All-on-4 Fort Pierce, FL
If you are experiencing tooth loss or severe decay, All-on-4® implants could be the right solution. Trying to eat or speak with significant gaps in your mouth can be challenging and may cause you to avoid social situations. The All-on-4 implant treatment involves mounting all replacement teeth to four dental implants on the top and bottom of your mouth.
All-on-4 implants are available at Fort Pierce Smiles in Fort Pierce and the surrounding area. You can restore your smile and once again enjoy the proper function of your mouth. Call our office today at (772) 232-7073 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
Why Patients Should Consider All-on-4
Instead of waiting for several months to get false teeth attached to the implants, patients can get them attached the same day. The process takes a shorter amount of time because it does not require bone grafts or a large number of implants. The All-on-4 implant process gives the patient natural-looking teeth and helps them feel at ease chewing, speaking, and socializing.
When patients are missing only a few teeth, treatments such as partial dentures, bridges, or traditional implants may be a better fit. However, people who come to our office for All-on-4 implants either have no teeth, or their teeth are failing. Also, if a patient has certain health conditions, a bone graft may not be recommended and this treatment may be a safer choice.
“The All-on-4 implant process gives the patient natural-looking teeth and helps them feel at ease chewing, speaking, and socializing.”
Candidacy for All-on-4
Before getting All-on-4 implants, patients will need to come to our office for a consultation and examination. This consultation will include X-rays, plus an evaluation of the patient's oral health and medical history. We will also take impressions and measurements of their teeth to customize the implants to fit the patient's exact jaw. All these steps allow us to determine candidacy and prep the patient for the procedure.
Virtually anyone who needs a set of completely new teeth can benefit from All-on-4 dental implants. For example, patients who have badly broken down or decayed teeth, congenitally missing teeth, teeth compromised by gum disease, or who have six or more missing teeth on a bridge may want to consider All-on-4 dental implants. Our dentists can determine what is best on a case-by-case basis.
“Our dentists can determine what is best on a case-by-case basis.”
How the All-on-4 Implant Treatment Works
Replacing the top or bottom arch of teeth with standard dental implants would require an implant for each tooth. Alternatively, All-on-4 uses just four implants to replace the top or bottom row of teeth. The treatment works even if the patient has no teeth at all. As explained in this article by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the four implants support the entire arch of replacement teeth. Also, this treatment does not require bone grafting. The implants will fuse with the existing bone and become part of the jaw. Because some of the implants are set at an angle, they are longer and offer more support.
All-on-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster. First, the doctor will take impressions and X-rays and send those to a lab. At a subsequent appointment, our staff will use a local anesthetic to numb the patient and may have to remove any remaining damaged teeth. Then, the dental professional will insert screws into four places in the upper and lower jaw. These titanium anchors will help support the artificial teeth throughout the mouth.
“All-on-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster.”
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Caring for All-on-4
All-on-4 is a clinically proven means of replacing all teeth, with one study verifying that they have a survival rate of 99.2% with up to 10 years of follow-up. Additionally, the treatment has over 18 years of proven clinical success. However, they still require the same care as natural teeth.
To prevent plaque from building up on the implants and causing gum disease, we encourage our patients to brush at least twice a day for two to three minutes each time. It is essential to clean the gum line as well. It is helpful to use a gum stimulator to remove any food at the base of the gum, since the crown of the implant does not fit as tightly against the gumline as a natural tooth and food can get stuck there.
“…the treatment has over 18 years of proven clinical success.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Who is a good candidate for All-on-4?
Q. What is involved in the All-on-4 implant treatment?
Q. Do I qualify for All-on-4 dental implants?
Q. How can I care for All-on-4 implants?
Q. What is the process for getting these implants?
People Also Ask
Q. Who is a good candidate for all teeth replacement?
Q. What services are offered by a general dentist?
Q. What are the differences between implant supported dentures and removable dentures?
The Process of Getting All-on-4
On the day of the oral surgery, we will prep the patient. The patient will be asleep during the procedure, and the type of sedation we use will vary per patient. We will go over these options during the consultation. Once the patient is asleep, we will remove any teeth or gum tissue that we need to.
Our dentist will place two implants at the back of the jaw, with one on either side; the other two implants will be placed near the front of the jaw so all four can evenly support the new teeth. After the surgery, our dentist will place the teeth over the implants. The entire procedure takes about one to two and a half hours. After completing the procedure, we will wait for the patient to wake up and ensure that everything is functioning correctly.
“After completing the procedure, we will wait for the patient to wake up and ensure that everything is functioning correctly.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Am I a suitable candidate for All-on-4?
A. The ideal candidate for the All-on-4 implant is someone who has already lost all or most of their teeth. Someone who has dentures may be the right fit for the All-on-4 implant. Other factors to consider can include age, oral health, and the state of the patient's teeth.
Q. Will I have speech issues with All-on-4?
A. As mentioned earlier, some people experience speech issues after the All-on-4 procedure. This may be due to teeth that are too high or bulky, inadequate positioning of the anterior teeth, or air going through the prosthesis. We will do everything necessary to minimize these risks.
Q. Does age affect my tooth replacement options?
A. Dental implants are effective and long-lasting for both younger and older patients. Though patients of all ages may choose between dentures and dental implants, dental implants prevent bone loss and gum irritation.
Q. How long can an All-on-4 procedure take?
A. On average, an All-on-4 surgery takes about four hours per arch. Once the implants are healed, it can take four to five dental appointments to make a final dental bridge.
Q. How long should I wait to eat after the first surgery?
A. You can begin drinking liquids immediately following the surgery. However, you should try to limit yourself to only cool drinks for the first 48 hours. Only drink hot drinks after all numbness has subsided and any bleeding has stopped. You will need to stick to a liquid diet for the first two weeks following the surgery.
Q. How often do I see a dentist after replacing my teeth?
A. You should still see a dentist twice a year for your bi-annual checkups. However, some patients may need to be seen more frequently than others. We can help determine what is best for you.
Denture Terminology
It is Your Turn
If you are missing teeth, consider All-on-4 implant surgery. Call us today at (772) 232-7073 to discuss your oral health needs. Join other patients in Fort Pierce and rediscover your smile and ability to eat the foods you love. You may also finally feel good about your overall appearance.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Fort Pierce Smiles was established in 2023.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: St. Lucie County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce South, White City, Fort Pierce North, St Lucie, Okeechobee, Hutchinson Island, and Vero Beach
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