All-on-4 Dental Implants Cincinnati, OH
All-on-Four, or All-on-X, dental implants are a practical and convenient solution for many patients with missing teeth who don’t want to live with dentures, but also aren’t comfortable with the time and expense of full-mouth dental implants.
Benefits of All on 4 Implants
Patients who opt for All-on-Four benefit from a customized arch of artificial teeth that is securely held in place by four dental implants. Today’s advanced implants feature titanium “roots” that are anchored deep in the jaw bone, providing a strong foundation for the fabricated tooth atop the implant.
A full set of implants is expensive; by choosing All-on-Four, patients save time and expense with four implants across the upper mouth and four on the bottom, providing maximum aesthetic and functional benefits. The technology provides a practical way to restore a full set of teeth and all of the daily pleasures that come with a strong, normal bite; including eating a wide variety of foods and confidently speaking in social situations.
Placement Process of All on 4 Dental Implants
As advanced as the implants are, the principle is simple: the anchor of each implant looks like a screw, allowing it to become firmly anchored in the bone. The root is made of titanium, one of the strongest metals on the planet. This resilient base will eventually fuse with the jawbone, and in many cases forge a stronger bond than natural teeth have.
The All-on-Four process begins with implantation of the four or eight implants you will need to provide stability for your customized arch. Experienced Cincinnati dentist Dr. Troy Pearce will take a variety of measurements of your teeth and mouth, which a laboratory will use to create your arch. Once your implants are secure, you will wear a temporary arch as you await the lab’s customized arch.
Who Is a Candidate for All on 4: Why Are They Necessary?
The All-on-Four option is one way to prevent the serious side effects of allowing gaps to remain in your mouth. When missing teeth are not replaced, other teeth will drift, and your bite will likely also be affected. Without the stimulation that a tooth root provides to the jaw bone, this bone may actually begin to attenuate, noticeably changing your facial profile.
When your bite and jaw bone begin to change, even the appearance of your cheeks and lips can be affected. Other possible effects include changes in the way you speak, a greater chance you will develop gum disease or even TMJ. All-on-Four prevents this cascade of negative effects, while restoring function to your jaw and splendor to your smile.
What to Expect During Recovery from All-on-4 Implant Placement
Rest is an integral part of the healing process after All-on-4. You will need to take special care of yourself and your mouth while your jawbone fuses with the implants and the gum tissue recovers. Avoid strenuous exercise and activity and follow the instructions provided by Dr. Pearce and our team of dental professionals.
You may need to stick to a liquid and soft-food diet during this time. Oatmeal, eggs, mashed potatoes and smoothies are good options while recovering from an All-on-4 implant procedure. Stay away from crunchy, crispy foods as they can get trapped in the surgical sites and lead to infection and other complications. Using a straw can also impact the incision sites, and Dr. Pearce may advise you to avoid straws for some time.
Swelling, bleeding and bruising are expected the first few days after All-on-4 surgery. You will be monitored closely through follow-up visits, and make sure to call our Cincinnati office with any concerns during your recovery.
The Cost of All-on-4 Implants
The cost of All-on-4 implants ranges from about $15,000 to $28,000 and depends on your oral health, the condition of your mouth and the type of materials used. If you need to have one or more teeth extracted before you have All-on-4, this will influence the cost, and sometimes a bone graft may be necessary to accommodate the four dental implants. The average price of a single dental implant is $3,500 to $6,700. Considering All-on-4 includes four implanted posts and an entire arch of artificial teeth, many patients find the price of All-on-4 affordable with financing options.
Dr. Pearce and our office staff will discuss your options for replacing missing teeth and provide a detailed price estimate during your exam and consultation in Cincinnati.
All-on-4 Dental Implants FAQ
What are All-on-4 Implants?
All-on-4 is a trademarked dental technique that uses four dental implants to fix a set of upper or lower teeth. The procedure involves two dental implants mounted at the front of the jaw and two in the back of the mouth. The back implants are surgically placed at a 45-degree angle to ensure the four posts provide a stable foundation for a fixed arch. The All-on-4 method can avoid a bone graft for some patients.
How Do You Care for All-on-4 Dental Implants?
You can care for your All-on-4 hybrid denture by brushing and flossing your teeth as you would care for your natural teeth. Ideally, you should brush after every meal, but brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is a great way to care for your implants.
It’s best to use a soft-bristled brush, and our dentists may recommend using a water pick to remove the debris stuck between the prosthetic teeth more thoroughly. Make sure you attend regular dental exams and cleanings. These artificial teeth will still build up food particles that may damage the artificial teeth, similar to gum disease affecting natural teeth.
How Long Do All-on-4 Implants Last?
All-on-4 dental implants are a durable option to replace an entire arch of teeth. With appropriate at-home care and regular dental exams and cleanings, your All-on-4 prosthesis should last up to 15 years. Our dentists may remove the artificial arch during a professional cleaning at our Cincinnati office for a more thorough cleansing outside of the mouth. The implanted posts will last you a lifetime unless there is a complication.
To learn more about the benefits of All-on-Four, schedule an appointment with experienced southwestern Ohio dentist Dr. Troy Pearce by contacting his Cincinnati office today.
