Have you lost a full arch of teeth? All-on-4 (or All-on-6) is a method of placing dental implants which allows your dentist to secure a complete denture on four to six dental implants. Used in cases of total tooth loss, this approach promises a stable, natural-looking smile faster and more affordably compared to what is possible with traditional dental implants. For many patients, that is wonderful news — but All-on-4 implants can also be associated with some risks. Keep reading to find out what they are and how they can be avoided.
Possible Issues Associated with All-on-4
- Surgical complications: Infection and other issues are possible with any surgery, including All-on-4. Bleeding, swelling, and pain that persist several days after the surgery can indicate a problem.
- Failure to integrate: If you smoke, have a serious health condition, or have poor nutrition, your dentist may advise against All-on-4 dental implants. These factors can prevent the dental implants from fusing together with the bone, a process which is crucial for successful dental implants.
- Too much stress on the bone: Even All-on-4 dental implants that do integrate with your bone tissue can fail over time. When the prosthetic does not have enough support from dental implant posts, bone loss and loosening/failing dental implants may occur due to excessive pressure.
Choose an Experienced Team for Dental Implants
Of course, All-on-4 can be a highly effective method of replacing a full arch of teeth in the right circumstances, and additional stability can be provided with the use of an additional two dental implants (All-on-6). Patients who are dealing with a loose or uncomfortable denture or who are on the brink of losing a full arch of teeth in the upper or lower jaw are often good candidates for this procedure. An experienced dental implant team can perform the All-on-4 surgery in a single appointment with IV sedation so that you are comfortable during your procedure. Also called Teeth In a Day, this procedure allows you to leave the office with a fixed prosthetic, without long recovery periods and usually without prior bone grafting procedures, since bone grafting is performed on the day of your surgery.
During a consultation with your implant dentist, do not hesitate to ask them how much experience they have with All-on-4 or All-on-6. Case studies can demonstrate that they have plenty of hands-on skill and also help you understand what to expect with your own procedure. Inquire about the pros and cons of getting this treatment vs. traditional dental implants for your particular case. The right dental team should talk you through the procedure step-by-step and be more than happy to answer all of your questions.
To conclude, All-on-4 or All-on-6 can be a good option for patients who have experienced total tooth loss in the upper and/or lower jaw, but they are not necessarily for everyone. If you are dealing with a loose denture or are anticipating losing all of your teeth in the near future, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an experienced dental implant team.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page leads the team at Capital Smiles, offering exceptional care in implant dentistry and other general, restorative, and cosmetic services. She is highly experienced and make use of the latest technology to ensure success across all implant procedures, including All-on-4 and All-on-6. To learn more, call Capital Smiles at (518) 374-0317.