All-on-4 dental implants support an arch of upper or lower replacement teeth. This advanced system can give you your smile back in one day—and improve your quality of life.
What Is All-on-4?
The All-on-4 technique was developed for people who, due to jawbone loss, would ordinarily need bone grafting before receiving an implant-supported denture. The two front implants are vertical, and the two behind them are tilted up to 45 degrees to increase contact with the bone and avoid the need for grafting.
All-On-6
Another option is to place six angled implants. This reduces the stress on each implant and improves the longevity and stability of the procedure.
Advantages
All-on-4 dental implants have several advantages:
Function
Supporting an arch of teeth with dental implants increases stability and improves function—making it easier to eat and speak with dentures.
Preserves jawbone
Implants stimulate the jawbone and help prevent shrinkage, which occurs when all your teeth are missing. And you won’t have to worry about facial sagging due to bone loss.
Saves time and money
All-on-4 eliminates the additional expense of bone grating procedures and the time needed for the grafts to heal.
What’s the Process?
Dr. Finley completes every phase of the dental implant process in his office.
- Review your health history – Dr. Finley will review your medical and dental histories to determine if you’re a candidate for All-on-4.
- Discuss your smile goals – He will explain your options for replacement teeth, including shape, size, and color. Your preferences, facial features, and oral anatomy will also influence the design of your new smile.
- Diagnostics — We use a CT scan to take 3-D pictures of your jawbone, sinuses, and nerves to identify the ideal location for your dental implants.
- Planning — Computer simulation digitally positions implants in the correct location and provides a guide for implant surgery.
- Surgery — Dr. Finley will precisely place four or six implants in your jawbone. The rear implants will be tilted in the bone to increase stability.
- Temporary teeth — After surgery Dr. Finley will attach temporary teeth to the implant abutments, or connectors, and you can leave our office with a smile. After the healing period, you will receive your permanent teeth.
- Healing period — During a three-to-six month healing period called osseointegration, your jawbone and the implants will fuse. Your implants will be stable and provide a solid anchor for your teeth.
- Permanent teeth — Dr. Finley will replace the temporary teeth with permanent teeth that fit your gums precisely, are strong, and look and feel natural.
If you’re interested in knowing your options for implant-supported dentures, including All-on-4, call us to schedule an appointment for an exam or complete our Request an Appointment form.