About 13.2% of adults ages 65 and older have complete tooth loss. Even losing one tooth can affect your oral health. Your teeth may shift, affecting your smile, bite, and self-confidence.

If you're missing more than one tooth, consider all-on-4 dental implants. This procedure can restore your smile, benefiting your oral and overall health.

What does the all-on-4 procedure involve? Read on to find out more!

Before your all-on-4 procedure, schedule a comprehensive examination and consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, they'll:

• Review your dental health
• Consider your medical history
• Take dental X-rays and digital 3D scans
• Physically examine your mouth

Your dentist will determine if you have any underlying issues they need to address first. Not every patient is an ideal candidate for treatment.

If you don't have enough bone to hold an implant, you may need another procedure first. Pre-treatment procedures include tooth extractions and bone grafts.

Your dentist may need to extract a tooth if it's damaged beyond repair. This is commonly due to injury, decay, or disease. Implants are a top solution for replacing missing teeth due to decay or trauma.

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves grafting new bone to deficient bone. The procedure reinforces your bone structure, ensuring the implant will remain stable and secure.

These procedures can increase your overall treatment timeline. Talk to your dentist to determine the length of the process.

During the consultation, ask your dentist for all-on-4 dental implant before-and-after photos. Reviewing these photos will help you manage your expectations. You can see how dental implants will restore and improve your smile. 

Talk to the dentist about your needs and goals. They'll help you make an informed decision before you undergo the procedure. If all-on-4 dental implants aren't right for you, they can recommend another option.

Benefits and Risks

Review the benefits and potential risks of dental implants with your dentist. Benefits include:

• Restores your ability to chew
• Improves quality of life
• Keeps adjacent teeth stable
• Preserves surrounding bones and gums
• Helps keep the jawbone from shrinking
• Restores cosmetic appearance



After losing a tooth, you may feel self-conscious. Dental implants can fill that void.

As with any procedure, there are some risks to consider. For example, you could sustain an injury during surgery. It's essential to find a licensed, experienced dentist for your procedure. 

With proper care, your implants will last for decades. They even have a 95% success rate. They'll look and feel like your natural teeth, restoring your smile and functionality. 

After your consultation appointment, you can begin preparing for your all-on-4 procedure. Your dentist will need to take measurements. They determine where to place the implants before designing your replacement teeth.

This planning stage will ensure your implants fit properly. A proper fit will maximize your comfort and increase the stability between the prosthesis and implants.



Before your procedure, consult the dental practice about the cost of all-on-4 dental implants. Determine if your insurance plan will cover a portion of the procedure. If not, the practice may have financing options available. 

Here are a few other questions to ask before getting dental implants.

The all-on-4 dental implant procedure is a multi-step process. You'll need time to heal between each phase. Here's what to expect from each procedure.

Implant Placement

Your dentist will administer anesthesia to help you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. They'll place four implants into each arch of your mouth (the top and bottom).

The implants are strong titanium screws. Unlike dentures, they can provide a stable foundation for prosthetic teeth. You won't have to worry about them slipping when you speak or chew.

Your dentist will surgically place the implants into your jawbone. These implants are endosteal, while those that rest atop the jawbone but below the gums are subperiosteal implants.



The implants will need three to six months to fuse with your jawbone. This process, osseointegration, ensures their stability. You may need to wear temporary dentures over your implants as you recover.

Abutment Placement

Your dentist can place the abutments once your jawbone fuses with the implants. These small connectors attach to the implant posts and secure your prosthetic teeth to the implants.

After placing the abutments, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. They'll send it to a dental lab to create your custom-made prosthesis. This ensures the prosthetics match your existing smile.



Dentists offer removable and fixed-in-place prostheses. Some implants involve different materials. Consult your dentist to determine which option is best.

Prosthesis Placement

Once the lab creates your prosthetics, you'll schedule your next appointment. Your dentist will attach them to the abutments on each implant. 



Your dentist may need to make a few adjustments. They'll make sure you're comfortable and that the implants are functional. You can enjoy your new smile after losing a tooth!

Recovery time can vary between patients. Some require as long as eight months to recover from this procedure. Ask your dentist about your expected recovery time for a more accurate estimate.

Prioritize resting during this time. Give your body, namely your jawbone and gum tissue, a chance to heal. You should minimize physical activity during this time. 

Your diet can affect your recovery time. Avoid hard, crunchy foods. Instead, stick to liquids and soft foods like:

• Smoothies
• Eggs
• Mashed potatoes
• Yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Cottage cheese

Crunchy foods can leave particles stuck between your teeth. You could damage the implant site.



Avoid drinking through straws while you heal. Suction could harm the incision area.

You may experience some swelling, bruising, or bleeding. While this is normal, symptoms shouldn't last beyond a week. Let your dentist know if you experience complications. 

Are all-on-4 dental implants right for you? Talk to your dentist to determine your suitability for this procedure. They can walk you through the process before your first appointment.

Remember, choosing an experienced dentist can prove crucial to your treatment outcome. A+ Family Dentistry is a professional, experienced practice. We've served patients in the area since 2002.



Rely on our knowledgeable staff, state-of-the-art technology, and customized treatment plans. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.