All-on-4 – Dumfries, VA
A Permanent Smile with Fewer Implant Posts
Patients who have lost most or all of their teeth are often reluctant to get dental implants, thinking they’ll need a separate post for each tooth. But with modern techniques and technology, Dr. Shinwari can replace all of the teeth in a single arch using only four dental implant posts! Reach out to the Oral & Facial Surgery Center of Virginia today to set up a consultation to see if All-on-4 may be your answer for a complete, reliable new smile.
Why Choose Oral & Facial Surgery Center of Virginia for All-on-4?
- Surgeon That Books Patients As Soon As Possible
- State-of-the-Art Dental Implant Techniques and Technology
- Wide Range of Insurance Plans Accepted
How Do All-On-4 Implants Work?
Like with traditional dental implants, All-on-4 involves placing implant posts in strategic parts of the jaw so that they can support replacement teeth. But what makes All-on-4 different is that the four posts used for the procedure are strategically placed in the thickest areas of your jawbone. The implants near the back of the mouth are inserted at a 45-degree angle so that they can join with the bone toward the front of the jaw. This makes it easier for the implants to successfully bond with the surrounding bone so they can act as new tooth roots.
Am I a Candidate for All-On-4 Implants?
Because All-on-4 can be performed in patients with less bone density in their jaws, there’s a good chance that you’re a candidate for the procedure even if you’ve already suffered from bone loss. However, you do still need to be in good oral health overall to be eligible for any kind of dental implant procedure, and you must be able to commit to good oral hygiene if you want your implants to last a lifetime. During your initial consultation, we can help you figure out whether All-on-4 is the best option for you or if you might need to consider other types of tooth replacement.
Benefits of All-On-4 Implants
All-on-4 implants carry several distinct advantages over traditional tooth replacements:
- Your new teeth will be permanently anchored in your jaw, so you don’t have to remove them for cleaning; you can just brush and floss them as if they were natural teeth.
- The implant posts will help stimulate the jawbone to stop it from resorbing over time, preventing bone loss in the long term.
- You will be able to enjoy a wider variety of foods thanks to the greater bite force and chewing power that implants provide.
- Your new teeth will look and feel natural in your mouth.
All-On-4 VS. Traditional Implants
With traditional dental implants, you might need as many as eight to support a full denture. Thanks to the All-on-4 technique, we can replace the same number of teeth with half the implants. Also, traditional dental implants often call for bone grafts, but All-on-4 lets you avoid this procedure, shaving months off your treatment plan. Finally, with the All-on-4 technique, your mouth may be ready to support new teeth on the same day as the surgery; with traditional dental implants, there’s usually a waiting period before a denture can be placed.
All-on-4 FAQs
Choosing a tooth replacement option is a huge decision, so it’s completely understandable that you have some questions about how the treatment works. We’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about All-on-4. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry. Give us a call and we’d be happy to get you started with an initial consultation.
Does Getting All-on-4 Surgery Hurt?
Patients find it easy to remain comfortable during the procedure for a variety of reasons. The jawbone doesn’t have very many nerve ending and your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure begins. We also offer a variety of sedation options to ensure that you are perfectly comfortable throughout the entire process. Afterward, some minor swelling and discomfort is normal, but this is temporary and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How Long Does All-on-4 Surgery Take?
The length of your procedure can vary depending on your treatment plan. On average, it takes about two hours for each arch to be completed, but it can be longer in some cases. During your consultation with us, Dr. Shinwari will be able to give you a more specific estimate after completing an examination of your smile.
Will I Be Able to Take My Denture Out?
Only a dental professional will be able to remove your denture. To take care of your new restoration, you need to follow a basic oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day. Your denture itself will not develop cavities, but cleaning your mouth every day will prevent the accumulation of plaque and bacteria that could damage the gum and bone tissue providing support for the implants.
Will Dental Insurance Cover All-on-4?
Many plans will cover a consultation, X-rays, and the denture. However, the dental implant placement surgery itself may not be covered. It is best to reach out to your insurance provider ahead of time so you aren’t left with any surprises. Our team can help by going over your benefits with you before your treatment so you know exactly what to expect. We also work with CareCredit and LendingClub – third-party financers that offer a number of low-to-no interest plans that can help treatment fit into your budget.