Dental Implants
All-on-4® Implants in San Ramon
If you are dealing with tooth loss or severe decay, All-on-4® implants might be an ideal solution. Significant gaps in your mouth can make eating and speaking difficult, potentially leading to discomfort in social situations. The All-on-4 implant treatment offers a way to replace all missing teeth by attaching a full set of replacement teeth to just four dental implants, placed strategically in the upper and lower jaws.
With the All-on-4® implant procedure, patients can have their replacement teeth attached on the same day as the implant surgery, eliminating the usual wait of several months. This expedited process is possible because it does not require bone grafts or a large number of implants, making it quicker and more efficient. The All-on-4 implants provide natural-looking teeth, allowing patients to comfortably eat, speak, and engage in social activities.
For patients missing only a few teeth, alternatives like partial dentures, bridges, or traditional implants might be more appropriate. However, All-on-4 implants are ideal for individuals who are either edentulous (missing all their teeth) or have failing teeth. Additionally, for patients with certain health conditions that contraindicate bone grafts, the All-on-4 procedure offers a safer and more viable option.
Replacing the entire upper or lower arch of teeth with standard dental implants typically requires one implant per tooth. In contrast, the All-on-4® technique uses only four implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. This approach is effective even for patients who are completely edentulous. As outlined by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, these four implants support the entire set of replacement teeth and do not require bone grafting. The implants are strategically placed, with some set at an angle to utilize existing bone more effectively, providing greater stability.
The All-on-4 implant procedure is similar to getting regular implants but involves a quicker process and recovery time. Initially, the doctor will take impressions and X-rays to send to a lab for the creation of the dental prosthetics. At a subsequent appointment, the patient will receive a local anesthetic, and any remaining damaged teeth will be removed if necessary. The dentist will then insert titanium screws into four strategic positions in the upper and lower jaw. These screws act as anchors for the entire set of artificial teeth, providing robust support and functionality.
Our team will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to follow carefully to ensure proper healing and prevent infection. These instructions typically include brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush, sleeping with your head elevated, and eating only soft foods. After the procedure, you may experience soreness, swelling, and light bleeding. If these symptoms worsen instead of improving, please contact our office immediately.
It’s crucial for patients to maintain good oral hygiene and care for their implants just as they would with natural teeth. This includes daily brushing and flossing. Regular dental checkups are also essential, as a dentist needs to routinely examine the implants and artificial teeth to ensure everything is in proper condition.