All-On-4 Dental Implants: Pros and Cons

Experiencing tooth loss is common in older adults, according to the CDC approximately over 25% of adults ages 65 and older have 8 or fewer teeth. Despite how common this may be, many people who have lost multiple teeth feel ashamed of their smile, uncomfortable speaking or eating their favorite foods in front of others. Replacing an entire row of teeth is now easier than ever, with All-on-4 dental implants.

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are a full set of implants, designed to replace an entire row of teeth, as an alternative to dentures or full mouth dental implants. This revolutionary technique requires only four implants per jaw, compared to traditional implants that require eight to ten implants per jaw. Typically, each dental implant has one small titanium screw that a surgeon inserts into the gums. Then, a dentist places an artificial tooth on the screw. With the all-on-4 approach, you don’t need to replace each lost tooth individually. Instead, a dental professional surgically inserts four titanium posts into your jawbone as the main anchors and attaches a permanent denture at those four areas for a seamless look across your entire mouth.

Pros of All-on-4 Implants

The all-on-4 technique reduces the need for bone grafting and the implants act just like natural teeth, making this procedure quicker, easier, and more comfortable for patients. These implants offer numerous benefits that patients enjoy for a lifetime, including:

• Less time spent at your appointment. You can replace an entire set of missing teeth in just one day with only one surgery.
• Secured placement of replacement teeth. The implants permanently secure to your mouth, so they won’t loosen or shift like dentures.
• Requires fewer implants. The procedure restores your entire set of teeth with only four implants.
• Reduced cost. All-on-4 implants typically cost less than replacing each tooth individually.
• Shorted recovery time. Traditional dental implant recovery typically ranges from 3- 8 months. But, with all-on-4 implants, you’ll likely recover much sooner as these can fuse to your bone more easily than individual implants.
• No bone grafting. You won’t typically need any bone grafting.

All-on-4 implants are a fantastic option for people of all ages who have lost a full set of teeth.

Cons of All-On-4 Implants

The following are some potential drawbacks you should consider before choosing:

• Structural bone level. You’ll need to have a high level of bone available to hold the implants in place.
• No trial period. You won’t be able to test how the teeth feel or look before your procedure.
• Location of implants. The implants cannot be placed in the mouth’s molar area, where you have the greatest bite force.

Summary

Choosing the right tooth replacement for yourself is something that you should consult with your dentist about. Both traditional and all-on-4 dental implants are safe and effective options for tooth replacement. If you have questions about dental implants or for a consultation, contact our office.