One missing tooth could negatively affect oral health and appearance. Several missing teeth could impact your smile and self-confidence, not to mention making it difficult to eat and talk. If you have multiple missing teeth on one arch, the All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implant placement procedure can correct your smile and restore your confidence in one visit. You must visit a professional dentist for the placement procedure to achieve the best possible outcome.
At Washington Dental, we offer All-on-6 and All-on-4 procedures for patients looking for a convenient way to replace missing teeth. We have experienced dental professionals in all these procedures and are proud to offer quality services that restore your dental health and boost your self-esteem. Our procedures are comfortable and quick, thanks to the state-of-the-art equipment we use. If you wish to undergo any of these procedures in Lomita, CA, please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
An Overview of All-on-4 and All-on-6 Implants
The procedure for placement of dental implants has significantly advanced over the past years. Previously, patients requiring several new teeth had numerous implants inserted and were usually required to undergo the jawbone graft procedure. This would often require a healing time of six months before the replacement teeth could be attached.
If you have several missing teeth, you will eventually have to seek oral care intervention to maintain the jawbone's health and avoid increased infection risk. Not paying attention to missing teeth or wearing dentures will make you look older than you are because of the deterioration of the jawbone.
All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants are revolutionary dental procedures for correcting this problem. Besides correcting several missing teeth, they reconstruct a patient's oral cavity to restore complete function. They are minimally invasive procedures for replacing missing teeth on the lower or upper arch.
The All-on-4 Method
The All-on-4 technique involves using only four dental implants. The four titanium implants are strategically embedded into the jawbone to support the replacement teeth to the bone. The All-on-4 procedure aims to replace a full arch of teeth to restore your bite's functionality and your smile's appearance.
The procedure enables you to acquire a complete set of teeth without undergoing numerous surgeries or replacement procedures to place a full set of implants in your mouth. If you have lost all your teeth, either on the upper or lower arch, or wish to have the teeth you have left extracted because of decay, All-on-4 is the best solution that will enable you to have the teeth replaced.
The All-on-6 Method
All-on-6 and All-on-4 dental implants are similar procedures. Both options provide solutions for patients missing several teeth. Whether you choose All-on-6 or All-on-4, the placement procedure is the same. The primary difference between these two procedures is the number of dental implants used. While All-on-4 involves the use of four dental implants, All-on-6 entails the use of six. The procedure entails the dentist inserting six implants into the jawbone at intervals to anchor the dentures.
'All-on' means that your replacement teeth will all be secured into these implants. What option is ideal for you depends on your specific case. Some dental clinics will recommend All-on-6 over All-on-4 since they believe it is stronger and offers better stability, yielding a more long-lasting smile.
Even though traditional dentures are still a prevalent dental treatment option compared to All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants, they have many shortcomings. For example, it is not uncommon for adhesives to detach or loosen prematurely, resulting in possible embarrassing cases whereby the dentures unexpectedly detach from gums. Additionally, with dentures, the adhesive’s bond’s strength restricts what the patient can eat, at times preventing them from enjoying most of their favorite foods.
One primary disadvantage to dentures that is not always obvious is the gradual erosion of jawbone density due to the missing teeth on the jaw. Whenever teeth are intact in the jawbone, they exert pressure on it by the mouth’s natural movements, like when eating. The pressure strengthens the region around a tooth by enhancing the jaw bones’ density and stimulates growth. When tooth loss occurs, the pressure diminishes, and the jawbone gradually loses strength and density.
All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants offer superior results in all these situations due to the firm bond formed by directly inserting the anchoring implants in the jaw. This approach provides patients with teeth that appear real and act like natural teeth, maintains the jawbone’s strength, and prevents the loss of jawbone density. The stability that implants give also provides a more solid bond for the denture, meaning the patient may eat almost all foods without worrying whether their teeth will loosen or accidentally separate from the jaw.
Another best thing about these two procedures is that they can be completed under local anesthesia and in only one dental visit. The surgical procedure to place these implants is minor and takes about two hours per arch. There is also no need for a bone grafting procedure to hold the dental implants into place since the dentist can opt for the area with a higher-density jawbone to implant the posts.
Ideal Candidates for All-on-6 or All-on-4 Implants
Some people require a sinus lift, treatment for periodontitis, or extensive bone grafting before undergoing a single implant procedure. All-on-6 and All-on-4 dental implants will allow you to bypass most of the surgeries needed for standard dental implants. You might be a perfect candidate for the All-on-6 or All-on-4 implant procedure if you:
- Have undergone jawbone loss.
- You have damaged or lost most of your teeth in a dental arch.
- Suffered from damage to jawbone muscles or dental trauma.
- Have periodontitis that is preventing you from obtaining conventional implants.
If you suffer from an autoimmune illness like Lupus or diabetes or are severely immunocompromised, you might not qualify for the All-on-4 or All-on-6 procedure. When your immune system is functioning poorly, it could prevent the implants' proper healing and impede osseointegration, which is crucial for the implants' stability.
Which Procedure Is Better for You Between All-on-4 and All-on-6
The number of roots and teeth you have left will dictate the kind of All-on procedure ideal for you. Patients missing most of their bottom or top teeth will generally receive All-on-4 dental implants. Patients with certain roots or teeth remaining are ideal for All-on-6 dental implants.
Apart from the number of remaining teeth and roots, the bone amount, strength, and density are other factors that will determine what procedure is better for you. For example, six dental implants will distribute the pressure better and might be ideal for you if you lack jawbone density.
All-on-6 and All-on-4 are permanent, effective solutions for people with missing teeth ready to restore their smiles. Consult your dental professional on what procedure meets your specific needs and why they have recommended it. The good thing is that either procedure will positively affect your oral health and swiftly restore your beautiful, natural smile.
The All-on-4 and All-on-6 Dental Implant Placement Procedure
The All-on-6 or All-on-4 dental implant placement procedure involves several steps as follows:
Consultation and Examination
Before undergoing treatment for All-on-4, you will set up a consultation with your dentist and undergo a detailed examination. This includes a thorough review of your oral health and medical history. The dentist will also conduct 3D scans, take x-ray images, and perform a comprehensive physical exam of your mouth. These inspections and tests enable the dentist to understand your dental health condition, thereby establishing any underlying problems that might have to be corrected or addressed before starting the All-on treatment procedure.
At the evaluation and consultation stage, the dental professional will also inquire about what you hope to achieve with the treatment and guide you on the outcome you can expect after the procedure. This step is critical to ensure all the aspects are considered.
Pre-Procedure and Patient Preparation
Once you are fully aware of what the process entails, the dental professional has confirmed you are a qualified candidate. You have committed to undergo the procedure, the next step will start. In preparation for the surgical procedure, the dentist must take different measurements to plan the precise placement of implants and mold the denture. This helps them achieve the best fit and maximum comfort for you. It also provides higher stability between the replacement teeth and implants.
The dentist’s measurements include the natural gum lines’ height, the magnitude of any underbite or overbite, and the extent of ridge reduction necessary to attain the desired results. Ridge reduction refers to removing a given portion of jawbone matter from the bottom and top jaw to create enough room for accommodating the replacement teeth so the patient can have a natural feel and look after the treatment.
The dentist will also obtain bite impressions for the bottom and top jaws. The lab technician will use the impression to craft teeth molds that will assist in testing the fit and sizing the different components utilized in the treatment procedure. The laboratory further creates wax-testing replacement teeth from the molds to review the correct fit and placement, from which it will create temporary dentures. After all the components are ready, you will undergo your surgery.
The Placement Procedure
Before surgery, the dentist measures and marks the natural distance between your bottom and top jaws to ensure the distance remains unchanged after the procedure. This step is carried out to ensure your jawbone and facial structure remain in the position they were before.
Once you are sedated, the surgical procedure will start. The dentist will remove any of your existing teeth, remnants of teeth lost before, and damaged or excess gum tissue. They will make an incision along the ridge on the bottom and top jawbones to uncover the bone for ridge reduction. Ridge reduction will be conducted by eliminating the predetermined bone measurements from the bottom and top arches. The remaining jawbone will be smoothened for implant insertion.
The procedure to place dental implants starts with the dentist marking all insertion points on the bone surface. They will then drill holes to screw in the implants at given angles to achieve the best possible stability and strength while preventing contact with parts like sinus cavities or nerves and reducing tension on the jawbone when biting or chewing. After the dentist inserts the implants and tightens them to the maximum required torque, they will replace the gum tissues surrounding the implants before closing all incisions.
The dentist will then attach abutments to the ends of the dental implants. Abutments serve as mounting posts for the replacement tooth. They will then mark and drill the contact point where the temporary replacement tooth and abutments meet, then test to ensure a perfect fit. Once all four or six implants are inserted and abutments attached, the temporary replacement teeth are secured onto the abutments with mechanical fasteners.
The dentist then fills and seals the holes in the temporary replacement teeth and checks and verifies your bite pattern. Any improper contact points or high spots are corrected at this point to ensure correct occlusion of the bottom and top jawbone. After the procedure, healing begins.
The temporary replacement teeth still feel and look like natural teeth, although the final permanent replacement teeth will be molded from better materials and have an advanced esthetic outcome.
Recovery and Final Prosthesis
Once the procedure is complete, the dentist will require you to follow standard post-surgery dental care guidelines. They will prescribe painkillers as required, tell you how to clean the oral cavity properly, quicken healing, and provide tips for faster recovery. The dental professional will also schedule check-up visits to check the progress.
Dentists recommend eating only soft foods for the initial few months following the procedure to enable the dental implants to bond and integrate with the jawbone. Bonding and osseointegration usually take three to six months, after which you can broaden your diet and start eating hard foods like nuts and raw vegetables.
Once the dental implants are healed, you can schedule another dental visit for other impressions that the lab will use to create permanent replacement teeth. The dental professional will take out the temporary replacement teeth and take molds of the implants and gums, so the fit of your new replacement teeth is customized to conform to the contours of the healed implants and gums. Once the dentist has obtained the impressions, they will return the temporary replacement teeth in place until the permanent version is crafted.
Once the final replacement teeth are attached, the process is officially over, and you can enjoy your life with your new replacement teeth. The teeth function like your original teeth and are permanent.
You must maintain proper oral hygiene to keep your All-on-6 or All-on-4 implants clean and healthy. A soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal for brushing the implants. If you prefer an electric toothbrush, ensure it has soft bristles. Brush two times a day by brushing around and under the implants to remove bacteria and plaque. Additionally, flossing at least once a day with a water flosser or bridge and crown floss is crucial. Proper oral hygiene will enable your All-on-6 or All-on-4 implants to last a lifetime.
The Cost of All-on-4 Implants
Generally, the cost of All-on-4 dental implants ranges between $3,000 and $50,000, and sometimes it can go over $50,000.
Various factors determine this cost, for example, the dentist's experience, the system used, and the materials used during the procedure. The dental office's location also impacts the treatment cost. This cost covers permanent replacement teeth in both the upper and lower jaws, initial consultation, the surgical procedure, anesthesia, and the implant, among other things.
Your insurance carrier may cover the cost of the All-on-4 procedure. Certain insurance carriers cover more for All-on procedures than others; thus, this could impact the price. Luckily, most dental clinics offer financing options if your insurance carrier does not provide total coverage.
The Cost of All-on-6 Implants
The cost of All-on-6 implants generally ranges between $24,000 and $30,000. This cost is also determined by the factors that determine the All-on-4 price. Your insurance provider may also cover the cost of this procedure.
Benefits of All-On-4 Implants
All-on-4 implants have a lot of advantages over traditional dental treatment methods like dentures and bridges. They include:
There Is No Need for Bone Grafting In Most Cases.
Sometimes a patient may be required to undergo the bone grafting procedure when their jawbone is determined to be incapable of supporting an implant. The procedure requires a prolonged healing period to provide the needed bone density enhancement to the jaw. But with All-on-4, treatment is performed using advanced techniques so the areas with insufficient jawbone density and quality will be easily isolated, eliminating or reducing the requirement for a bone graft.
Quick Results
Unlike traditional dentures or implants requiring several months to complete the treatment procedure, the All-on-4 procedure produces results quickly and conveniently. You can receive new, perfectly functioning teeth in one dental visit, restoring your beautiful smile.
Improved Eating
All-on-4 performs just like original teeth. With higher durability and strength, the implants will enable and enhance your eating capability. The dental implants connect directly with the bone using special titanium composite material to fuse. Additionally, the All-on-4 design will not cover your mouth's roof; thus, chewing will be effortless, and your palate will taste various natural flavors.
They Offer Full Smile Restoration
All-on-4 implants give patients with severe tooth decay or those who have lost most of their teeth something to smile about. They restore a patient's smile, muscle tone, and facial structure after severe tooth decay, infection, or bone loss. With either of these procedures, your teeth will perform, feel, and appear entirely natural. Restoring the full function of your mouth and teeth is a great feature of this procedure, significantly enhancing your life quality. Additionally, your new teeth will be perfect, gleaming, and uniform, resulting in higher self-confidence.
Exceptional Strength
Trusting your mouth's foundation is critical, and All-on-4 implants are created to meet patients' treatment expectations. These solutions are highly effective. Four implants supporting lower or upper teeth replacement significantly support an entire arch prosthetic. A prosthetic arch, customized to resemble the original gum and teeth shape and look perfectly attached to the dental implants secured into the jaw.
They Are Durable
Compared to traditional dentures that have to be replaced often, All-on-4 implants are fixed and, therefore, highly durable. All you require is proper dental hygiene to make them last longer.
The Benefits of All-on-6 Implants
All-on-6 implants have the same advantages as All-on-4. However, since this procedure entails inserting six implants rather than four in the lower and upper jaws, they have a few advantages over All-on-4. That is why they may be considered a more suitable choice in unique cases or depending on the patient's specific needs. The additional benefits the All-on-6 procedure has are:
Extra Stability
Dental professionals may opt for All-on-6 treatment since it can provide greater stability and strength for given patients. Based on the mouth, jawbone, and gums' condition, the dentist may determine that the two more dental implants in the All-on-6 procedure would best serve the patient compared to the All-on-4 treatment procedure.
Improved Jawbone Support
The two more implants in the All-on-6 treatment stimulate the jaw, providing enhanced protection against gradual jawbone density loss. In situations where the loss of jawbone density is a matter of great concern, this procedure assures the patient that their replacement teeth will stay secure and strong for several years.
Contact a Professional Lomita Dentist Near Me
If you are dealing with the challenges resulting from missing or lost teeth, the difference the All-on-4 or All-on-6 procedure can make in your life is enormous. Suddenly, your smile will look brand new, you will be capable of eating a wide range of foods, your self-confidence will be rejuvenated, and you will be able to restore the mouth function you had lost. It is a significant change and one that we at Washington Dental are happy to provide to you.
If you wish to undergo either of these life-altering dental procedures in Lomita, CA, call us today at 310-326-5183 to schedule a consultation. Our expert dental professionals will tell you everything you need to know about the procedure and assist you in determining whether you are an ideal candidate. And if you are, we will be glad to restore your smile and confidence within just a short period.
