The first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists, who will assess your teeth and discuss your goals. We may take x-rays, intraoral images, or impressions of your teeth. Detailed measurements will be taken to plan the placement of the implants precisely and to design the shape and orientation of the replacement teeth. All-on-4 implants are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth, and a perfect fit is guaranteed. The goal of All-on-4 is to give the patient implants that have the same appearance as beautiful, natural teeth.
During your consultation, your dentist will fully explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Your dentist will also provide guidance on the type of outcome that can be expected once the procedure has been completed. A second appointment will then be scheduled for the actual procedure.
During the procedure, remnants of lost teeth will be extracted, and an incision will be made in the gums to expose the jawbone. If ridge reduction is required to ensure a perfect fit for the implants, the ridge will be reduced by removing predetermined measurements of bone. The remaining bone will be smoothed and prepared for the insertion of the dental implants.
Pilot holes for the implants will be drilled at angles to obtain the greatest possible strength and stability while avoiding contact with nerves or sinus cavities. Once the implants are inserted, the dental surgeon will close all incisions in the gums. A temporary prosthesis will be attached to the anchor points to protect them while the patient’s gums and jawbone heal.
Patients will be prescribed pain relievers as needed and will be provided with information on maintaining proper oral health to accelerate healing. Your dentist may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor progress. It is recommended that patients follow a soft-food diet for the first few months after the procedure to allow the implants to bond with the jawbone. The bonding process is usually complete after 3-4 months, at which time the patient can introduce firmer foods into their diet.
The patient can then return to their dentist for another set of impressions, which will be used to craft the final fixed bridge prosthesis. The dentist will remove the temporary prosthesis and take molds of the gums and implants so that the final prosthesis will fit perfectly. After the impressions have been taken, the temporary prosthesis will be replaced until the final version has been crafted.
Once the final prosthesis has been attached, the patient is ready to enjoy their life with their new set of permanent, natural-looking replacement teeth!