What is the Process for All-on-Four Dental Implants?

If you have missing teeth, you may feel overwhelmed by your replacement options and what to expect during your path to a new smile. All-on-Four dental implants offer a streamlined solution: a complete set of replacement teeth supported by just four strategically placed implants, often completed in a single day. This innovative approach combines efficiency with long-term stability, giving you back your smile without the lengthy treatment timelines of traditional implant methods.

At North Creek Dental Care, we understand the physical and emotional impact missing teeth can have. Our experienced team guides you through each step of the All-on-Four process, from your initial consultation to your final restoration. With advanced technology and a focus on patient comfort, we help you regain confidence in your smile.

What Are All-on-Four Dental Implants?

The All-on-Four technique differs from conventional implant methods by using only four implants per arch instead of six to eight. Two implants are placed vertically in the front of your jaw, where bone density is typically strongest. The remaining two are angled toward the back, maximizing contact with available bone and avoiding areas where bone loss is most common.

This strategic placement eliminates the need for bone grafting in many cases. Traditional implants often require months of bone regeneration before placement, but All-on-Four works with your existing bone structure. The angled posterior implants also provide superior support, distributing bite force evenly across the entire restoration.

Your new teeth attach to a fixed bridge anchored to these four implants. Unlike removable dentures, this restoration stays permanently in place, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile naturally.

What to Expect During the All-on-Four Dental Implant Process

The All-on-Four journey follows a clear progression from planning to final restoration. We tailor each of the following steps to your unique needs, guiding you through the entire process to ensure long-term success:

The Initial Consultation and Planning Phase

Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation. We examine your oral health, take detailed X-rays, and use 3D imaging to assess your jawbone structure. This digital planning allows us to determine the precise angle and depth for each implant before your procedure begins.

During this visit, we discuss your medical history and any medications you take. Certain conditions may affect healing, so we tailor our approach to your specific needs. We also review sedation options to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Before moving forward, we create a customized treatment plan that outlines every step. You’ll see digital previews of your final results and understand exactly what to expect on procedure day.

Procedure Day: Placement and Temporary Restoration

On the day of your All-on-Four procedure, we start by administering your chosen sedation. Most patients opt for IV sedation, which allows them to remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the surgery. If you have remaining teeth in the treatment area, we remove them first.

Next, we place the four implants according to your pre-planned positions. The front implants go in vertically, while the back two are angled at approximately 30-45 degrees. This entire placement process typically takes two to three hours per arch. 

Then, we attach a temporary bridge to your new implants the same day. You leave our office with a complete set of functional teeth, eliminating the gap period common with traditional implants. These temporary teeth allow you to eat soft foods and adjust to your new smile while your implants integrate with your jawbone.

Healing and Integration Period

The following three to six months are critical for osseointegration, the process where your jawbone fuses with the titanium implants. During this time, your temporary bridge remains in place, but you’ll need to follow specific care guidelines.

Stick to softer foods for the first few weeks. Avoid anything that requires excessive chewing force, as this could disrupt the healing process. We’ll provide a detailed diet plan to help you make appropriate choices. You’ll return for several follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing. We check for any signs of complications and ensure your temporary bridge fits comfortably. You’ll likely experience minimal discomfort after the first week, with any initial soreness manageable through over-the-counter pain medication.

Final Restoration and Long-Term Care

Once your implants have fully integrated, we replace your temporary bridge with your permanent restoration. This final prosthetic is custom-crafted from durable materials such as zirconia or porcelain and designed to match the color and shape of natural teeth.

The permanent bridge attaches securely to your implants, providing exceptional stability. You can eat all your favorite foods, from crispy vegetables to chewy meats, without worry. Your new teeth function just like natural ones. 

Maintaining your All-on-Four restoration requires diligent oral hygiene. Brush twice daily and use specialized floss or interdental brushes to clean around your implants. Regular professional cleanings every six months help prevent complications and extend the life of your restoration. With proper care, dental implants have a success rate of 95%, making them one of the most reliable tooth-replacement options available.

Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants at North Creek Dental Care

All-on-Four dental implants offer a transformative solution for extensive tooth loss, combining speed, stability, and natural-looking results. At North Creek Dental Care, our experienced team brings advanced training and cutting-edge technology to every procedure. We’ve earned recognition as Southland’s best dental office in 2024, and we’re committed to helping you achieve a smile you’re proud to show.

Whether you’re dealing with multiple missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures, we’re here to help you explore your options. We offer complimentary dental implant consultations to discuss your specific needs and answer all your questions. Take the first step toward a confident, functional smile by contacting us today.