What are All On 4 Dental Implants?

If you're missing teeth or suffer from loose dentures, you may feel self-conscious or embarrassed when eating, speaking, or smiling. Fortunately, modern dental technology offers solutions to restore your smile and confidence. At URBN Dental, we offer a variety of dental implant options, including the All-on-4® dental implant procedure.

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are a revolutionary technique that allows for full arch rehabilitation of missing teeth or loose dentures with just four implants. The procedure involves placing two anterior implants and two posterior implants at an angle to maximize support and stability for the dental arch. The implants are made of biocompatible titanium, which fuses with the jaw bone over time to create a stable foundation for the replacement teeth.

How Are All-on-4 Dental Implants Different from Traditional Implants?

Traditional dental implant procedures involve placing individual implants for each missing tooth or small groups of teeth. In contrast, the All-on-4 dental implant procedure replaces an entire arch of teeth using only four implants. This approach not only saves time and money, but it also reduces the need for bone grafting, which is often required in traditional implant procedures.

What Are the Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants?

There are many benefits to choosing All-on-4 dental implants, including:

1. Permanent Solution: All-on-4 dental implants provide a permanent solution to missing teeth, unlike traditional dentures or temporary solutions like a flipper or a removable partial denture.
2. Improved Stability: All-on-4 implants are placed at an angle, providing maximum support for the dental arch and minimizing the risk of implant failure or loosening.
3. Faster Healing Time: The All-on-4 procedure typically requires only three to six months of healing time, which is significantly faster than traditional implant procedures.
4. Reduced Need for Bone Grafting: The angled placement of the All-on-4 implants allows for the use of existing bone, reducing the need for bone grafting and making the procedure more accessible for patients with bone atrophy.
5. Improved Facial Structure: All-on-4 dental implants can help maintain the natural shape of your face by preventing bone loss and preserving gum tissue.
6. No More Denture Adhesives: With All-on-4 implants, there's no need for messy denture adhesives, which can be a relief for many patients.
7. A New Smile: All-on-4 dental implants can provide you with a beautiful smile that looks and feels like natural teeth.

Am I a Good Candidate for All-on-4 Dental Implants?

The All-on-4 dental implant procedure is an excellent option for many patients, but it may not be right for everyone. At URBN Dental, we offer a free consultation to determine if you're a good candidate for the procedure. Factors that may affect your eligibility include your medical history, the condition of your oral health, and the amount of bone tissue in your jaw.

What Does the All-on-4 Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

The All-on-4 dental implant procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. Consultation: At URBN Dental, we'll evaluate your oral health and medical history to determine if you're a good candidate for the procedure.
2. X-Rays: We'll take x-rays of your mouth and jaw to create a detailed treatment plan.
3. Surgery: The surgery itself involves placing the four dental implants in your jawbone. If necessary, we may perform bone grafting to build up the jawbone before placing the implants.
4. Temporary Restoration: After the implants are placed, we'll attach a temporary denture or fixed bridge to allow for proper healing and function while the implants fuse with the bone.
5. Follow-Up Appointments: After the initial surgery, you'll need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and function of your new teeth. During this time, it's essential to follow a soft food diet and avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the implants.

Once the healing process is complete, we'll attach a permanent denture or fixed bridge to the implants, restoring your smile and ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

How to Care for All-on-4 Dental Implants

Proper care and maintenance of your All-on-4 dental implants are crucial to ensure their longevity and function. Here are some tips for caring for your new smile:

1. Brush and Floss: Just like natural teeth, it's essential to brush and floss regularly to remove food particles and bacteria that can cause gum disease and decay.
2. Regular Dental Check-Ups: It's important to schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the health of your implants and gum tissue and ensure proper function.
3. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Hard or sticky foods can damage the implants or dislodge the denture, so it's best to avoid them altogether.
4. Quit Smoking: Smoking can reduce blood flow to the gums, making it harder for the implants to fuse with the bone and increasing the risk of implant failure.
5. Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can protect your implants from damage.

How Long Does it Take to Get All-on-4 Dental Implants?

The length of time it takes to get All-on-4 dental implants can vary depending on your individual needs and circumstances. The initial surgery typically takes a few hours to complete, and the healing process can take anywhere from three to six months. During this time, you'll need to follow a soft food diet and avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the implants. Once the implants have fused with the jawbone, we'll attach a permanent denture or fixed bridge, restoring your smile and ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

How to Clean All on 4 Dental Implants

Proper oral hygiene is crucial to the longevity and function of your All-on-4 dental implants. Brush and floss regularly, just like you would with natural teeth, to remove food particles and bacteria that can cause gum disease and decay. We also recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse your mouth after brushing and flossing. Additionally, you may need to use special tools like interdental brushes or water flossers to clean around the implants. Regular dental check-ups are also essential to monitor the health of your implants and gum tissue and ensure proper function.

What Can You Eat After All-on-4 Dental Implants?

After the initial surgery, it's important to follow a soft food diet for the first few weeks to allow for proper healing and function of the implants. Some examples of soft foods include:

1. Scrambled eggs
2. Mashed potatoes
3. Smoothies
4. Soups
5. Soft fruits like bananas and avocados

Once the healing process is complete, you can gradually start to introduce harder, crunchier, or stickier foods back into your diet. However, it's important to avoid anything that could damage the implants or dislodge the denture, such as hard candy or chewy snacks.

How Much Are All on 4 Dental Implants?

The cost of All-on-4 dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the number of implants needed, the complexity of the procedure, and your individual needs and goals. At URBN Dental, we offer flexible financing options to make the procedure more accessible for our patients. We also accept most major dental insurance plans and can work with you to maximize your coverage.

Why Choose URBN Dental for All-on-4 Dental Implants?

At URBN Dental, we're committed to providing our patients with the highest quality dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Our team of experienced dental professionals uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure your comfort and satisfaction with the All-on-4 dental implant procedure. We offer a free consultation to determine if All-on-4 dental implants are right for you and provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals. We also offer flexible financing options to make the procedure more accessible for our patients.

Visit URBN Dental for All-on-4 Dental Implants Today

If you're missing teeth or suffer from loose dentures, All-on-4 dental implants may be the solution you've been looking for. At URBN Dental, we're committed to providing our patients with the highest quality dental care and helping them achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. Visit one of our convenient Houston-area locations today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about the All-on-4 dental implant procedure. Let us help you restore your smile and confidence with the latest in dental technology and personalized care.