Tooth loss is very common, and when it happens, it can compromise both the form and function of your smile. Through tooth replacement, you can regain the confidence to smile, eat, chew, and speak as usual. If you have lost several teeth, even an entire row of teeth, you may qualify for a tooth replacement method called All-on-4. This approach allows us to replace any number of teeth using just a few strategically placed dental implants.
At Ohio Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we have a proven track record using All-on-4 to help patients who have lost many teeth.
Ideal Candidates for All-on-4
When you join us for your initial consultation, the surgeon will perform a physical evaluation and review medical imaging, verifying your eligibility for a safe, successful procedure. The best candidates for All-on-4:
- Are missing multiple teeth.
- Do not smoke, or are willing to quit smoking.
- Do not have serious chronic health concerns such as cancer or diabetes.
- Have sufficient jawbone or are eligible for bone grafting.
- Are physically able to maintain proper oral hygiene.
What are the Benefits of All-on-4?
All-on-4 is a groundbreaking tooth replacement method that is considered to be standard-of-care for patients who have lost many teeth. Some of the primary benefits of this method include:
- Unlike other tooth replacement methods, All-on-4 does not require healthy teeth to be shaved down or otherwise compromised.
- All-on-4 provides natural-looking results, including custom replacement teeth that look and behave just like your normal teeth.
- This method uses implants to facilitate ongoing jawbone stimulation, preventing bone atrophy or unwanted changes to your facial appearance.
- Since All-on-4 uses a minimal number of implants, it allows us better to control costs, surgical times, and recovery times.
What is Involved in the All-on-4 Process?
Initial Consultation
Your journey will always begin with a consultation, allowing you to meet one-on-one with the surgeon. During this appointment, your oral surgeon will verify that you are a good candidate for All-on-4, evaluating your teeth, jaw, and mouth. Additionally, he will go over the treatment plan, explain your anesthesia options, talk with you about potential surgical risks, and answer any questions about the procedure. You will be invited to schedule your surgery day at the end of your consultation.
Preparatory Surgeries
You may need to have some minor surgical procedures to prepare your mouth for surgery. For example, if you have unhealthy or non-viable teeth remaining, you may need to have those teeth extracted to make room for implants. If you have been missing teeth for a long time and have begun to experience bone degradation, you will need to have a bone graft performed, ensuring your implants can be properly anchored into the jaw.
Dental Implant Placement
When you arrive for your dental implant placement, you will be warmly welcomed by our front office team, then escorted back to the treatment area. There, we will ensure your comfort and then begin to administer anesthesia. All-on-4 is performed with IV sedation, allowing you to avoid pain and to be fully asleep during the procedure.
Once you are fully asleep, the surgeon will drill holes in your jawbone to place the implants. We use CT-guided methods, which enable us to virtually pre-plan the entire surgery. Not only does this help us to keep surgical times to a minimum, but it also delivers more predictable and consistent outcomes.
Recovery
You will be discharged with full aftercare instructions, then sent home to rest and heal. Note that because of the effects of anesthesia, you will need to have someone drive you home. You will initially have temporary replacement teeth, which look normal and natural but are not as strong as real teeth. As a result, you will need to stick with soft foods and liquids until your implants heal and your final replacement teeth can be put into position.
The recovery process will entail discomfort, swelling, and bleeding, the worst of which will subside within a few days. Pain management medications are available for your comfort.
Final Restoration
It takes multiple weeks for your implants to heal in place, providing a stable foundation for your final prostheses. Your artificial replacement teeth will be custom designed by your dentist and made to look and behave just like your natural teeth. Your dentist will place them and furnish instructions about upkeep. With robust oral hygiene, your dental implants can potentially last a lifetime.
You’re in Good Hand with Our Surgeons
All-on-4 is one of the most advanced and effective options for replacing missing teeth. At Ohio Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we have significant experience performing this surgery, always prioritizing patient comfort, safety, and clinical outcomes. To find out more about your All-on-4 eligibility, schedule a consultation with us at (440) 871-2201.
