All-on-4 Dental Implants in Boca Raton, Florida
When you have a full set of healthy pearly whites, tasks such as eating, speaking, and even smiling come naturally and easy. However, when you start losing teeth, whether due to the natural aging process, damage/decay, lack of oral hygiene, or any other reason, these tasks and more become challenging.
Due to the advancements in dental technology, we have options for replacing missing teeth. Some of these options look as good as natural teeth. Dr. Schwartz at Wolf-Schwartz Dentistry offers a variety of tooth replacement options. He is one of two dentists in the Boca Raton area that has received Implantologist certification from the American Board of Implantology. One of the most popular options is All-on-4 Dental Implants.
In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about All-on-4 dental implants.
All-on-4 Dental Implants Procedure: What to Expect
All-on-4 dental implants is a tooth replacement solution designed to replace a full arch of missing teeth with just 4 dental implants. This procedure is also referred to as “teeth in a day” because the entire procedure from implant placement to prosthesis placement can be completed in one day.
All-on-4 Dental Implants: Step-by-Step
The first step to any procedure at Wolf-Schwartz Dentistry is the initial consultation. This is when Dr. Schwartz and the team will determine the best option for your tooth replacement. He will perform a comprehensive examination, which includes recording your oral and overall health history, discussing your goals/expectations, images/x-rays, and more.
If necessary, prep procedures can be scheduled. These may include tooth extraction, gum disease treatment, bone grafts, and more. If these are necessary, you may need to take the time to heal before the implants can be placed.
If you do not need prep procedures, the procedure can move forward. This will involve the strategic placement of 4 dental implants in the jaw: two in the back and two in the front. The rear implants will be angled, which offers stronger bite force support.
Typically, recovery from dental implant replacement can take up to 6 months- sometimes more if your body heals slowly. However, All-on-4 dental implants allow the dentist to place a temporary prosthesis at the same time as the implants. This means that you won’t have to be without teeth while you heal.
Pre-Surgical Considerations for All-on-4 Treatment
As a general rule, dental implants are suitable for most patients. However, there are a few exceptions. When determining your eligibility for All-on-4 dental implants, Dr. Schwartz will consider the following:
Gum and jawbone health
Age/facial development
Current medications
Other factors
Recovery/Aftercare
Advantages of All-on-4 Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” in tooth replacement. However, single implants can be costly if replacing a full arch of missing teeth. All-on-4 dental implants offers a variety of advantages including:
Permanent Solution for Missing
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, as long as you are working with a qualified dentist, and you practice proper care and maintenance.
Immediate Results
Traditional dental implants must heal completely before a prosthesis can be placed on them. However, due to the strategic placement of implants for All-on-4, the prosthesis can be placed on the same day. That’s why this procedure is often referred to as “teeth in a day”.
Reduced Recovery Time
Since the entire process can be completed in one day, your recovery time is significantly reduced. Typically, the implants themselves take up to 6 months to heal. If you are getting traditional implants, this is when the abutment will be placed, which requires a few more weeks to heal. Then, the crown can be placed. However, with All-on-4 dental implants, the temporary prosthesis will be removed, and the permanent prosthesis placed at this time.
Reduced Cost
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, you can spend $60,000 to $90,000+ to replace each tooth with a single implant. However, All-on-4 only requires 4 dental implants, which allows you to get a full arch of teeth for $12,000 or a full set for $24,000. However, it’s important to note that if you need additional procedures, this cost will increase based on those fees.
Comparing All-on-4 Implants to Traditional Implants
The two most common ways to replace missing teeth are traditional dental implants, which is designed to replace a single missing tooth, or All-on-4 dental implants, which supports a full arch of missing teeth with just 4 dental implants:
Type of Implant | Traditional Implants | All-on-4 Dental Implants |
Procedure Steps | Consultation Prep procedures Implant placement Healing Abutment placement Healing Crown placement | Consultation Prep procedures Implant placement Temporary prosthesis replacement Healing Permanent prosthesis replacement |
Cost | $60,000 to $90,000+ | $12,000 for a single arch $24,000 for both arches |
Success Rate | 95% to 98% success rate | 95% to 98% success rate |
Long-term Outcomes | Most people have positive long-term outcomes | Most people have positive long-term outcomes |
Aftercare | Soft foods for several weeks to months Soft-bristled toothbrush, non-abrasive toothpaste Avoid brushing the implant site directly | Soft foods for a few weeks to months Gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush |
Materials | Titanium or zirconia implants Porcelain, metal, Porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia, composite resin crown | Titanium or zirconia implants Porcelain or composite resin prosthesis |
Recovery | Recovery can take up to a year or more, depending on your body’s healing ability | Recovery usually takes up to 6 months, depending on your body’s ability to heal |
Lifespan | Lasts a lifetime with proper care and maintenance | Lasts a lifetime with proper care and maintenance |
How long does it take? | Can take a year or more, depending on your requirements and how your body heals | Can be completed in a day with a temporary prosthesis- will need to return in a few months for the permanent prosthesis |
Aftercare and Maintenance of All-on-4 Implants
There are no special considerations with aftercare and maintenance of All-on-4 dental implants. Simply brush at least twice daily and floss at least once to avoid bacteria and plaque buildup. Its also important to visit the dentist every 6 months, or as recommended, for an exam and cleaning. The dentist will remove the prosthesis and examine it as well for any cracks or other damage.
All-on-4: The Ideal Full-Mouth Restoration
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, schedule your consultation today with Dr. Schwartz at Wolf-Schwartz Dentistry in Boca Raton. He is one of two certified implantologists in the area. He has the experience and expertise to improve your chances of a successful restoration.
All-on-4 Dental Implants FAQs
Dr. Schwartz and the team at Wolf-Schwartz Dentistry will be happy to work with you to address your questions or concerns. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about implants:
Dental implants require oral surgery- so some discomfort during the procedure and during healing is expected. However, the pain will not be unbearable and should be easily controlled with OTC pain relievers.
Yes, dental implants have been proven safe for most patients. However, you must discuss your medical conditions and medications with your dentist to determine whether or not it is safe for you.
Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, where they act as an artificial tooth root to support the tooth replacement. This provides a stable base and also a more natural look.
Dairy products are good for you and can facilitate healing. However, you may want to avoid these immediately following the procedure because they can cause irritation and nausea/vomiting, which can cause or contribute to dental implant failure.
DO YOU NEED ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS
We are proud to provide you with crowns and bridges in order to perfect the smile you’ve always wanted. Your smile is our top priority. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!