Healing Tips for Implant Supported Dentures
Implant supported dentures provide a more secure denture option for those who want to replace missing teeth.
The All-on-4 Solution
All-on-4 implants are similar to traditional dental implants. Unlike with conventional dental implants, however, the dentist only needs to place a total of four implants in each jawbone to replace all the teeth of a specific row. Traditional dental implants can require up to eight implants in each jawbone to replace a full set of teeth. Furthermore, the recovery time for traditional dental implants can take up to eight months. Getting the All-on-4 implant can speed up the recovery time and lessen the pain.
Dental implants have been in use since the 1970s and 1980s. Dr. Paulo Malo developed the All-on-4 treatment method with straight and angled multi-unit abutments in 1998, effectively transforming a procedure that used to take four to six months to complete into a single-day procedure (even when including extraction).
“Unlike with conventional dental implants, however, the dentist only needs to place a total of four implants in each jawbone to replace all the teeth of a specific row.”
Causes and Effects of Tooth Loss
According to WebMD, tooth loss is a common but not inevitable part of aging. Tooth loss can occur from an accident, such as a slip or fall that knocks out one or more teeth. Injuries such as hard blows to the face from playing sports or being involved in a vehicle accident could dislodge teeth as well. Over time, excessive decay or gum disease can compromise a tooth's structure and effectiveness. Teeth may wear down, fall out, or a dental professional may have to pull them.
Extreme tooth decay can cause severe pain and irritation. Aesthetically, a toothless smile can have emotional implications on a patient. Other effects of missing or damaged teeth include:
- Sensitivity to certain foods and beverages: When a patient has large cavities or failing teeth, it can be challenging to consume hot or cold food and drinks.
- Discomfort in the gum area: Patients who have no teeth may have trouble eating and speaking. Some may find wearing a complete set of dentures less comfortable.
- Social discomfort: Patients who are missing teeth may avoid smiling or even being out in social settings.
All of these effects can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Luckily, there are many tooth replacement options. Our team can help patients determine if All-on-4 is the right solution for them.
“According to WebMD, tooth loss is a common but not inevitable part of aging.”
Is All-on-4 Right for You?
All-on-4 may be right for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth. It may also be a good choice for patients who need to have all of their teeth removed or those who have experienced bone loss.
Advantages of All-on-4 Implants
Since the titanium in the All-on-4 implants can fuse with the jawbone, they may last longer than other tooth-replacement options. Other benefits of All-on-4 implants include:
- A replacement option that is sturdier than other removable artificial teeth
- Easier to clean than removable tooth-replacement options
- Only needing to insert four implants into the jaw for an entire row of teeth
- The ability for patients to eat foods they love without too much restriction
Disadvantages of All-on-4 Implants
While highly uncommon, All-on-4 implants may occasionally fail. This happens when the bone grows improperly around the implanted screw. In addition, some patients may experience:
- A difficulty in speech
- Tender gums and difficulty eating during the healing process
“All-on-4 may be right for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: All-on-4 Implants in Los Angeles, CA
After the Procedure
Our team will send you home with specific aftercare instructions that you should follow exactly for proper healing and prevention of infection. Instructions commonly include brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush, sleeping with your head elevated and eating only soft foods. Immediately following the procedure you may be sore, have swelling and light bleeding. As always, call our office immediately if these symptoms get worse rather than subside.
Patients should maintain proper care of the implants and their oral health. Just as with natural teeth, patients need to continue brushing and flossing daily. Regular dental checkups are essential. A dentist should routinely examine the implants and artificial teeth to ensure that everything looks the way it should.
“Patients should maintain proper care of the implants and their oral health. Just as with natural teeth, patients need to continue brushing and flossing daily.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What should you do after the procedure?
Q. What are All-on-4 dental implants?
Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of All-on-4?
People Also Ask
Q. How do I know which replacement option is right for me?
Q. What are the differences between implant supported dentures and removable dentures?
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.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Denture Terminology
- Alveolar Bone
- The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.
- Clasp
- A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.
- Denture Base
- The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
- Edentulous
- Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.
- Fixed Full Arch Restoration
- A fixed full arch restoration is a common treatment option for edentulous patients who are missing either all or at least an entire arch of their teeth.
- Fixed Provisional Bridge
- A fixed provisional bridge is a dental bridge that a dentist cements in place for a temporary amount of time to see if it works properly before making the bridge permanent.
- Full Arch Rehabilitation
- Full arch rehabilitation involves using the All-on-4 to help patients maintain and use a new set of teeth that look natural.
- Full Arch Treatment
- Full arch treatment is the treatment process of replacing an entire arch of missing teeth and ensuring that everything fits properly.
- Graftless Procedure
- A graftless procedure is a dental implant procedure that does not require the use of a bone graft prior to placing the dental implants.
- Nobel Biocare
- Nobel Biocare is a company that manufactures dental implants and continues to innovate the market with new products and designs.
- Periodontal Disease
- Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
- Pontic
- Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.
- Resin/Acrylic
- Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.
- Stomatitis
- Stomatitis is the inflammation of the tissue that is underlying a denture that does not fit properly. It can also result from other oral health factors.
It is Your Turn
If you are missing teeth, consider All-on-4 implant surgery. Call us today at (310) 906-1300 to discuss your oral health needs. Join other patients in Los Angeles and rediscover your smile and ability to eat the foods you love. You may also finally feel good about your overall appearance.
Request AppointmentHelpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD's Oral Care Guide. 2025
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