All-on-4 Frequently Asked Questions

All-on-4 dental implants are a comprehensive solution for patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth through decay, gum disease, or mouth trauma from an accident. The All-on-4 approach is also a good option for people seeking a better solution than traditional dentures. Your dentist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your specific needs and goals.

What is the Process for All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants consist of four titanium posts surgically embedded into your upper or lower jawbone, or both. Once in place, the four implants function like the natural roots of your teeth, providing support and stability for your replacement arches.

Typically, the first day of your procedure will include extraction of existing, damaged teeth and placement of the four posts. You will have temporary acrylic teeth in your mouth for about six months, possibly longer, depending on the time needed for your gums and jawbone to fully heal.

What are All-on-4 Dental Implants Made of?

All-on-4 dental implant posts are made from biocompatible titanium, which fuses with your jawbone naturally over time through a process called osseointegration.

Your final dental implants will be built around a frame made from titanium or another durable metal or metal alloy. Your arches will consist of either an acrylic denture or replacement teeth made from composite materials. An upgrade option is All-on-4 dental implants made with porcelain for better durability than acrylic and a more natural appearance.

What are the Advantages of All-on-4 Dental Implants?

Each All-on-4 arch contains 10 to 14 teeth, providing a better solution than traditional removable dentures, which tend to be uncomfortable, can shift in your mouth when you eat or talk, and can be difficult to keep clean. All-on-4 dental implants can only be removed by your dentist. They are more durable than dentures and will look more like your natural teeth.

With All-on-4 dental implants, the four titanium posts are embedded into your jawbone at an angle, which does not require the same level of bone density. The result is that most All-on-4 patients can avoid the need for bone grafting because the surgical technique maximizes contact between the implant post and the jawbone.

Most importantly, once your mouth is fully healed, you will have limited disruption to your everyday life and minimal food restrictions. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, your All-on-4 dental implants can last at least 20, if not 40 years.

What are the Disadvantages of All-on-4 Dental Implants

Although uncommon, a failed implant can result if your jawbone does not properly grow around the implanted titanium post. Some patients report moderate difficulty speaking after surgery and the need for speech therapy. Others report tender gums and minor difficulty eating for up to a month after final placement of their arches. All patients should wear a mouthguard for sleeping to protect the new replacement teeth against clenching and grinding.

The surgical technique used with All-on-4 dental implants typically reduces the need for painful and time-consuming bone graft surgery, so even patients who have jawbone loss or sinus issues can be good candidates. However, some patients require bone grafting because they have low-density jawbone structure.

How Much Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of your All-on-4 dental implants will vary depending on your dentist, your location, the materials used, your dental insurance, your oral health, and the complexity of your customized treatment plan.

You should expect your All-on-4 dental implants to cost approximately $25,000 per arch. Your cost will be higher, possibly up to $50,000, if you require bone grafting or if your case necessitates visits to more than one dentist. Remember that the estimated cost your dentist provides can vary, depending on the work required.

Your individual case may be more expensive and require longer recovery time if your dentist identifies any underlying oral health issues before beginning treatment. Although restorative procedures may be covered in part through your dental insurance, you will still pay more for treatment if you have complicated oral health issues. Check with your dental insurance provider to find out what is covered for All-on-4 dental implants.

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