The process of supporting all of the teeth on four dental implants is known as "All-on-Four." This is a prosthodontic procedure that can restore a patient's teeth and give them a natural-looking smile. Patients who suffer from edentulous jawbones and compromised teeth are a good candidate for this procedure. The All-on-4 procedure is also advantageous because it requires minimal maintenance and a high return on investment. If properly cared for, All -on4 dental implants can last a lifetime. In contrast, dentures need to be replaced
every five to 10 years. Not only are these expensive, but they can also cause discomfort, including TMJ or headaches. The procedure for All-on-Four dental implants is typically performed under local anesthesia. A dentist will remove the rotten teeth and infected gum tissue and place four titanium screws in your mouth, front and back. These will fuse with your bone, creating a stable foundation for your prosthetic teeth. The recovery time for an All-on-Four procedure is minimal. Most patients are able to return to their regular activities the next day. However, it can take up to six months for the jawbone and gums to fully heal and bond with the implants. At that time, you'll be scheduled for a follow-up appointment with your oral surgeon. After the All-on-Four procedure, you'll likely need to continue with your normal daily oral hygiene, and take pain relievers as necessary. Your dentist will also provide you with instructions for proper oral hygiene to speed up the healing process. You may also need to schedule follow-up appointments with your dentist to evaluate the progress of your recovery.