If you require full mouth reconstruction or a complete arch replacement, implant-supported dentures such as All-on-4 could be the optimal solution for you. Schedule a consultation with a dentist experienced in performing implant-supported procedures. If you currently wear removable dentures, you may have already suffered some bone loss that must first receive treatment. Your dentist will thoroughly evaluate the health of your jaw bone to determine whether implant-supported dentures are right for you.

One of the most significant benefits of implant-supported dentures is the ability to walk into your dental office needing a single or double arch and walk out with implant-supported dentures the same day. Patients can leave with a fully reconstructed smile. However, remember the same-day benefits only reflect the placement of implants and temporaries, as there is no shortcut to osseointegration. This treatment is not complete until the implants have fully fused to the bone, which can take several months and the permanent restorations bond to the implants.
For same-day treatment, your dental office must be equipped with 3D imaging technology to map your jawbone and fabricate temporary dentures. Many dentists are currently updating their office technology, so be sure to confirm the tools are available for this procedure.

The procedure can vary based on the particular brand of full arch implant-supported dentures you choose. However, to give an idea of the process, we will review the step-by-step process for All-on-4s.

Step1: The first step is to schedule an initial consultation so your dentist can assess whether you re a suitable candidate for implant-supported dentures. Your dentist will use 3D imaging to get a picture fo your jaw bone structure and decide the aesthetic and functional properties of your new teeth such as dental crown length and bite placement.

Step 2: Your dentist will prepare a computer simulation of your mouth using 3d imaging to determine the precise placement of each implant. A surgical template for fabrication may also be done at this step to serve as a guide.

Step 3: This step involves the surgery of inserting the four implants. This step also includes any additional necessary treatments, such as tooth extraction and bone shaping. Then the implants are capped with abutments and temporary teeth. At the same time, the jaw bone recovers and slowly begins to fuse with the implants. Diet during recovery must be carefully managed with soft foods to avoid any damage to the osseointegration process.

Step 4: Three months after their initial placement, the temporary teeth are removed and replaced with a permanently fixed denture. Recovery at this point should be relatively quick, with little discomfort.

Similar to traditional implants, a titanium or zirconia implant is surgically placed into the jaw so it can integrate into the bone and serve as a functioning root for an artificial tooth. With implant-supported dentures, a minimal number of implants can provide support for up to 16 teeth in an arch. Implant-supported restorations allow for the same level of aesthetics and durability at a fraction of the cost.

In the case of All on 4 Implants, the placement of the four implants is strategic to support the entire arch adequately. Your dentist will place two implants in the posterior of the mouth, and two implants in the anterior of the mouth. The anterior or front implants are placed traditionally into the jaw, in a straight manner. In contrast, the posterior implants are inserted at a 45-degree angle to avoid the need for a bone graft. Bone grafts are typical for patients who do not have enough bone density to support the posterior implants fully. The angled placement simplifies the procedure and reduces costs by eliminating the need for bone grafts of the posterior jaw bone.