All-on-4 Dental Implants – Tucson, AZ
Rebuild Your Smile in a Single Day
Dental implants replace the roots of lost teeth, so you might wonder if that means you need an implant for every missing tooth. No, you do not. In fact, thanks to the innovative All-on-4 treatment, an entire arch of lost teeth can be replaced with as few as four strategically placed implants! Plus, the process is very efficient; it may be possible for Dr. Lopez and our Tucson team to rebuild your smile in a single day! Continue reading below to learn more about this innovative form of tooth replacement, and then get in touch with our office when you are ready to request a personalized consultation.
How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Work?
All-on-4 dental implant treatment is designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Two implants get placed toward the front of the jawbone, and two go toward the back. This precise and strategic placement method utilizes areas of the bone that are naturally strong and thick, which, in many cases, eliminates the need for a bone graft. Very often, extractions, dental implant placement, and the placement of a temporary denture are all performed during the same appointment. Therefore, you might hear some people refer to this procedure as “Teeth in a Day.”
Am I a Candidate for All-on-4 Dental Implants?
You might be a suitable candidate for All-on-4 dental implants if:
- You are missing all or most of your teeth throughout a dental arch (or your remaining teeth will soon need to be extracted).
- Your jawbone is strong enough to support dental implants. (Most people meet this requirement even without a bone graft.)
- You are healthy enough to undergo minor surgery.
- You are free of active gum disease.
If you are unsure of whether you qualify for All-on-4, visit our team for a consultation. Even if you are not a candidate right now, the odds are good that you could become one after some restorative treatment!
Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants offer many of the same benefits that you would expect with traditional implant treatments, including:
- You can enjoy a strong bite that equips you to eat virtually any food.
- All-on-4 dentures are permanently attached to the implants that support them. Not only is this convenient, but it also helps them to feel as natural and comfortable as possible.
- Jawbone preservation. Dental implants can stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from deteriorating.
- Easy maintenance. In some ways, caring for All-on-4 dentures is just like caring for natural teeth.
- Beautiful appearance. We carefully design All-on-4 dentures so they look both beautiful and natural.
All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants
There are a few key differences between traditional dental implants and All-on-4 treatment:
- All-on-4 treatment tends to have a shorter overall treatment time.
- All-on-4 usually requires just one surgical procedure (as opposed to two or more.
- Fast smile restoration. Thanks to All-on-4, you can get a beautiful new smile right away! With traditional implants, there is usually a waiting period of a few months between implant placement and the placement of a restoration (crown, bridge, or denture).
- Traditional dental implants are more versatile because they can be used to replace any number of teeth. All-on-4 is exclusively for full-arch replacement.
- In some cases, traditional implant dentures are more stable due to the use of more implants.
Our team will help you decide which type of implant treatment is right for your unique situation.
All-on-4 FAQs
How Long Will My All-on-4 Dental Implant Surgery Take?
The length of the all-on-4 dental implant placement procedure can depend on multiple different factors in your treatment plan. In the majority of cases, it takes approximately two hours for each arch to be completed, but it can take longer in other cases. During your consultation, Dr. Lopez can give you a more specific estimate so you can plan accordingly. After your procedure, your mouth will need a few months to heal. Then, you can return to the dental office to receive your new, permanent prosthetic.
Does Getting All-on-4 Dental Implants Hurt?
Many people are hesitant about undergoing dental treatments of any kind because they are worried that they will be painful. Fortunately, we always do everything we can to make our patients feel as comfortable as possible in the dental chair. In addition to numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic before the procedure begins, we also offer several different dental sedation options to make you feel even more relaxed and comfortable. After your treatment, minor swelling and discomfort are normal, but this is temporary and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Will I Be Able to Remove My Denture?
With all-on-4 dental implants, your denture is fixed in place. It can only be removed by a dental professional. To keep your prosthetic in good condition, it’s important that you follow a basic oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day. Even though the denture itself cannot develop cavities, it is still important to keep your mouth clean to prevent the accumulation of plaque and bacteria that could damage the gum and bone tissue that is supporting your implants.
Are All-on-4 Dental Implants Covered by Dental Insurance?
The majority of dental insurance plans do not offer coverage for the dental implant placement procedure. However, many will partially cover your consultation, X-rays, and the prosthetic itself. Just keep in mind that every plan is different, so it is best to reach out to your dental insurance provider ahead of time so that you don’t run into any surprises on your bill. Our team would also be happy to help you with this process.
Why Do I Need a Temporary Denture with All-on-4?
The purpose of the temporary denture is to give patients the ability to eat and speak comfortably after their procedure while the osseointegration process takes place. This is the process in which the titanium implants fuse to the jawbone. It usually takes somewhere between 3 and 6 months to complete. After this, a custom-fit permanent denture will replace your temporary one.