All-on-4 Implants

Dental implants are considered one of the safest and most predictable procedures in modern dentistry. With decades of research, advanced surgical planning (such as CBCT scanning), and high-quality biocompatible materials like titanium and zirconium, the risks are minimal when the procedure is properly performed. Like any surgery, it does require careful planning, a skilled surgical team, and patient cooperation during the healing phase. But when all conditions are right, dental implants offer a long-term and often life-changing solution for patients missing teeth.

It's important to understand that we cannot determine if you are a perfect candidate for All-on-4 just from pictures you send. We need to assess the width, length, and quality of your bone to determine if we can place four implants perfectly, which will then support a titanium-zirconium bridge with zirconium crowns. For a lower cost, composite can be used on the titanium with similar aesthetics. The final result will always be perfect.

The procedure before the integration of the implants and the actual implant placement is crucial. After reviewing your CBCT scan, the surgeon will decide whether we can proceed with confidence to ensure a long-lasting result. We measure the bone and determine the ideal implant placement.

If the bone quality is good and there is enough space, we will place the four implants, usually with some bone grafting, and within 24 to 48 hours, you will receive your permanent fixed teeth, which you will wear for the next four to six months.

If your bone is too soft, you may lack sufficient vitamin D, or the holes from extractions are too large, making grafting insufficient for immediate implant placement. In these cases, about 10 to 15% of patients will need to wear a temporary denture while we wait for the bone to be perfect for implant placement. After that, we can proceed to the final fixed work.

It is important to maintain your permanent work properly. Our hygienist and periodontist will provide thorough instructions on how to clean underneath and maintain the work. The longevity of your implants will largely depend on how well you maintain your gum health.

Once the healing time is over and the implant phase is complete, you can plan the perfect smile with your doctor. Together, with digital Smile Design, we will choose the color and form of the teeth, which is the most enjoyable part of the process.

Patients often ask about pain during the procedure. I always assure them that the procedure is not painful, thanks to the anesthetics used. Post-procedure, it’s just a healing process that may involve some swelling and discomfort, but this can be managed with analgesics. The key is to focus on the goal—a beautiful, permanent fixed work and the smile you’ve always wanted.

During the integration period of the implants, while you wait for them to settle, you can eat, but it should be softer food. In the first few months, it’s crucial to avoid breaking the temporary work, as solid food or careless movements can cause damage. Unscrewing the temporary work could jeopardize the implants, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and be mindful during this time.