All on 4 Dental Implants Procedure

All on 4 Dental Implants Procedure?

There are several options for replacing missing teeth with prosthetics. Depending on the need of the individual, a single or multiple tooth implant may be recommended. Some people, however, need all their teeth replaced on the upper and/or lower jaws. In these cases, All-on-4 dental implants may be recommended.

To find out which treatment is the best option for you, consult with the highly-trained dental professionals at EON Clinics. We serve patients throughout Chicagoland, southern Wisconsin, and northwest Indiana. Schedule a free 3-D CT scan and consultation online or call us at 844-365-7645.

All on 4 Dental Implants Procedure Overview

Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanently placed in your mouth through dental implant surgery. As a part of the initial consultation, implant dentists use high-resolution 3-D dental CT scans with virtual planning software to design and fabricate the implants. 

The dental implant procedure is performed with the placement of four dental implants that support a fixed bridge. These implants are attached by tiny metal rods that are surgically placed in the jaw bone. The rods fuse to the jaw bone during the healing process. In the second part of the procedure, an abutment is placed onto the rods and then the implants are placed on top. The prosthetic teeth are made from either a metal alloy, porcelain or ceramic material.

Who Needs All on 4 Dental Implants Procedure?

Patients with multiple missing or broken teeth should consider All-on-4 implants. Replacing a full jaw of teeth typically costs less than replacing multiple individual teeth and has greater long-term benefits.

There are a few reasons patients might have multiple missing teeth:

• Blunt trauma. We’ve helped many patients that have lost a significant number of teeth due to an impact injury that could result from a car crash or other type of accident. 
• Periodontitis, or periodontal disease, is another cause of tooth loss. Also called gum disease, this condition occurs through a lack of good oral hygiene. Patients experiencing gum disease have an infection in the soft gum tissue resulting in painful inflammation. 

Certain lifestyle habits and medical conditions, such as smoking tobacco, obesity, or a deficiency in vitamin C, can lead to gum disease. Medications that cause dry mouth can also contribute to periodontitis. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing periodontitis. Gum disease can be prevented through daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Swollen, puffy gums or gums that appear red or purple
• Bleeding gums or the presence of pus around teeth and gums
• Loose teeth
• Changes in biting capabilities

What Kind of Dentist Does Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implant surgery is part of the specialized area of dentistry called prosthodontics. Prosthodontics is concerned with both the appearance and function of the teeth. The highly-trained implant dentists who work in this field are called prosthodontists. These dentists are considered to be the “architects of the smile.” They receive training to treat the entire mouth area including the lips, gums, jawbone, and jaw joints.

Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants vs. Dentures

There are many advantages of dental implants over dentures. Dentures require removal for cleaning and are taken out while you sleep. This increases the risk of damage. Dentures can also affect speech and make it difficult to eat certain foods. They can slip in the mouth and can also crack and break easily, requiring adjustments or replacement.

Dental implants are never removed. Caring for them is the same as for natural teeth and they can last for the lifetime of the patient with proper care. They allow the patient to speak more clearly, chew properly, and they look natural and restore self-confidence. All-on-4 dental implants are a permanent, one-time investment that saves money over the long term.

Dental implants help prevent future dental issues and health problems. When we have gaps in our bite, surrounding teeth can deteriorate faster. Dental implants protect gum tissue and the underlying bone. Dental implants help reduce bacteria in the mouth which lowers the chances for periodontal disease and infections that can lead to strokes and heart attacks.

Here are some of the benefits of dental implants:

• You’ll Look Better — Replacing missing teeth allows you to smile fully once again. 
• You will Feel Better — When you look better, you feel better, and get your confidence back.
• You’ll Save Time — Dental implants don’t require removal for cleaning like dentures which is a time-consuming activity.
• You will Eat Better — Eat the foods you love again with restored chewing capabilities.

How Long Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Last?

All-on-4 dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and regular cleanings. Studies have shown that dental implants are likely to last at least 25 years. They are extremely durable and are designed to look and function just like natural teeth. Watch this patient testimonial video of Tina, EON Clinics’ very first patient. To this day, Tina is still incredibly satisfied with the look, feel, and durability of her implants.

Our doctors will sometimes recommend zirconia dental implants to patients that have a history of bruxism (teeth grinding) and are rough with their teeth. This material never needs replacement. When you meet with an EON Clinics physician, you will get an overview of all of your treatment options.

What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants?

The All-on-4 technique allows better diagnostic planning and more predictable results. This procedure maintains a 98% success rate, as opposed to the estimated 93% success rate of implants placed with traditional approaches.

Most of the procedures are successful, although some patients have risk factors. Smoking, for example, restricts blood flow to the gum. This makes it harder for the mouth to heal after surgery. Some medications can also affect healing, such as those prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. 

Your implant dentist will determine if your jaw bone is strong enough for the titanium implants to take hold. A bone graft may be necessary if it is not. Failure to maintain proper oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups can also affect success rates. Your dentist will discuss these factors with you as well as your medical history and what, if any, prescription drugs you may be taking. 

Schedule Your Free Consultation and CT Scan

We can help you achieve a smile you’re proud to share. EON Clinics employs highly-trained teams of oral surgeons and prosthodontists to perform single tooth, multiple teeth, and full jaw dental implants.

Our oral health professionals put cutting-edge technology to use in our in-house labs. This creates a one-stop-shop for all dental implant needs at clinics throughout Chicagoland, southern Wisconsin, and northwest Indiana. 

Let us help you enjoy eating and smiling again. Find out how All on dental implants procedure, dental implants can improve your life and see if you are a candidate for this procedure. Schedule a free consultation online today or call us at 800-250-3500.