River Walk Dental Orthodontics

1431 Palo Alto Rd, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78211

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What Are All on 4 Implants?

The All-on-4 dental implants are cost-effective and a great substitute for lost teeth. In simple terms, a dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into the jawbone underneath the gum line to alternate for a missing tooth. It is a procedure wherein the surgeon places four implants into the maxillary bone. The All-on-4 dental implants involve rehabilitating a completely edentulous or teeth-less jaw with merely four implants and attaching a full-arch fixed prosthesis to these implants on the day of the surgery. 

All-on-4 Dental Implants
In a layperson’s language, the All-on-4 dental implants treatment is a surgical, prosthodontic treatment that entails renewing the teeth-less or edentulous jaw. The four implants support a full-arch prosthesis that comprises 10 to 14 artificial teeth. As the number of implants is fewer, the cost of the procedure becomes lesser. The primary advantages of the procedure are:

  1. It is appropriate for patients with fragile and narrow jawbones. There is no requirement to perform bone grafting in the All-on-4 implants technique.
  2. The technique is suitable for people with close anatomical structures such as maxillary sinuses and nerves.
  3. There is immediate loading of the implants.
  4. The All-on-4 implants treatment is the best option for people who have experienced jawbone loss that prevents them from getting conventional implants. 

It is noteworthy that despite the myriad of advantages, the All-on-4 Implants technique is not advisable by professionals during pregnancy when the person is below 18 years of age if the patient is a heavy smoker or drinker or is on drugs. Moreover, the procedure is not recommended if the patient is suffering from the following conditions:

  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Immunosuppressive disorders
  • Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy

All-On-4 Implants Procedure
The first thing that is done during an All-on-4 implants procedure is that any remaining tooth on the jaw is extracted, and the mouth is immaculately cleaned to remove bacteria and damaged tissue. After that, the dentist will have two or more holes at the front of the jaw to hold the front implants. The process is repeated for the rear jaw – one on each side – to offer more significant support to the rear of the bridge. After the implants are in place, the experts will cleanse your mouth again, and any incisions will be stitched up. Then, on the same day or the following day, you will be having a new set of teeth. 

Aftermath of All-on-4 Implants Surgery 
It is common and normal to experience discomfort after an All-on-4 dental implants surgery. Usually, painkillers efficiently do the job of controlling the pain. Moreover, along with pain, some patients may also experience swelling of gums or face, bruising of the gums, minor bleeding at the surgery site, and so forth. 

Hence, we can safely assert that the All-on-4 dental implants surgery is the optimal option and a boon for people with the edentulous jaw. The procedure is cost-effective, highly safe, and minimally invasive. 

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!