If you are missing all or most of your teeth, the All-on-X dental implant procedure can provide you with a new, permanent set of teeth that looks and functions just like natural teeth. This innovative technique uses just four implants in the maxilla (upper jaw) and four in the mandible (lower jaw) to support full arches of fixed, non-removable replacement teeth.

The All-on-X solution is officially known as the “All-on-4” treatment concept. It was developed to provide edentulous (complete tooth loss) patients with an efficient and cost-effective way to replace an entire arch of teeth using only four dental implants. Oftentimes it is necessary to place more than just four implants for a wide variety of reasons. The All on X is a far better description than just All on 4. We are using this post to discuss All on Four since this has become so prevalent in the marketing of dental implants.

Here’s what you can expect if you opt for this state-of-the-art tooth replacement:

The Procedure
During the All-on-4 procedure, your oral surgeon will strategically position two straight implants toward the front of your jaw bone and two implants angled at the back. This angled implant placement takes advantage of available bone by utilizing denser bone near the front where bone density is typically better.

After the implants are placed, they are allowed 4-6 months to fully integrate with the jaw bone through a process called osseointegration. During this time, you’ll wear temporary dentures. Once osseointegration is complete, you’ll have your permanent new teeth affixed to the implants.

While the surgery itself takes a few hours, the entire process from tooth extraction to final restoration typically takes 6-8 months. However, you won’t have to spend too much time without teeth, since you get temporary dentures immediately after extractions.

The Benefits
There are many benefits to the All-on-4 procedure compared to conventional dentures, including:

• A stronger bite from the osseointegrated implants
• No risk of teeth slipping or moving around
• No need for adhesives to keep dentures in place
• Ability to eat crunchy, sticky, or hard foods
• Natural appearance that blends in seamlessly
• Easy oral hygiene and comfort
• Prevents jawbone deterioration from missing teeth

In fact, the All-on-4 technique provides many of the same benefits as having a full mouth of individual dental implants, but at a lower cost since fewer implants are required.

What to Expect
Like any surgical procedure, there will be some swelling and discomfort after your All-on-4 treatment, but this is typically minimal and manageable with over-the-counter medication. You’ll need to follow a soft food or liquid diet for a little while until your gums have fully healed.

Your new replacement teeth will look and feel very natural, but you may notice a slight change in your speech patterns at first as your mouth gets accustomed to the new dental work. This is usually just a temporary adjustment period.

Caring for Your New Teeth
With good oral hygiene habits, your new implant-supported teeth can last 20+ years. Be sure to brush twice daily and floss regularly to prevent buildup of plaque and bacteria. Your dentist may also recommend using an antimicrobial mouth rinse.

Although your new teeth are impervious to decay, it’s still important to maintain regular dental cleanings and checkups so your dentist can monitor the health of your implants, remaining bone structure, and soft tissues. If problems are caught early, they can be addressed right away before becoming more serious issues.

Is All-on-4 Right for You?
The All-on-X dental implant treatment is an excellent option for patients who have experienced complete tooth loss in the upper and/or lower arches. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate whether you have adequate jawbone density to support the implants. Factors like oral health, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits are also taken into consideration.

If you do move forward with the All-on-4 procedure, you can expect to walk away with a dramatic smile transformation that not only restores functionality, but also renews your confidence in your appearance. With this state-of-the-art dental solution, you truly can replace all your missing teeth at once and get a smile that looks, feels, and performs like natural teeth.