Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About All-on-4 Dental Implants

Do you need to replace an entire arch of teeth, or are you fed up with ill-fitting dentures? Then you should consider All-on-4 dental implants. Dr Ghodsi at Lasting Smiles Dental Care in Las Vegas believes that it’s important for you to be aware of your teeth replacement options so you can make informed decisions. Since 1988, he has been providing dental implant options for his patients. As a result, he can provide accurate information to help you learn more about All-on-4 dental implants. He will answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about All-on-4 implants, but he also encourages you to book a consultation with him to discuss whether this solution is the right option for you.

What are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are a revolutionary treatment option for individuals with missing teeth. They were developed in 1998 by Dr Paulo Malo and manufactured by Nobel Biocare. This technique involves strategically placing four dental implants in the jawbone to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. These implants act as a sturdy foundation, providing stability and functionality similar to natural teeth, and are an efficient and cost-effective solution for full arch restoration. What sets All-on-4 apart from other dental implant techniques is that it doesn’t require many implants to replace an entire arch of teeth. 

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

This is one of the most common FAQs about All-on-4 dental implants since most people don’t understand why they are so special. In a standard dental implant procedure, each implant supports a single replacement tooth, and if you need to support an entire arch of teeth, you may need 6-10 implants to maintain stability. On the other hand, the All-on-4 technique uses only four implants per jaw to support a full arch of teeth. This reduced number of implants can benefit patients with limited bone density or volume. 

The All-on-4 dental implant technique is achieved through the strategic placement of implants, which involves angling the posterior or back implants to maximize contact with the available bone, providing greater stability. This angulation also helps to overcome bone quality and quantity limitations, avoiding additional procedures like bone grafting, which are sometimes required with traditional implants. The implants placed in the front part of the jaw are inserted using the standard vertical implant technique, into the front part of the jaw, where the bone density is usually higher.

How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Differ from Traditional Dentures?

Unlike traditional dentures, All-on-4 dental implants offer a permanent solution. The four implants are firmly anchored in the jawbone, eliminating the need for adhesive or worrying about denture slippage. Additionally, All-on-4 implants provide better stability and a more natural look and feel. However, they can only be removed by a dentist if needed, whereas traditional dentures are removable and must be taken out every night for cleaning and soaking.

Another significant difference is that All-on-4 dental implants have a natural look and feel, as they mimic the structure and function of your natural teeth. Moreover, like all dental implants, they can preserve the jawbone and prevent further bone loss, which can affect facial appearance and cause sagging or wrinkles.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for All-On-4 Dental Implants?

Most individuals who have lost multiple teeth or are facing complete tooth loss can be considered candidates for All-on-4 dental implants. Your suitability may depend on factors such as being in good general health and maintaining proper oral hygiene. However, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine if you have sufficient bone density. If you don’t have sufficient bone density in the jaw, the angled placement of All-on-4 implants may eliminate the need for additional bone grafting, but you may need it for the two vertical implants. Dr Ghodsi can conduct a thorough examination and discuss your options based on your specific case.

Who May Not Be a Suitable Candidate for All-on-4 Dental Implants?

While All-on-4 dental implants can be suitable for people in their twenties all the way to individuals in their 80s, Dr Ghodsi may not recommend this procedure if you have certain conditions. For example, if you:

• are undergoing radiation therapy or receiving high-dose bisphosphonate treatment since they can impair the bone’s ability to heal, resulting in a higher risk of implant failure.
• have any systemic disease or condition that may prevent bone healing or affect your immune response.

Consequently, it’s important to consult with an experienced implant specialist like Dr Ghodsi, who can assess your oral health and determine the best treatment options.

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

All-on-4 dental implants offer a number of important benefits, which include:

✅ Restoring your natural biting and chewing capacity allows you to enjoy your favourite foods without worrying about your dentures falling out.

✅ Enabling you to maintain them like your natural teeth without special adhesives or cleaning solutions.

✅ Stimulating your jawbone and helping prevent bone loss. As we have mentioned, this will help you maintain the overall structure of your face and avoid premature aging.

✅ Speaking, eating, and socializing confidently since All-on-4 are securely anchored and won’t move or fall out like ill-fitting dentures.

How Long Does the All-on-4 Dental Implant Procedure Take?

The procedure time can vary depending on the individual case, but generally, it can take between four and six months to complete. This includes the time it takes for the implants to fuse with the jawbone and for the permanent teeth to be made. The process may take longer for those needing additional dental work, such as removing damaged or decaying teeth or bone grafting procedures. If you’d like to learn how long it will take to undergo the process, you should contact Dr Ghodsi to book your consultation.

Does the All-On-4 Dental Implant Procedure Involve Any Pain?

During the All-on-4 dental implant procedure, Dr Ghodsi will use dental sedation to ensure your comfort. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Dr Ghodsi and our experienced team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to help you recover smoothly.

What is the Recovery Like after All-on-4 Dental Implant Surgery?

After the All-on-4 dental implant surgery, your mouth may feel swollen and uncomfortable, like a bruise. It is important to take it easy and rest during the first few days. You must eat soft foods and be gentle when cleaning your mouth. Swelling and discomfort should start to go down after a week. 

Over the next few months, the implants will fuse with your jawbone. During this time, you should follow good oral hygiene and see Dr. Ghodsi for check-ups. Once you’re fully healed, he’ll place your new teeth, and you’ll be able to bite, chew, and speak normally. Just follow his instructions and come to your appointments, and if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Ghodsi at Lasting Smiles Dental Care in Las Vegas.

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

With proper care and regular dental check-ups, all-on-4 dental implants can last for many years, even a lifetime. At Lasting Smiles Dental Care Las Vegas, Dr. Ghodsi uses Nobel Biocare and Implant Direct dental implants, which are the leading dental implant companies in the world, and back their products with lifetime warranties. 

The implants are made of durable materials that integrate with the jawbone, providing a strong foundation for the prosthetic teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following the aftercare instructions provided by Dr Ghodsi will contribute to the long-term success of your implants.

Can I Eat Normally With All-On-4 Dental Implants?

Absolutely! One significant advantage of all-on-4 dental implants is that they restore your ability to eat a wide range of foods confidently. The stable foundation provided by the implants allows for efficient chewing and biting, similar to natural teeth. Dr. Ghodsi may recommend gradually introducing harder foods into your diet as you adapt to your new dental implants.

How Do I Care For All-On-4 Dental Implants?

Proper care of your gums and new teeth is essential for the longevity and functionality of your All-on-4 dental implants. Fortunately, caring for them is similar to the routine you had to follow with your natural teeth. You must brush your teeth at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You should also floss daily with specially designed floss and use an antibacterial mouthwash to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also crucial to ensure the health of your implants, since Dr Ghodsi can identify any signs of potential issues. 

It’s important to keep in mind that if you smoke, you should quit since it can increase your risk of implant failure. Smoking can affect the healing process and increase the risk of gum disease. 

Are There Any Potential Risks or Complications Associated With All-On-4 Dental Implants?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications that may be associated with All-on-4 dental implants. These can include infection, implant failure, nerve damage, or sinus complications. However, with proper planning, meticulous execution, and regular follow-up care, these risks can be minimized. According to research, the All-on-4 success rate was 99.2% with up to 10 years of follow-up, and concluded that it is a viable long-term solution as a teeth replacement option.

Furthermore, Dr. Ghodsi will thoroughly assess your oral health and discuss any potential risks before proceeding with the treatment.

How Much Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of All-on-4 dental implants can vary depending on the complexity of your case and any additional treatments that may be needed before your implant procedure. During your initial consultation at Lasting Smiles Dental Care in Las Vegas, Dr Ghodsi will provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan and discuss the associated costs. 

At first glance, All-on-4 dental implants may have higher initial costs than alternatives like dentures. However, their long-term durability and reduced need for replacements or repairs may save you money over time. At Lasting Smiles Dental Care, we offer All-on-4 dental implants starting from $14,500 with payment and financing options from $299/month with approved credit.

Learn More About All-on-4: Book Your Consultation Now!

If you have further questions or want to explore this innovative dental solution in detail, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr Ghodsi at Lasting Smiles Dental Care. Regain your confident smile and improve your oral health!

Remember, each patient’s case is unique, and Dr. Ghodsi’s personalized evaluation is crucial to determining the most suitable treatment plan. Don’t let missing teeth hinder your quality of life—trust the expertise of the All-on-4 implant team at Lasting Smiles Dental Care for your dental implant needs.