All-on-4 dental implants, also known as full-arch fixed implant bridges, are the most popular choice for those patients with missing teeth. This restorative dentistry service uses 4 implants, which are made of custom materials including acrylic/titanium and other materials, to replace your entire upper or lower set of teeth.
Let’s have a look at the process and recovery time for this effective treatment:
The All-On-4 implants consist of a simple, non-invasive procedure that can be divided into 3 steps:
1. Consultation: Before the Procedure.
Before the actual procedure, the patient will have a full mouth examination, including dental x-rays, and scans to look at the jawbone and other structures, and the dentist will have an in-depth look at the patient’s medical history.
This will help the dentist know about any health problem, current medication, and if the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. After all of this is solved, the patient will schedule the placement procedure.
The patient will be prepared for surgery and will be sedated to start the procedure.
The dentist will extract any of the remaining teeth and will make small incisions in the patient’s gums in order to shape the four upper and four lower arch sockets, where the implants will be placed. Implant screws will be then placed in the patient’s jawbone, with a connector attached. Lastly, the gums are sutured and temporary dentures will be placed while the implant sites heal.
Once the implants are in place, they will need time to heal properly. In general, post-surgery recovery takes 72 hours of rest, but every patient has a different time to heal. The use of ice packs is recommended to reduce any swelling. In some cases, the dentist may also prescribe medications for pain and to prevent infections.
All that’s left is the process of ‘’ osseointegration’’. This lets new bone growth integrate around the implants and complete the healing process.
What about the Recovery?
Once the procedure is finished, the sedation should wear off in approximately 4 to 5 hours. The patient will be recommended a soft-food diet for the first few months and oral hygiene is essential for the healing process. Read more Aftercare Tips For All-On-4 Implants here.
The All-on-4 implant process takes about four and six months to be completed. The osseointegration may take 3-5 months. However, this may vary from patient to patient as it may take longer for those who are in need of additional dental work, which can add another month or two to the overall process.
Two weeks after the surgery, patients will have a follow-up appointment to ensure that the gums are healing properly and the implants are aligning with the mouth. Then, the appointments will be every two months for the next six months.
There are many benefits of getting dental implants. If you have missing teeth and want to restore your smile, dental implants not only improve your smile but also contribute to your overall health. Not to mention they are a more attractive and comfortable alternative to bridges and dentures.
Read more about the All-On-4 dental implant benefits here.
Using advanced technology and techniques, we create the smile you want with long-lasting dental materials and outstanding aesthetic results.
Parker Dental Implant and Specialty Center help you decide whether dental implants are the right choice for you. Call 720-522-2000, or visit us at 11005 S Parker Rd. Parker, Colorado.
