All-on-4/Teeth in a Day Dental Implants
A Fast Solution for Extensive Tooth Loss
If you are missing all or most of your teeth, you may be able to regain a strong and stable smile through the use of dental implants in Lincoln. There are various techniques that employ implants to replace a large number of missing teeth. One such innovative treatment is the All-on-4/Teeth in a Day procedure. That’s right — Dr. Jennifer Reed may be able to replace an entire arch of teeth in just one day and with only four dental implants!
Benefits of All-on-4
All-on-4 in Lincoln offers a number of significant advantages:
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You can receive a provisional (temporary) set of new teeth on the same day you receive the dental implants.
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Because of the strategic way the implants are placed, even some patients who have already experienced bone loss in the jaw may be candidates for All-on-4.
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Bone grafts are not usually necessary with All-on-4.
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Only one surgery is necessary with All-on-4. Traditional implants often require two surgeries (implant placement and abutment placement).
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All-on-4 tends to cost less than traditional implant procedures.
The All-on-4 Process
You may need to undergo some preparatory work before your placement surgery; some patients need to receive gum disease treatment or have their remaining natural teeth extracted. Once your mouth is ready, Dr. Reed will place the implants in the jawbone. Two go toward the front of the mouth, and two are placed at an angle toward the back of the mouth, in areas where the bone is naturally thickest. After the implants are in place, Dr. Reed will attach a set of provisional teeth to them.
After your bone has had time to heal around the implants (which may take several months), you’ll return to Dr. Reed to be fitted for a permanent set of teeth that will be even stronger and more natural-looking than your provisional prosthetic.
What to Expect with All-on-4
Here are a few notes to keep in mind about All-on-4:
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Although you receive new teeth on the same day as the implant placement surgery, you won’t regain full dental function right away. You’ll need to stick to eating soft foods for a while. Once you receive your permanent teeth, your bite force will be similar to what your natural teeth once provided, and you’ll be able to eat almost anything.
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Many patients remark that the entire procedure is more comfortable than they expected. However, swelling and tenderness are normal after the surgery.
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All-on-4 is a remarkable treatment, but it isn’t ideal for everyone. After she carefully examines your mouth and talks to you about your goals, Dr. Reed will recommend the treatment that she believes is best for your unique circumstances.
How to Care for All-on-4
Oral hygiene is pivotal when you have All-on-4 dentures. You should diligently brush your prosthetic teeth and the area around the gum line. Using a floss threader or water flosser to clean underneath the denture is also vital since you cannot remove the teeth in order to wipe down your gums and the dental implants. Periodically (every six months or so), you should visit your dentist for a professional cleaning. They’ll unscrew the teeth from the implants, clean your mouth, and then reattach the teeth.
Would you like to learn if All-on-4 dentures are right for you? Contact the team at Smile Specialties today.
All-on-4 FAQs
All-on-4 in Lincoln is the ideal full arch tooth replacement solution for many patients. However, before you request an appointment to find out if it is right for you, you may want to learn more about it. That is why we have compiled the following brief list of frequently asked questions, along with their answers. If you have any additional questions, you are more than welcome to reach out to us directly.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover All-on-4 Treatment?
Our team will work with you to get the most out of your insurance benefits. Coverage for dental implant procedures, including All-on-4, varies greatly from policy to policy. However, many plans are willing to pay for at least a part of the treatment. If your insurance does not cover dental implants in Lincoln, or the coverage is fairly minimal, you may want to take advantage of low-interest or no-interest financing through CareCredit.
Is All-on-4 Better for Replacing the Top Teeth or Bottom Teeth?
All-on-4 can work well for either dental arch. If you require full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Reed may recommend that you get All-on-4 for both your upper and lower arch at the same time. Doing so will streamline your treatment process and may even save you a bit of money.
Will People Be Able to Tell that My Teeth Aren’t Real?
One of the best things about implant-supported teeth is their beautiful appearance. Dr. Reed has undergone extensive extra training in the art of designing prosthetic teeth, so you can be confident that your All-on-4 denture will be completely natural-looking. The size, shape, and color of your new teeth will complement your natural facial characteristics. Onlookers will notice your stunning smile, not your dental treatment.
I’m Nervous About the Implant Surgery. How Can You Help?
Our goal is to help all of our patients feel at ease when they are in our office. Learning more about the procedure and Dr. Reed’s impressive qualifications may do much to ease any concerns you have. Of course, we also offer comforts to help you feel relaxed during your implant surgery. Oral conscious sedation uses a powerful medication to induce a feeling of well-being. You probably will not even remember your surgery after it is over.
Does All-on-4 Carry Any Risks?
All medical and dental procedures carry at least a small amount of risk. With All-on-4, the risk of complications is quite low, especially for candidates who have excellent oral hygiene habits and who do not smoke. With that being said, it is important that you keep an eye on your oral health following your procedure. If you notice unusual pain or swelling around your dental implants, you should seek professional help as soon as possible.
How Can All-on-4 Implant Dentures Help Me?
All-on-4 dental implants have allowed many patients to achieve complete and comfortable smiles in brief timeframes. In many cases, these devices can be placed in a single appointment, which can significantly reduce how much time a patient has to spend at our office in Lincoln. All-on-4 implants are also quite popular because they have empowered so many people who have experienced tooth loss to enjoy lifelike and functional smiles, and they are far more stable than traditional dentures and bridges. Since All-on-4 dentures are mounted on a minimal number of dental implants, they can also allow patients to enjoy more comfortable and less extensive recovery periods.
Are All-on-4 Implant Dentures the Right Tooth Replacement for Me?
All-on-4 dental implants may be the best tooth loss solution for patients who are suffering from severe tooth decay as well as those bothered by intense dental sensitivity or the effects of extensive tooth loss, and they can be especially excellent for those with busy schedules. However, the first step to receiving these devices is to schedule a consultation at our Lincoln office. During this appointment, Dr. Reed will carefully evaluate your oral health and medical history to determine the best way to replace your lost teeth. In some cases, a patient may need to undergo restorative treatments like fillings or gum disease therapy before they can safely receive dental implants, but we can perform these procedures at our practice.
What Is Recovering After Receiving All-on-4 Implant Dentures Like?
It typically takes a patient six to eight weeks to fully recover after receiving dental implants. During this time, the titanium pieces will fuse with the jawbone through the natural process of osseointegration, creating the sturdy foundation the restorations need to exert maximum chewing power and last for many years if they receive proper care. To accelerate this healing process, it’s best to carefully follow Dr. Reed’s aftercare instructions which will probably include items like:
- Being careful when chewing near your dental implants.
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene every day.
- Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day, ideally after meals.
- Refraining from bad habits like grinding, clenching, smoking, chewing on wood, ice, plastic, metal, or fingernails, and using your teeth to open packages or bottles.
- Sticking to a soft, mild diet that excludes foods that are spicy, sweet, acidic, crunchy, or chewy until you can enjoy them comfortably.
We may recommend wearing an oral appliance such as a customized nightguard from our Lincoln office to help ensure a smooth healing process.
