If you are missing or are soon to lose your teeth, or are looking for a more comfortable and natural alternative to dentures, you may have heard of All-on-4 dental implants.
In the case that you haven’t - a super quick explanation - they are a superior dental implant treatment designed to look, feel and function just like natural teeth.
This article will discuss what’s involved in the All-on-4 dental implant procedure, from start to finish. Spoiler alert: it ends with a smile that will open doors…
Step 1: We assess if all-on-4 is ‘the one’ for you?
To assess your suitability for all-on-4 dental implants we schedule a full consultation where our dentist in Gregory Hills or Moss Vale will examine your teeth, discuss your medical history, and answer any questions you have.
We’ll then take digital scans and photographs of your teeth, gums and mouth, so we can begin planning the dental implants and their precise positions (typically two at the front and two at the back (hence the ‘all on four’, per jaw).
You’ll leave with all questions answered, a treatment plan with all costs disclosed, and a sense of excitement and anticipation of your brand new smile.
Step 2: Placing the dental implants
Your dental implants will be placed under IV sedation (also called sleep dentistry), where you’ll still be awake, but very calm and comfortable. Local anaesthetic is also used to numb your mouth so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. During this time (approximately 3-4 hours per jaw), we’ll remove any remaining teeth and fit the four titanium implants into your jawbone. Your all-on-four dental implants will then be covered with a healing abutment to protect and seal the top of the implant.
Due to the anaesthetic, you’ll need a family member or friend to escort you home. We’ll see you in 2-3 days to fit your temporary tooth bridge.
It’s normal to experience some pain, bruising and swelling for at least the first 3 days after surgery but this can be easily managed with pain relief (this will be provided). Eating will also be an adjustment after your implants are inserted. A soft food diet is required for at least the first few days after surgery so be sure to stock up on plenty of purees, yoghurt, smoothies or cooled soup. You’ll also need to take around a week off work/your usual activities to rest for a few days.
Step 3: Temporary tooth bridge - your new smile ‘previewed’
Typically, you’ll return around 3 days later to have either your temporary high-performance resin tooth bridge or your final acrylic over titanium tooth bridge (only suitable for some patients who select the Essential Care Package) connected to your implants. It should take 45 minutes for the bridge to be fitted to your dental implants, and adjusted, as per your bite.
Regardless of whether you receive a temporary or final tooth bridge at this stage, rest assured you will leave our Green Door Dental clinic with an aesthetic and functional set of fixed teeth. If you’re wearing a temporary tooth bridge, you’ll return in around 6 months to have your final tooth bridge fitted after your jaw bone and gums have fully healed.
