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 we’ll 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 - as part of our sleep dentistry service, which will still have you awake, but very calm, and unable to feel any pain. 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 an abutment (a connecting piece) on each, and we’ll see you again within 2-3 days. We always require our patients to ensure they’ve a family member or trusted person available to drive them home, due to the anaesthetic.
We also ask you to prepare with purchases ahead of this surgery - over the counter medication and soft foods will keep you comfortable until our next appointment.
Step 3: Temporary tooth bridge - your new smile ‘previewed’
After 2-3 days we’ll be ready to place your temporary, custom-made tooth bridge. It should take 45 minutes for the bridge to be fitted to your dental implants, and adjusted, as per your bite.
You will leave our clinic with a beautiful new smile, and teeth to function as normal, as your custom bridge is created, and your gums continue to heal. These will be your teeth for the next six to twelve months.
