All-on-4: Your Most Common Questions Answered

All-on-4 is an innovative solution for tooth loss that secures a complete denture using just four dental implants. This intervention is relatively new, so patients who are considering it may have a number of questions as they decide what treatment is best for them. Here are some of the questions our patients ask most frequently.

How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Differ From Conventional Dentures?

Dental implants become root-like structures after the surrounding bone forms a bond with them (osseointegration). As such, the dental implants offer enhanced stability and functionality in comparison to conventional dentures, which lack replacement roots.

How Long Does the All-on-4 Surgery Take?

Because only four dental implants need to be placed in the jaw, the oral surgeon usually can complete the implant placement in a single appointment that lasts just a few hours. Often, patients are fitted with a prosthetic appliance, which may be temporary, that same day, which is why this treatment approach is also called Smile in a Day.

How Long Should I Expect to Spend Recovering From the All-on-4 Procedure?

Patients typically are able to return to work or school within a few days of having the dental implants placed, although you may be advised to avoid vigorous activity for a longer period of time. Post-operative complications will extend the amount of time you spend recovering, so it’s important to follow the instructions provided by your oral surgeon to reduce your risk of such issues.

Will All-on-4 Dental Implants Look Natural?

The prosthetics supported by All-on-4 dental implants are made of state-of-the-art materials that not only look lifelike but can also be tailored to replicate your biological smile – or improve on it if you desire.

I’ve Already Lost Some Bone at the Back of My Jaw. Am I Still a Candidate for All-on-4?

With All-on-4, the dental implants are placed at the front of the jaw. The bone is thicker in this area and wears away more gradually, so many patients are still eligible for All-on-4 even if they’ve lost bone at the back of the jaw.

Do you have other questions about All-on-4? Want to get more information about this treatment option to see if it might be the right choice for you? Contact our team at Stonebriar Facial & Oral Surgery to schedule a consultation and learn more about All-on-4 and its many benefits.