All-On-4 Dental Implants Mesquite
Four Implants, One Dazzling Restored Smile
Dental implants can be an excellent way to fill in the gaps in your smile, but what if an entire row of teeth is missing? Most patients with extensive tooth loss get dentures, but there’s another option that offers improved stability and can help keep the jawbone healthy. Our dentists at OS Dental offer a treatment known as All-on-4, which can replace an entire row of teeth using just four dental implant posts. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about All-on-4 dental implants in Mesquite.
How Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant is a titanium post that serves as the “root” for prosthetic teeth. Normally, a single implant can only support a dental crown in order to replace one tooth; however, four implants placed in strategic areas can act as the foundation for a bridge that supports an entire row of teeth. The two posterior implants (the ones in the back of the mouth) can be tilted at a 45-degree angle; this reduces the need for grafting to make sure there’s enough bone height for osseointegration.
Am I a Candidate for All-On-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 implants can be used for patients who have lost all of their teeth or need to have an entire row of teeth extracted for health purposes. Because the posterior implants are inserted at an angle, even patients who have already suffered from bone loss in the jaw may be able to enjoy a dazzling restored smile thanks to All-on-4.
What Are the Benefits of All-On-4 Dental Implants?
- Prosthetic teeth supported by All-on-4 implants do not need to be taken out and do not need adhesives, unlike traditional dentures; you can simply brush them like you would your natural teeth in order to maintain oral hygiene.
- Dental implants are comfortable in your mouth.
- With All-on-4 implants, you’ll enjoy increased chewing power that will allow you to eat all your favorite foods.
- The implants will prevent the bone loss in your jaw that dentures won’t address; they’ll also support your facial features and help you look younger.
All-on-4 VS Traditional Dental Implants
With traditional methods, it usually takes anywhere from 6 to 8 implants to support a full denture, and none of these implants take advantage of a 45-degree angle, meaning bone grafts are usually required in patients that have experienced bone loss. Furthermore, for certain patients, All-on-4 implants can be loaded with replacement teeth immediately; traditional implants usually require that you wait for osseointegration and recovery to take place before the dental restoration can be placed. As a result, All-on-4 treatments are usually faster and less costly than traditional implant procedures.
Of course, you’ll need to speak with an implant dentist before determining whether All-on-4 really is the most suitable treatment for you. Schedule an appointment with Dr. McKnight or Dr. Olga today!
All-on-4 Dental Implants FAQs
Are All-on-4 dental implants covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for All-on-4 dental implants in our Mesquite office varies by plan. Many dental plans do not pay the full cost of implant care, but some help with parts of treatment such as exams, imaging, extractions, or a temporary restoration. Some plans pay for up to half the cost of the implants themselves.
At our practice, we can help you review your benefits. We are also happy to file claims on your behalf with PPO insurance plans so you can get whatever reimbursement you are entitled to.
What foods can you eat after getting All-on-4 dental implants?
Right after treatment, we recommend smooth, soft foods that place very little pressure on your new implants. Good choices include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, blended soups, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and protein shakes without a straw. Cool or lukewarm foods often feel most comfortable during the first few days.
As healing continues, you can add soft pasta, tender fish, and well-cooked vegetables — essentially, any foods that are easy to chew. We ask you to avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or very hot foods until we confirm that your implants and temporary teeth are ready for more force.
Once your temporary denture has been replaced with your permanent restoration, you should find it easy and comfortable to eat a wide variety of foods, including tough and chewy items.
Do All-on-4 dental implants take a long time to heal?
Many patients feel better within several days, and most return to normal daily activities within about a week or less. Even so, full healing takes more time because the implants need to bond with your jawbone. This process often takes several months, and that stable bond supports the long-term strength of your new smile.
Our team will provide detailed post-op instructions that will reduce the risk of complications and support your body’s natural recovery mechanisms. Remember that everyone heals at a different rate, so be patient with yourself and eagerly look forward to the time when your treatment is complete!
Are All-on-4 implant dentures removable?
All-on-4 teeth are usually fixed in place, which means you cannot remove them on your own. They attach securely to dental implants and stay stable while you speak, smile, and eat. That fixed design is one reason many patients prefer All-on-4 over traditional dentures.
If removal is ever necessary for maintenance or repair, our team will handle that in the office. We will also show you how to clean around your restoration at home so it stays fresh and healthy.
Are All-on-4 dental implants safe?
All-on-4 dental implants are a well-studied treatment with a strong track record of long-term success when they are placed by an experienced team and cared for properly.
The implants themselves are made of biocompatible titanium, so they tend to work very well within the human body. As your implant dentist in Mesquite, our team also takes precautions before, during, and after your placement surgery to keep the risk of complications to a bare minimum.