All on 4 Dental Implants

The primary difference is the number of implants used. All-on-4 uses four implants per arch, while all-on-6 uses six. The all-on-6 technique may provide additional support and stability in cases where jawbone density allows for extra implants. Our dentist will recommend either of the solutions after assessing your needs.

Although the all-on-4 technique is complex, we have refined our procedure to be seamless. Here are the steps you can expect.

• Consultation: The dentist will discuss your goals and examine your oral health with digital scans, X-rays, and photos.
• Implant surgery: The dentist will surgically place titanium posts at pre-determined positions in the jawbone. We use local anesthetics and sedation dentistry to optimize your comfort. After surgery, the dentist will restore your smile temporarily to maintain your function and appearance as your gums heal.
• Healing: Your implants need 4-6 months to integrate with the jawbone. During this time, the titanium implant posts fuse with the surrounding bone, providing a stable, secure foundation for your replacement teeth.
• Final restoration: After healing, you’ll come to our office for a permanent set of customized teeth replaced with a temporary restoration. Now, you’ll be ready to enjoy a long-lasting, durable solution that restores your smile’s aesthetics and functionality.

Bone grafting is not always necessary for the all-on-4 technique, but it depends on your jawbone condition. One advantage of all-on-4 implants is that they are strategically placed at angles that maximize available bone, reducing the need for bone grafting. This makes them an ideal solution for patients with moderate bone loss.

However, in rare cases of severe bone loss or if the remaining jawbone is insufficient to support the implants, bone grafting may be recommended to ensure adequate support and stability. Your dentist will assess your bone density with digital X-rays and scans and discuss whether bone grafting is necessary for your treatment plan.

Initial healing typically takes about two weeks, but fully integrating the implants with the jawbone (osseointegration) can take 3–6 months. You’ll wear temporary prosthetic teeth before receiving the final set during this time.

Dental implants in Indianapolis, Indiana, don’t just replace missing teeth—they transform your smile and life. If you’d like to rebuild your smile with the all-on-4 implant system, call (317) 333-6788 to schedule an appointment with Washington Street Dentistry.

These implants utilize a strategic placement of four dental implants per arch. These implants are placed at an angle to engage more of your jawbone and allow for the attachment of tooth replacement options, including implant-supported dentures. The implantation procedure is very similar to how a traditional dental implant would be placed, with one significant difference being that All-on-four dental implants will not require any bone grafting in most situations, like a traditional implant may if an insufficient jawbone is present.

Dental implants, whether traditional or All-on-four, are crafted to provide a natural look, feel, and function. Dental implants give our patients the confidence to smile, eat, and otherwise engage in social activity. Because dental implants integrate and fuse with the jawbone, there is no need to worry about them moving or shifting like a denture. Here at Washington Street Dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana, you can trust Dr. Church to provide dental implants that match a natural tooth’s shape, size, and color.

All-on-four dental implants provide many advantages our patients are happy about. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• They create a beautiful and natural look and provide a perfect option for full arch replacement.
• They allow for the quick placement of natural-looking replacement teeth that are fully functional and fixed in place.
• Easy to maintain.
• They will, over time, allow for the preservation of jawbone and minimize the risk of bone resorption.
• They will increase your self-confidence as you will have a smile that you love the look of and which will allow you to enjoy all of your favorite foods.

All-on-four dental implants require no special treatment and are maintained just like a natural tooth. Simply follow an excellent oral hygiene routine, including regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Also, make sure to see your dentist twice a year for a dental cleaning and examination.

Because the dental implant procedure is surgical, it is only natural to have some anxiety about the procedure possibly being painful. The great news is that Dr. Church and our entire team will do everything in our power to ensure the entire process is as comfortable for you as possible. Many of our patients tell us that it was much less uncomfortable than they anticipated due to the anesthetics used and how skilled our staff is. Dr. Church will also provide you with a complete set of aftercare instructions to follow at home as you heal from the procedure to ensure your healing goes as planned and with as few complications as possible. We will also talk to you about pain management techniques.

We always encourage our patients to bring a friend or family member for support. Not only can they offer you the support and added emotional comfort you may need before heading into the procedure, but they will also then be able to drive you home following the placement of the implants. An anesthetic is involved, so having a safe ride home that allows you to remain comfortable on your way is important. A bonus will be that this friend or family member will be the first to see your brand-new smile.

Recovery does vary from patient to patient. While many patients do not experience much discomfort other than from the swelling at the incision sites, this can be a personally unique situation. While the initial healing period takes place, you must follow a soft food diet to allow the implants to heal properly. This process can take a few weeks. Your healing timeline will be discussed with you by Dr. Church prior to your procedure.

Unlike other dental procedures, most people with a healthy oral situation will be considered good candidates for the implant procedure. Dr. Church will thoroughly examine you to determine your candidacy. If there are oral health concerns, these may need to be addressed first before being approved as a candidate for the procedure.

While the cost of dental implant options like All-on-four dental implants has come down over recent years, it can still be more expensive than other tooth replacement options up front. This decrease in cost is thanks to advancements in dental technologies and techniques. We know that it can be stressful figuring out how dental bills will be covered, which is why we are happy to talk to you about our available payment plans for services. Please discuss this with our team, and we can present a situation that will work for you.

When it comes to dental implants, age is not usually a factor in determining if you are a suitable candidate for All-on-four dental procedures. For our younger patients, they need to have reached full jawbone development. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure is to call us today for a free consultation with Dr. Church.