What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4 Dental Implants can replace a full arch of teeth, either the top or bottom row, using just four implants. The All-on-4 implant system takes advantage of the patient’s existing bone structure, with the placement of the implants allowing for optimal support for the fixed new teeth. Dentists often recommend this for patients who have limited jawbone density, as it allows them to receive implant-supported teeth with no additional bone grafting procedures.

Once in place, All-on-4 dental implants function like real teeth. You’ll be able to smile, speak, and eat just as you did when you had your natural teeth. This has real advantages over other dental treatments like bridges and traditional dentures, which can weaken your jaw over time. Dental implants mimic real teeth, including the root, so they don’t lead to bone loss like dentures.

Continue reading to learn more about All-on-4 dental implants, including the treatment process and the benefits you can expect.

How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Function?

The all-on-4 implant technique goes back to 1998 when Professor Paulo Malo created the technique as an advanced oral rehabilitation alternative to conventional dentures. While dentures mimic the appearance of real teeth, it has been observed in clinical studies that without a root or a solid structure mimicking the normal biting and chewing forces, the jaws of denture wearers tend to degrade over time.

Particularly for patients with low bone density, such as elderly patients or patients with certain conditions, an alternative was needed that would use the remaining bone structure as support for the dentures. Professor Malo’s solution is now widely accepted as an advanced treatment method appropriate for these cases.

The All-On-4 treatment works by supporting the denture using four implants, placed strategically where the patient’s jaw is the strongest. If these implants are insufficient to support the bridge of teeth, the surgeon may recommend bone grafting to strengthen the area before the treatment is completed.

Using traditional single dental implant methods, an implant would need to be inserted for each tooth. The all-on-4 technique allows patients to have a cheaper yet no less effective alternative that can replace their entire arch of teeth in just one procedure. When properly implanted, an all-on-4 treatment prevents bone loss and “sunken face” syndrome while functioning as natural looking and feeling teeth for the rest of the patient’s life.

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Why Choose All-On-4 Dental Implants?

For patients with low bone density, such as those suffering from osteoporosis, traditional dental implants are not always a viable option. Extensive bone grafting is normally required to create enough support to hold each implant in place. Even then, areas of particularly low density might have to be avoided altogether.

With only four implants, two of them angulated to 45 degrees, these patients now have a safe option for tooth replacement in the All-on-4 method. The healing process is also much faster since fewer procedures are needed.

Other patients who would benefit from all-on-4 implants would be those with sinus issues or condylar resorption, which can weaken the upper jaw. In these patients, all-on-4 dental implants can be inserted with Zygomatic Dental Implants instead of standard ones. This means that the screws are inserted into the cheekbone rather than the deteriorated jaw. Otherwise, the implants work the same way.

How Much Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Cost?

All-on–4 dental implants are more expensive than bridges or dentures. However, the location of the practice, the surgeon’s experience, and the other treatments required (such as bone grafting) can drastically change the price.

In general, all-on-4 dental implants can cost anywhere from $20,000-$50,000 per set or row of teeth. The good news is that since only four implants are required, this is almost always cheaper than having each tooth replaced individually with its own implant, which can cost $3,500-$7,000 for each tooth.

You should always ask your provider about the treatment costs you can expect at your first consultation. They will be able to give you an estimate for the full treatment as well as the payment options in your situation.

Since All-on-4 dental implants can last a lifetime with regular dental care, the upfront cost typically ends up being cheaper than opting for a cheaper alternative and having to go to the dentist every couple years to fix problems. The investment really is worth it, which is why All-on-4 Dental Implants are so popular.

Who Can Perform All-On-4 Dental Implants?

Many general dentists have recently started advertising dental implants, often at low prices. Some clinics even offer very low prices, though these are usually inexperienced dentists looking for patients to practice on.

Dedicated oral surgeons and certified specialists are the best bet for properly getting your All-on-4 dental implants done. During your initial consultation, the doctor will evaluate your current oral health, plan your treatment, and help you decide whether All-on-4 dental implants are right for you.

Visit us today at the Florida Dental Implant Institute to learn more about the benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants to your oral health and how we can help you get the smile you deserve. Our Naples, FL specialty studio specializes exclusively on dental implants and are experts at the most complex cases, including bone grafting, zygomatic dental implants, and correcting failed implants from other providers.