If you have missing teeth but don’t want a traditional denture, we can help. Dr. Bradley Dean offers the All-on-Four implant dentures procedure at his periodontal office near Dallas, TX. This modern technique offers dental implants for patients who need to replace most or all of their missing teeth.
The All-on-Four implant denture procedure is best for patients who are replacing their lower set of missing teeth. Typically, placing dental implants on the lower jaw is difficult due to anatomical insufficiencies and location of nerves.
However, the All-on-4 procedure places dental implants at an angle, avoiding these areas and eliminating the need for bone grafting. This saves time for the dentist and patient, as well as reduces healing downtime and lowers overall budget.
What are All-on-Four Dental Implants?
The All-on-Four technique uses four dental implants to secure a denture. This creates a modern permanent denture that improves function and stability without the concerns of traditional dentures.
This unique treatment approach can bring back full function without the need for daily maintenance. Other benefits include:
- No dietary restrictions after placing the final restoration
- No garbled speech or other speech issues that often accompany traditional dentures
- Reduce the risk of gum disease
- Improve your chewing ability
- No worry of dentures slipping or falling out
- Improve your oral health for long-term stability
All-on-Four dental implants are a revolutionary type of dental implant procedure that maximizes the use of available bone. It helps patients with jaw bone loss get implants without grafting treatment.
Dr. Bradley Dean is a highly trained periodontist. He has years of experience providing quality results from the comfort of our Dallas periodontal office. Dr. Dean helps ensure patient get the right restoration to fit their specific needs.
Is All-on-Four For Me?
All-on-Four is a great treatment if you already wear dentures or have most of your teeth missing. Age is not a limiting factor. As long as you are in good oral health, you are a good candidate for All-on-Four.
We may recommend pretreatments like tooth extractions, gum disease treatments, fillings, or root canal therapy. These treatments will remove damaged teeth or treat infected tissue to ensure you qualify for treatment.
In most cases, we will not require bone grafting before All on Four. Unlike other implant dentures, during All on Four, we place the two dental implants in the back of the mouth at an angle. This placement helps maximize healthy jaw bone tissue.
How many implants do I need to secure my dentures?
An upper or lower denture may use as few as four implants. However, dentures can also use 6 or more implants to an arch. Because the upper jaw bone is less dense than the lower jaw bone, some patients may need more implants for increased support.
During a consultation, we will review the exact number of implants you need. We will take digital X-rays before treatment to view your jaw bone.
All-on-Four Treatment in Dallas, TX
The All-on-four treatment takes multiple steps in our office for the most effective results:
Treatment Planning with Modern Technology
The first phase of your treatment is the treatment planning phase at our Dallas periodontal office. Dr. Dean will use 3D CAT Scanning and the Cone Beam Scanner to determine the precise angle and location of the implants.
This technique will take advantage of the healthy bone tissue for a secure, lasting result. We can guarantee a precise fit and the best comfort by using digital technology.
Custom Impressions
Then, Dr. Dean will create molds of your mouth by taking dental impressions. We will use the impressions to fabricate the final restoration. While we wait for the final restoration, Dr. Dean will plan the oral surgery phase where he will remove teeth if applicable. Then, he will surgically implant the screw-like posts.
Implant Placement
On the day of your procedure, Dr. Dean will remove damaged, decayed, or compromised teeth in a comfortable operatory setting. He will also use sedation dentistry if needed for comfortable implant treatment.
Next, Dr. Dean will place at least 4 dental implant posts. The number of implants will depend on your needs and specific circumstances.
He may also place a temporary dental restoration. This temporary restoration is a part of “Teeth in a Day.” It ensures you can still eat and chew normally while you wait for the new All-on-Four implant denture.
Healing and Final Placement
Your mouth will take about 3-6 months to heal around the implants. Once the dental implants fully integrate with the jaw bone, you will return to our Dallas periodontal office.
Dr. Dean will remove the temporary denture and place the final custom All-on-Four implant denture. He adjusts your final dentures for a comfortable fit. Unlike removable dentures, this permanent denture will not require special maintenance or replacement every few years.
How to Care for All on Four
We will provide instructions on how to clean your new restoration at home. The beauty of All on Four restorations is that you can clean them just like natural teeth.
When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Choose a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching your restoration. Remember to floss before you brush to remove leftover food debris.
Many patients find flossing easier with a water flosser or threaded floss. These types of floss can get hard-to-reach areas under and around your restoration.
In addition, coffee, tea, and tobacco products can affect the look of your restoration. Avoid these substances when possible.
Continue to visit the dentist twice a year, or every six months, for a dental cleaning and exam. Although rare, please contact our office if you feel a change in the fit or comfort of your dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of our patients’ most commonly asked questions about All-on-4 dental implants.
How long do all four implants last?
All-on-4 dental implants can last 20 years or more. The implants themselves are designed to be permanent. However, the prosthetic teeth attached to them may need replacement after 10 to 15 years. Maintaining dental hygiene and avoiding habits like smoking can help prolong the lifespan of your All-on-4 implants. If you care for them properly, they can provide a long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
Will I be put to sleep for All-on-4 implants?
For All-on-4 implants, you won’t be fully asleep. Most dentists use local anesthesia with sedation. This keeps you relaxed and pain-free but not unconscious. Your options will include oral sedatives or IV sedation. You’ll be drowsy and might not remember much. Full general anesthesia is rare for this procedure. We will discuss sedation options based on your health and preferences.
What is the recovery time for all-on-4 dental implants?
Recovery time for All-on-4 dental implants typically takes 3 to 6 months to fully merge with the jawbone. However, you can often return to normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure. During the initial weeks, you’ll need to follow a soft diet and avoid strenuous activities to allow proper healing. Dr. Dean will monitor your progress and guide you through each stage of recovery.
What is the failure rate of All-on-4 dental implants?
The failure rate of All-on-4 dental implants is relatively low. It’s generally around 5% or less. This means that the vast majority of cases are successful. Factors affecting the success rate include the patient’s overall health, bone quality, and oral hygiene. Lifestyle habits like smoking can also affect the success rate. Regular follow-ups with your dentist and proper care can help decrease the risk of implant failure.
Does food get under All-on-4 dental implants?
Food can occasionally get under All-on-4 implants, but it’s less common than with removable dentures. The fit is typically snug against your gums. However, small particles might slip underneath. As a result, regular cleanings are important. We can show you proper cleaning techniques. With good hygiene, food trapping shouldn’t be a significant issue.
How often do you have to remove All-on-4?
All-on-4 implants are permanent and not designed for removal by patients. Unlike traditional dentures, you don’t take them out daily. Only your dentist should remove them for cleaning or maintenance. This usually happens during regular check-ups, typically once or twice a year. At home, you just need to clean them like natural teeth.
Restore Your Missing Teeth
Are you tired of slipping dentures? Call implant dentist Dr. Dean for care today at (972) 666-1594. You can also request a consultation to discuss All on Four in our Dallas, TX, office.
If you have additional questions about All on Four, let us know at your next visit. We will be happy to answer them for you.