All-on-4 Dental Implants Topeka & Silver Lake
Streamlined Treatment to Restore Your Smile
The purpose of dental implants is to replace the roots of missing teeth. But does that mean you need an implant for each lost tooth? No, not necessarily. Thanks to All-on-4 dental implants in Topeka and Silver Lake, you might be able to regain a full arch of teeth with as few as four implants. Would you like to learn more about this streamlined treatment to restore your smile? Continue reading this page, or contact Michel Dental to set up your tooth replacement consultation. We look forward to answering your questions!
How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Work?
All-on-4 treatment is sometimes called “Teeth in a Day” because it is so efficient. After any necessary preliminary care, you will undergo a surgery wherein your remaining natural teeth will be extracted, dental implants will be placed, and you will receive a temporary denture.
The implants are placed at very strategic locations. Two go toward the back of the jaw at a 45-degree angle, and two are placed toward the front. This method uses areas of the bone that are naturally strong and thick. Therefore, the implants are immediately able to support a load, and no bone grafting is usually required.
Am I a Candidate for All-on-4 Dental Implants?
You might be a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants if:
- You are missing all or most of your teeth throughout one of your dental arches. (Or your remaining teeth are in poor condition.)
- You have adequate jawbone density to support dental implants. (Most people meet this requirement, even without a bone graft.)
- You are free of active gum disease.
- You have good habits that will support the long-term success of your implants.
Our team can help you determine for sure if All-on-4 is a good fit for you.
Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 treatment offers some amazing benefits:
- An All-on-4 denture is permanently fixed in the mouth, so you can treat it almost like you would natural teeth.
- You can enjoy a strong bite force that enables you to eat virtually any food, including tough, hard, and chewy items.
- We carefully design All-on-4 dentures so they look as natural and beautiful as possible.
- Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, which can prevent it from deteriorating. This helps you to maintain a youthful face shape.
- The treatment process is very efficient — you can look forward to getting your new smile in as little time as possible.
All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants
Here are some of the biggest differences between All-on-4 and traditional dental implants:
- All-on-4 treatment is usually faster.
- All-on-4 typically requires just one surgery, whereas traditional implants might require two or more.
- The streamlined nature of All-on-4 may make it cost less than full-arch replacement with traditional methods.
- Traditional implants can replace any number of missing teeth, but All-on-4 is exclusively for full-arch replacement.
- Traditional implant methods may use more support posts for a full denture, which could contribute to a stronger and more stable bite.
Our team will be happy to help you compare the pros and cons of all your tooth replacement options.
All-on-4 FAQs
Is All-on-4 Painful?
The specialist who performs your All-on-4 procedure will begin by numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic. Thus, you’ll experience little to no discomfort during the surgery (although some patients do report noticing a little bit of pressure).
In the days following the All-on-4 procedure, there may be some soreness in your mouth. This discomfort will eventually fade on its own, and in the meantime, you can take over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication to control it. Be sure to follow any aftercare instructions you’re given in order to stay comfortable and keep the recovery process on track.
How Long Does the All-on-4 Procedure Take?
Oftentimes, the initial All-on-4 procedure – during which the implant posts are placed and a temporary denture may be provided – can be completed in roughly two hours. However, this can vary based on the patient’s circumstances. For example, if you still have a few of your natural teeth, they will need to be extracted before you can receive your implant posts. Naturally, an extraction can add to the overall treatment time.
It's also worth noting that your mouth will need time to heal before your permanent denture can be placed. This typically takes a matter of months.
Will People Be Able to Tell That My Teeth Aren’t Real?
All-on-4 is known for looking and feeling natural. Your prosthesis will be carefully designed with your specific mouth in mind, resulting in a beautiful, lifelike new smile. Most people meeting you for the first time won’t even realize that you’ve had teeth replaced. This is helped by the fact that the implant posts will keep your denture anchored in place at all times; as such, there’s no chance of your prosthesis slipping while you’re speaking to someone else or eating in public.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover All-on-4 Treatment?
Not all dental insurance plans are alike, so you will need to reach out to your insurance provider to confirm what coverage, if any, they offer for All-on-4 or other dental implant procedures. Oftentimes, they may not pay for the implant posts, but they might still provide partial coverage for other aspects of the treatment, such as the final prosthesis. Make sure that you completely understand what your dental insurance plan does and does not cover before you make any commitments.
Why Do I Need a Temporary Denture for All-on-4?
The purpose of a temporary denture is to ensure that patients have a full, functional smile that they can eat and speak with until a permanent prosthesis can be placed. The implant posts will only be able to support a permanent denture once they have finished forming a lasting bond with the jawbone. On top of that, it takes time to design and create a prosthesis that has the best possible appearance and fit for your specific smile.