What are all-on-4 dental implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are replacing all of your remaining teeth if they're in a not a good condition or replacing dentures. So you either have lost all your teeth or your teeth are in a position that they're no longer sustainable and you want to replace those teeth with something better than a denture.
What is the procedure for all-on-4 dental implants?
We take out all the remaining teeth if they're not already gone and we replace those with four to six implants. It's commonly called all-on-4. Some people call it all-on-X. So four, five, or six implants in the upper and lower arch to replace all the teeth.
Why is it important to do all-on-4 dental implants in one step?
It's critical that you do it all in one step. It's really important that the bite be balanced when you do this treatment. It's a great outcome for a lot of patients who want to do something better than traditional dentures to restore their teeth.
What are the pros and cons of all-on-4 dental implants?
The only con, honestly, is the cost. It is an expensive treatment modality. You're looking at $20,000 to $30,000 per arch, so $40,000 to $60,000 for the whole mouth, upper and lower. On the other hand, it's much better than a traditional denture. It's going to look better than a traditional denture. It's not going to come in and out of your mouth. You're going to brush it. It's going to restore the confidence of having teeth again.
Who is a good candidate for all-on-4 dental implants?
Anyone missing all of their teeth and currently in dentures, or anyone in what we call a terminal dentition, which is you don't have enough remaining teeth to adequately restore or maintain those anymore, or if you're not interested in maintaining your current teeth anymore.
Who would not be a good candidate for all-on-4 dental implants?
One of the biggest risk factors is actually diabetes. So my diabetic patients, I always have a discussion with them about maintaining their sugar in a good range. But if you're short of diabetes, there aren't too many other considerations or contraindications to all-on-4 dental treatment.
What are the steps involved in all-on-4 dental treatment?
First, you come in for a consultation so we can answer all your questions, make sure it's right for you. Then, there's going to be some diagnostic steps, and typically the surgery is all one day. So you come in one day, remove the remaining teeth, or place all the implants, and you'll leave that day with a temporary dental implant.
What anesthesia options are available for all-on-4 dental implants?
It is a big procedure. I do recommend anesthesia or sedation for the procedure. We can either bring in a dental anesthesiologist, or we can coordinate with an oral surgeon who does dental anesthesia. We also have laughing gas at our office as an alternative.
How long does it take to heal from an all-on-4 dental implant procedure?
There's going to be initial healing from the surgery the first couple weeks after. Then, it's going to take three to six months for all the implants to integrate for the bone to grow into the implants or for them to be stable.
How long do all-on-4 dental implants last?
The goal of this is they're permanent. They can get gum disease. Occasionally implants do fail. But if you're coming in for regular maintenance and you're cleaning them, I recommend cleaning under them with a water pick. The failure rate is very low, so the hope is to have implants last for the rest of your life.
What is the cost for all-on-4 dental implants?
The cost is really, in my opinion, the only thing that prohibits more patients from doing this procedure. You are looking at $20,000 to $30,000 per arch, times two arches typically for most patients. So you're looking at around $40,000 to $60,000 in the Northern Virginia area. W do have a lot of financing options available, nd implants are really a great treatment modality and certainly worth it, considering the importance of your teeth.
Will insurance help cover the cost of all-on-4 dental implant procedure?
Yes, absolutely. If you have dental insurance, we'll make sure you utilize it to the fullest extent it allows. Most insurances cover some of the extractions if you need teeth removed, some implants, and part of a denture or hybrid denture.
How can someone schedule an appointment to get a consult for an all-on-4 dental implant procedure and see if it's right for them?
Very easily, just give the office a call at (703) 451-4500. This is something we do consults for routinely on a regular basis.