What are All on 4 Dental Implants?

If you have major tooth loss, dentures can be lifechanging. These prosthetic teeth can improve your facial shape, help you eat more comfortably, and boost your confidence.  However, some issues accompany traditional dentures, such as the gradual loss of bone density and the frequent need for replacement. Dental implants are another option that has grown in popularity in the past few years, but these treatments can be costly and require several implants.

For patients looking for a more comprehensive solution, All on 4 dental implants are becoming increasingly common. These implants eliminate the issue of bone density loss and can be implanted quickly, often within a few hours. This is a major departure from traditional implants, which can take over six months to implant fully. All on 4 implants are also known as “Teeth in a Day” implants for this reason.

How Do All on 4 Implants Work?

Meant for patients who have lost several teeth, the implants replace an entire row of teeth. More natural-looking and feeling than dentures, they provide a permanent solution for tooth loss and decay.

All on 4 Dental Implants involve four implants in the jaw, hence the procedure’s name. This is a much less intense procedure than traditional implants, which can use up to ten implants.

This is what an All on 4 implant looks like next to dentures and traditional implants:

Dentures	Traditional Implants	All on 4 Dental Implants
Designed for patients with missing teeth Removable Can be used on patients with bone loss and decay Face can sag over time due to bone loss Certain foods cannot be eaten Requires re-fittings (usually every five years) Must be removed for cleaning $300-$8,000	Attached to jawbone via 8-10 implants Permanent Requires adequate bone structure or bone graft Can take six months or more to fully implant Patient can eat normally after a week Fixed in place Cleaned like normal teeth $20,000-$45,00 Lasts 10-15 years	Designed for patients with several missing teeth Permanent Can be used on patients with bone loss and decay Can be installed in just one day Patient can chew soft foods immediately Attached to jawbone via 4-6 implants Fixed in place Cleaned like normal teeth $12,000-$25,000 Lasts 10-20+ years

 

While All on 4 implants provide many benefits, they are not suitable for all patients. Athens Oral Surgery Center offers several options for many different types of patients. We can determine whether you might be a good candidate for All on 4 and discuss your options for beginning treatment.

Curious about All on 4 Dental Implants? Talk to Athens Oral Surgery today.

Dr. Tomlinson can assess your oral health, determine whether you are a good candidate for All On 4 implants, and guide you through the treatment process. Schedule an appointment with our team by calling 706-549-5033.