Learning More About All-On-4 Dental Implants
What are All-on-4 or All-on-X dental implants, and how do they work?
All-on-4 or All-on-X, because sometimes we place more than four implants, is a permanent tooth replacement system where we remove all of your poor or failing teeth and replace them with four to six dental implants. Then, we screw a prosthesis directly onto those implants. It's technically a denture, but it's made of zirconia and is screwed directly to the implants rather than being removable.
How are All-on-4 dental implants different from conventional implants?
All-on-4 or All-on-X is different from conventional implants in that it replaces all teeth that are missing, whereas a conventional dental implant usually replaces one or two missing teeth.
Who's a good candidate for All-on-X dental implants?
Good candidates for All-on-X procedures are patients with many failing teeth, constant tooth pain, lots of loose or mobile teeth, or massive infections that prevent them from keeping many of their teeth. Severe periodontal disease or cavities that cause teeth to crumble are also good reasons to remove all your teeth and explore getting implant-supported dentures.
How do the strength and feeling of natural teeth compare to All-on-X dental implants?
The strength and feeling of All-on-X or All-on-4 implant-supported dentures compared to natural teeth are very similar. Let's say a person with a healthy mouth and all of their teeth has a value of 100% function and aesthetics. An All-on-X procedure, where we remove failing teeth and place implants with an implant-screwed-in denture, provides about 90% of the function of natural teeth.
In contrast, a conventional denture offers about 20% of that value. Most patients with healthy teeth don't just have them removed and replaced with implants. Patients getting an All-on-X procedure often have teeth that are already hurting, missing, crumbling, or infected, resulting in only about 40 to 50% of healthy dentition function. Transitioning to implant screw-retained teeth significantly improves their quality of life.
How many appointments do dental implant procedures take?
All-on-X or All-on-4 is typically done in four to five visits.
The first visit is straightforward; we take a series of exaggerated smile pictures, a 3D X-ray, and digital scans of your existing teeth or current dentures. We don't use messy impressions throughout the process; everything is fully digital.
After the initial record appointment, we can typically schedule your surgery 2 to 3 weeks later.
The day of surgery usually lasts four to five hours, depending on whether we're treating the full mouth or just one arch. During this appointment, we remove all failing teeth, eliminate any infections, and place the dental implants. At the end of this visit, we take digital scans, and you head home without teeth for the day, adhering to a liquid diet for comfort.
The next day, we unscrew the healing caps and screw in your new custom-designed fixed prosthesis. This temporary prosthesis is worn for three months, during which we recommend a "plastic fork diet," meaning you can eat foods that can be comfortably cut with a plastic fork.
After three months, the implants are fully integrated, allowing us to fabricate your final denture. Following surgery, anesthetic is usually unnecessary for remaining procedures, and most patients experience discomfort for the first week or two. Once the implants are fully integrated, there is no pain, and patients can resume their daily life as usual.
What are the advantages of All-on-X dental implants?
The primary advantage of the All-on-X procedure is that it is the best replacement option if you need to lose your teeth. All-on-X or All-on-4 offers a permanent tooth replacement solution. You don't have to worry about removing or reinserting anything or the risk of it falling out while speaking or eating. The prosthesis is securely screwed in, giving you the confidence to smile, eat, talk, chew, and smile.
Are there risks or complications with All-on-X dental implants?
As with any dental surgery, there are always risks or potential complications that can occur with All-on-X or All-on-4. The most likely time to experience complications is during the initial healing phase of surgery. There is always a chance of secondary infection or loosening of the implants. Following the post-op care instructions is crucial to achieving the best results and reducing the risk of complications.
How do All-on-X procedures improve oral health and quality of life?
All-on-X or All-on-4 improves quality of life by giving you your teeth back. Many patients who are great candidates for this procedure have lived years with mouth pain, unaware of what they were missing.
Once they have those painful teeth and infections removed and receive new permanent restorations, they experience no more pain and realize how much they missed out on enjoying food and being comfortable with their mouth.
How long do All-on-X dental implant teeth last?
All-on-X or All-on-4 fixed prostheses can last anywhere from 10 years or even longer. Once fully integrated, the implants themselves rarely have complications or require adjustments.
However, like regular teeth, the prosthesis can wear out over time and may need replacement every 10 or more years. The advantage of digital dentistry is that we can scan the existing denture and create a new one, simply unscrewing the old one and attaching the new one without the need for anesthetic.
What do All-on-X dental implants cost?
All-on-X or All-on-4 procedures typically cost $20,000 to $25,000. Although it is an expensive procedure, it restores your mouth to its original state before any tooth conditions and provides a permanent solution for the rest of your life.
What's the recovery time for All-on-X dental implants?
The typical recovery time for All-on-X involves general soreness and discomfort for the first week or two following the initial surgery. During the three-month period, it is important to adhere to a soft food or "plastic fork" diet.
After the initial two-week period, your tongue and cheeks may need time to adjust to the new teeth, potentially causing some rubbing. However, in general, there will be no pain after the first two weeks.
How is Boulder Canyon Dental different?
Our practice is unique in that I am the person who not only designs your teeth but also performs your surgery. In many big box practices, patients are passed between different doctors and may not see the same person twice. I will be the one to talk to you on day one, answer all your questions, perform your surgery, design your teeth, and screw them in. This continuity sets us apart from other places.
Additionally, we operate entirely digitally, using scanners and imaging systems, eliminating the need for gooey impressions, which can often cause discomfort.
How do I care for an All-on-X denture implant?
Caring for an All-on-X prosthesis, whether it's the initial provisional or the final version, is very simple. You should brush as you would with normal teeth to remove staining. Additionally, using a water pick or similar device to clean beneath the prosthesis can help remove any food or debris that collects over time.
Can I get an All-on-X dental implants if I have jaw issues?
Patients with significant teeth problems, such as crumbling teeth and pain, often also experience joint problems in their TMJ. The beauty of an All-on-X procedure is that we essentially design your mouth from scratch. By removing all the teeth and placing implants and final teeth where your jaw is most comfortable, we can alleviate jaw pain.
Patients who previously experienced jaw pain due to failing teeth often find relief with All-on-X, as the teeth are now aligned harmoniously with the jaw.
Want to learn more? Call Boulder Canyon Dental at (970) 514-0662 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.