All-On-Four (Teeth-In-A-Day)
Remember all those old ads for denture adhesives. They all promised theirs was finally the product that would hold your dentures in place. The commercials ended with either a guy eating an apple or a woman working on an ear of corn. Smiles everywhere. Of course, we were all skeptical. In the back of your mind, you thought to yourself; I sure hope they come up with a better solution by the time I need new teeth. Well, they did.
All-On-Four, also called “Teeth-in-a-Day,” is that better solution. The first thing to know is you’ll come in once for a consultation and measurements. We’ll explain the advantages and answer all of your questions. Later, you’ll come back with your current teeth, and you’ll leave that same day with a perfect, all-new smile. It really is “teeth-in-a-day.” It’s a permanent solution that, unlike dentures, really will have you eating that apple.
What is it?
All-on-Four starts with four dental implants. These are small titanium screws that are inserted into your jaws. That might sound severe, but you’ll be sleeping through all of this. Then, a permanent denture is attached to those screws. You’ll walk out with a seamless row of teeth, across your entire mouth.
There are many advantages to this approach, however, it’s not right for everyone. 3D x-rays and a thorough examination will be needed for our doctors to know if you are a candidate. If you are, you will:
What Is All-on-Four?
All-on-four is a type of dental implant where four metal implants anchor both restorations on the upper and lower jaw. The four implants are a support mechanism, anchoring the prosthetic teeth and replacing your missing teeth’s roots. These implants restore the missing teeth and maintain the jawbone’s structural integrity, thus preventing its deterioration.
There are two pairs of all-on-four implants. The first pair sits in the middle of the jaw, while the other pair (posterior implants) are anchored at a 45-degree angle. Dentists drill the latter into the anterior maxilla, which is a highly dense region of the jawbone that provides excellent support.
Like with other types of implants, treatment starts by taking X-rays and precise measurements of your gums and teeth. The dentist will then mark where the implants will go, make incisions in the gums, and drill holes into these regions before placing the implants. The implants eventually fuse with the existing bone, allowing the dentist to place the abutments and the prosthesis, thus concluding the process.
What to Expect When Getting All-on-Four Implants in Grand Valley Dental
If Dental Specialties Northwest finds something suspicious, a biopsy is carried out before the tissue is sent to a laboratory for further examination. The simple in office surgical procedure is performed during a dental visit with Dr. Sweeney or Dr. Spoor.
Benefits
Consultation and Treatment Plan
First, you’ll have to consult one of our highly-qualified dentists to determine your candidature for the procedure. This consultation involves evaluating your oral health and discussing the steps involved and your expectations. The dentist will also take X-rays and use the information to create a custom treatment plan for your all-on-four implants.
Benefits
Preparation and Implant Placement
With the treatment plan in hand, the dentist will conduct preparatory procedures, including tooth extractions, gum disease, grafting, and local anesthetic. Right after, the dentist will create incisions in four different regions of the gums and drill holes into the jaw bone beneath these regions before placing the implants.
Benefits
Temporary Restoration and Osseointegration
After placing the implants, the dentist will place a temporary restoration called an immediate denture on top of the implants. These dentures will stay in place until the implants fully osseointegrate with the jaw bone. Osseointegration is the process by which the jawbone fuses with dental implants by growing into tiny holes on its surface.
Benefits
Final Restoration and Post-Treatment Care
Once the implants are fully osseointegrated, the dentist will remove and replace the temporary prosthetics with the actual restorations. These are prosthetic teeth and a fixed bridge custom-made to match your exact specifications. The result is a beautiful, natural-looking smile. After placing the prosthesis, the dentist will release you with instructions for taking care of your new implants.
Your Dental Specialties dentist will go over the potential drawbacks with you. This isn’t a one-size fit all kind of deal, so we consider this one-on-one consultation essential.
All-on-Four is surgery—it’s complicated—there are risks. You want durable, natural-looking teeth that make your smile look dazzling. For these reasons, you want expert dentists who have done thousands of these procedures. It’s smart that you’re on this page, learning about Dental Specialties. Doctors Sweeney and Ansong have the skill and expertise you need.
CONTACT US
Call 206-682-8200
At Dental Specialties Northwest, we work hard to help patients achieve dazzling smiles. Call 206-682-8200 to speak with us about how our options can help you!
