All-on-4 Port St. Lucie, FL
If you are experiencing tooth loss or severe decay, All-on-4® implants could be the right solution. Trying to eat or speak with significant gaps in your mouth can be challenging and may cause you to avoid social situations. The All-on-4 implant treatment involves mounting all replacement teeth to four dental implants on the top and bottom of your mouth.
All-on-4 implants are available at St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Port St. Lucie and the surrounding area. You can restore your smile and once again enjoy the proper function of your mouth. Call our office today at (772) 242-4124 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
The All-on-4 Solution
All-on-4 implants are similar to traditional dental implants. Unlike with conventional dental implants, however, the dentist only needs to place a total of four implants in each jawbone to replace all the teeth of a specific row. Traditional dental implants can require up to eight implants in each jawbone to replace a full set of teeth. Furthermore, the recovery time for traditional dental implants can take up to eight months. Getting the All-on-4 implant can speed up the recovery time and lessen the pain.
Dental implants have been in use since the 1970s and 1980s. Dr. Paulo Malo developed the All-on-4 treatment method with straight and angled multi-unit abutments in 1998, effectively transforming a procedure that used to take four to six months to complete into a single-day procedure (even when including extraction).
“Unlike with conventional dental implants, however, the dentist only needs to place a total of four implants in each jawbone to replace all the teeth of a specific row.”
Candidacy for All-on-4
Before getting All-on-4 implants, patients will need to come to our office for a consultation and examination. This consultation will include X-rays, plus an evaluation of the patient's oral health and medical history. We will also take impressions and measurements of their teeth to customize the implants to fit the patient's exact jaw. All these steps allow us to determine candidacy and prep the patient for the procedure.
Virtually anyone who needs a set of completely new teeth can benefit from All-on-4 dental implants. For example, patients who have badly broken down or decayed teeth, congenitally missing teeth, teeth compromised by gum disease, or who have six or more missing teeth on a bridge may want to consider All-on-4 dental implants. Our dentists can determine what is best on a case-by-case basis.
“Our dentists can determine what is best on a case-by-case basis.”
How the All-on-4 Implant Treatment Works
Replacing the top or bottom arch of teeth with standard dental implants would require an implant for each tooth. Alternatively, All-on-4 uses just four implants to replace the top or bottom row of teeth. The treatment works even if the patient has no teeth at all. As explained in this article by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the four implants support the entire arch of replacement teeth. Also, this treatment does not require bone grafting. The implants will fuse with the existing bone and become part of the jaw. Because some of the implants are set at an angle, they are longer and offer more support.
All-on-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster. First, the doctor will take impressions and X-rays and send those to a lab. At a subsequent appointment, our staff will use a local anesthetic to numb the patient and may have to remove any remaining damaged teeth. Then, the dental professional will insert screws into four places in the upper and lower jaw. These titanium anchors will help support the artificial teeth throughout the mouth.
“All-on-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster.”
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After the Procedure
Our team will send you home with specific aftercare instructions that you should follow exactly for proper healing and prevention of infection. Instructions commonly include brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush, sleeping with your head elevated and eating only soft foods. Immediately following the procedure you may be sore, have swelling and light bleeding. As always, call our office immediately if these symptoms get worse rather than subside.
Patients should maintain proper care of the implants and their oral health. Just as with natural teeth, patients need to continue brushing and flossing daily. Regular dental checkups are essential. A dentist should routinely examine the implants and artificial teeth to ensure that everything looks the way it should.
“Patients should maintain proper care of the implants and their oral health. Just as with natural teeth, patients need to continue brushing and flossing daily.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is involved in the All-on-4 implant treatment?
Q. What should you do after the procedure?
Q. What are All-on-4 dental implants?
Q. Do I qualify for All-on-4 dental implants?
Q. What is the process for getting these implants?
People Also Ask
Q. What happens during the dental implant process?
Q. How do I know which replacement option is right for me?
Q. What are the differences between implant supported dentures and removable dentures?
The Process of Getting All-on-4
On the day of the oral surgery, we will prep the patient. The patient will be asleep during the procedure, and the type of sedation we use will vary per patient. We will go over these options during the consultation. Once the patient is asleep, we will remove any teeth or gum tissue that we need to.
Our dentist will place two implants at the back of the jaw, with one on either side; the other two implants will be placed near the front of the jaw so all four can evenly support the new teeth. After the surgery, our dentist will place the teeth over the implants. The entire procedure takes about one to two and a half hours. After completing the procedure, we will wait for the patient to wake up and ensure that everything is functioning correctly.
“After completing the procedure, we will wait for the patient to wake up and ensure that everything is functioning correctly.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Am I a suitable candidate for All-on-4?
A. The ideal candidate for the All-on-4 implant is someone who has already lost all or most of their teeth. Someone who has dentures may be the right fit for the All-on-4 implant. Other factors to consider can include age, oral health, and the state of the patient's teeth.
Q. Will I have speech issues with All-on-4?
A. As mentioned earlier, some people experience speech issues after the All-on-4 procedure. This may be due to teeth that are too high or bulky, inadequate positioning of the anterior teeth, or air going through the prosthesis. We will do everything necessary to minimize these risks.
Q. Does age affect my tooth replacement options?
A. Dental implants are effective and long-lasting for both younger and older patients. Though patients of all ages may choose between dentures and dental implants, dental implants prevent bone loss and gum irritation.
Q. How long can an All-on-4 procedure take?
A. On average, an All-on-4 surgery takes about four hours per arch. Once the implants are healed, it can take four to five dental appointments to make a final dental bridge.
Q. How long should I wait to eat after the first surgery?
A. You can begin drinking liquids immediately following the surgery. However, you should try to limit yourself to only cool drinks for the first 48 hours. Only drink hot drinks after all numbness has subsided and any bleeding has stopped. You will need to stick to a liquid diet for the first two weeks following the surgery.
Q. How often do I see a dentist after replacing my teeth?
A. You should still see a dentist twice a year for your bi-annual checkups. However, some patients may need to be seen more frequently than others. We can help determine what is best for you.
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Denture Terminology
It is Your Turn
If you are missing teeth, consider All-on-4 implant surgery. Call us today at (772) 242-4124 to discuss your oral health needs. Join other patients in Port St. Lucie and rediscover your smile and ability to eat the foods you love. You may also finally feel good about your overall appearance.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry was established in 1984.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Port St. Lucie, River Park, White City, Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce South, St Lucie West, Tradition, Palm City, Jensen Beach, and Stuart
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