Dr. Wiemeyer & Dr. Lee Talk About All-On-4 Dental Implants

Today, patients have access to advanced dental treatment options designed to restore missing teeth. One of those treatment options is our All-on-4 dental implants in Duxbury, near Cape Cod and South Boston, MA. This treatment is a flexible alternative for patients whose bone condition is not optimal. In this article, Dr. Wiemeyer and Dr. Lee, our leading Duxbury dentists, will answer common questions about All-on-4 dental implants.

What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 is a dental implant procedure that involves replacing all of the upper or lower teeth with four strategically placed implants. These implants serve as the foundation for the new arch of fixed teeth. 

The All-on-4 dental implants are installed at specific angles to allow for the secure placement of new teeth, even in patients with lesser amounts of bone to work with. This procedure also allows patients to undergo their treatment without the need for sinus lifts or bone grafting.

Also known as full-arch fixed implant bridges, All-on-4 implants can be crafted from various materials, such as monolithic zirconia or acrylic resin. Are All-on-4 dental implants suitable for you? Read on as our Duxbury dentists explain further in this article. 

How are All-On-4 Dental Implants Different from Traditional Implants?

There are key differences between All-on-4 dental implants and traditional implant placement. All-on-4 implants are recommended for those who need to replace all of the teeth in the treated jaw. Anyone can lose their teeth due to age, illness, or even accidents. This type of dental implant treatment can effectively restore your smile when performed by our dentists in Duxbury. 

The All-on-4 method is a much quicker way to treat a full arch compared to traditional methods, which can take 6 to 12 months to complete. The recovery time for All-on-4 is also shorter, allowing patients to avoid a lengthy healing process. Additionally, the All-on-4 technique typically uses only four dental implants per tooth arch, whereas traditional dental procedures may require six to eight implants per arch.

Another key difference is that All-on-4 dental implants do not require bone grafting. Traditional implant procedures often require bone reconstruction, making the process longer and more complex. The All-on-4 method bypasses this step, making it a faster and more efficient option. 

What to Expect During the Procedure

When considering investing in an All-on-4 dental implant procedure, you should ensure you are working with reliable dentists in Duxbury, near Cape Cod and the South Shore. The dentist will start with diagnosis and treatment planning, using dental X-rays and a CBCT scan to scan the jawbone and other underlying structures.

The All-on-4 procedure has a distinct advantage over the conventional dental implant procedure. With conventional implant placement, a minimum of three months is required before teeth can be attached. The patient must wear a removable denture during this time. With the All-on-4 procedure, as long as the implants fit tightly enough at placement, fixed temporary teeth can be placed at the time of the surgery. No denture needed! All-on-4 is easier to get from start to finish.

During the dental implant restoration, the surgical area will be numbed, and in some cases, you will receive either oral or IV sedation. The dentist will extract any remaining teeth and make incisions in your gums to create sockets for the upper and lower arches. Implant screws are then placed into your jawbone, followed by the attachment of connectors.

Finally, the dentist will suture your gums and place temporary teeth to allow the implant sites to heal. Towards the end of the dental implant process, a new set of custom-made teeth is connected.

Oral Bone Issues and Healing

The All-on-4 technique offers a significant advantage to patients who don’t have a lot of bone to work with. Traditionally, these conditions required extensive bone grafting for conventional implants. However, All-on-4 eliminates this need, making it an excellent choice for patients with lower bone volume.

After receiving All-on-4 dental implants in Duxbury, the post-surgery recovery will be dependent on your oral health, as each person recovers at a different pace. The average sedation time for dental implant procedures is 90 minutes, after which the effects of the local anesthetics wear off, and you can go home. So it’s best to have friends or family as company.

The healing period for the new dental implants differs based on the patient and the method of surgery. With All-on-4 dental implants, the healing time is shorter, usually 3 months. Generally, it will take about a week before you can eat solid food after the dental surgery.

What Problems Could Arise? 

The All-on-4 dental procedure can go wrong if not handled with care. The most significant error in the All-all-on-4 procedure occurs when implants are poorly positioned, which can negatively affect cosmetic outcomes. Implants placed too far forward can cause gum recession, revealing the dark gray metal of the implant. 

Conversely, implants placed too far back result in bulky-looking teeth that can hinder speech. If implants are positioned too close to your lips, the replacement teeth may appear short and unnatural. You can rest assured that our experienced Duxbury dentists will ensure that these issues don’t happen; your procedure will be carried out with care and precision.

Am I a Candidate?

If you’re considering All-on-4 dental procedures, it’s required that you be in good health. Your dentist must be informed about your medical history and medications, if any. All-on-4 aims to restore the entire dental arch, making it ideal for individuals with multiple missing teeth. Good candidates typically have insufficient natural teeth but must have healthy bones and gums, free from underlying conditions.

Schedule Your Consultation in Duxbury, MA

The best way to restore a complete dental arch is with All-on-4 dental implants in Duxbury, near Cape Cod and South Boston, MA. As professional dentists in Duxbury, we will do a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate. Keep in mind that you should always consider all of your options, as All-on-4 is not always the best alternative for every individual. Contact us to book a consultation and restore your smile today.