed instructions to help you prepare. You may need to arrange transportation since you’ll receive sedation during the procedure. We’ll discuss any medications you should stop or continue taking, and provide guidelines about eating and drinking before your appointment.

On treatment day, we prioritize your comfort. You’ll receive sedation to keep you relaxed throughout the procedure. The entire process typically takes several hours, during which we place four titanium implants into your jawbone at precise angles. These implants serve as anchors for your new teeth.

What Happens During the All-on-4 Procedure

The All-on-4 technique uses strategic implant placement to maximize support while minimizing the need for bone grafting. Two implants are positioned vertically in the front of your jaw, where bone tends to be denser. The other two are angled up to 45 degrees in the back, allowing them to engage more bone and avoid anatomical structures like sinuses.

After placing the implants, we attach a temporary prosthesis immediately. You’ll leave our office with a full set of functional teeth the same day. These temporary teeth allow you to eat soft foods and smile confidently while your implants integrate with your jawbone over the next several months.

Healing and Recovery Timeline

The first few days after surgery require rest and careful attention to our post-operative instructions. You may experience swelling, minor discomfort, and some bruising, which are normal parts of the healing process. We provide pain management recommendations and prescribe medications if needed to keep you comfortable.

During the first week, stick to soft foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and yogurt. Avoid hot liquids, crunchy foods, and anything that requires excessive chewing. Proper nutrition supports healing, so focus on protein-rich options that don’t require much jaw movement. Over the next three to six months, your implants undergo osseointegration. This is when the titanium fuses with your jawbone, creating a stable foundation for your permanent teeth. During this time, you’ll visit us for follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing and make any necessary adjustments to your temporary prosthesis.

Receiving Your Final Restoration

Once your implants have fully integrated, we begin creating your permanent prosthesis. We take new impressions and work with a dental laboratory to design teeth that match your desired appearance. You’ll have input on the shape, color, and overall look of your new smile.

The final prosthesis is crafted from durable materials designed to withstand daily function. When it’s ready, we remove your temporary teeth and secure your permanent restoration to the implants. We check your bite, make adjustments for comfort, and ensure everything fits properly before you leave.

Restore Your Smile With All-on-4 Implants

Southland’s Best Dental Office 2024 brings advanced implant solutions to patients throughout the Chicago area. Dr. Samuel D. Kang completed a three-year prosthodontics residency and an additional year as an Implant Fellow, giving him extensive training in complex implant procedures. Dr. Omar El Ebrashy earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine with High Honors from Boston University and continues advancing his skills through ongoing education. Our practice has proudly served the community for over four decades, helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.Contact North Creek Dental Care today to schedule your complimentary dental implant consultation. We’ll evaluate your oral health, answer your questions, and help you determine if All-on-4 dental implants are right for you. Learn more about our team and how we can help you achieve a confident, functional smile.