What to Expect During the All-on-4 Dental Implants Process
Prior to having All-on-4 Dental Implants placed, we will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, bite, plaque, and bone structure and review your medical and oral health history. It will also likely be necessary to take an X-Ray or other diagnostic exam to identify underlying issues and determine if you have a sufficient amount of jawbone to support All-on-4 Dental Implants, although one of the benefits of All-on-4 is that it can often be placed without the need for a bone graft.
If it is determined that All-on-4 Dental Implants are the best treatment option for you, the procedure will typically include the following steps:
- A local anesthetic and/or dental sedation is administered to reduce pain, discomfort, and/or anxiety during the procedure.
- If necessary, a tooth extraction will be performed, which will involve elevating the tooth and then removing it using forceps. During this process, you should expect to feel some pressure, but the anesthetic and/or sedation should minimize or eliminate pain. If the tooth being extracted has broken off within the gums or has not erupted, it will be necessary to first make an incision into the gum line to access the tooth, after which it can be removed using forceps, or be cut into sections and removed in pieces.
- Next, four small holes are drilled into your jawbone, in which titanium posts are placed. These posts will act as the base for the abutments and crowns, which will be attached later. Before these pieces can be attached, it will be necessary to stitch this area up to heal and allow for the posts to fuse with your natural jawbone through a process called osseointegration. The time required to complete osseointegration will vary from patient to patient, but can take anywhere from six weeks to six months.
- Once osseointegration is complete, the abutment and crown are placed. Once they have been tested to ensure the bite and appearance are correct, the All-on-4 procedure will be complete.
Aftercare for All-on-4 Dental Implants
Following placement of your All-on-4 Dental Implants, it is essential that you closely follow the aftercare instructions provided by your periodontist. In addition to following these instructions, additional steps you can take to minimize post-procedural issues include:
- Discomfort or pain can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain-relieving medication. Follow recommended dosages, and if prescribed painkillers, take as directed until the prescription runs out.
- Swelling can be controlled by placing ice packs over the affected area for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. It is important not to leave the ice pack on for too long, as doing so reduces blood flow, which can slow the healing process.
- Avoid using a straw, rinsing, or spitting for 24 hours.
- Do not brush or floss for the first 24 hours. When you resume your oral hygiene routine, practice gentle brushing techniques as the area heals. You may begin flossing your natural teeth, but do not use floss on the dental implant.
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods and follow a soft food diet (yogurt, pudding, applesauce, soup) for at least one week. You may begin to slowly reintroduce harder foods as discomfort subsides and healing progresses.
- Rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 48 hours, possibly longer depending on the severity of your case.
How Much Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost?
At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, we are committed to making sure you understand what the cost of treatment will be and will do everything we can to help you maximize your dental health benefits and explore third-party financing plans if necessary. One of our business coordinators will be happy to conduct a complimentary benefits analysis for you when you are in the office.
If you do not have insurance and are concerned about the cost of periodontal care, you are not alone. We understand that the cost of periodontal treatment is one of the biggest concerns our patients have and are committed to ensuring our patients receive the care they deserve and that the cost of treatment does not prevent this from happening. To learn more about all the financial options we offer, contact our office today.
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, credit cards, and financing.
Personalized Care and High Quality Services
At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, we are committed to providing a comfortable, personalized experience built around your individual needs. Our experienced team takes the time to get to know each patient, answer questions, and understand your concerns and treatment goals. We believe that trust and open communication are essential to providing high-quality periodontal care.
If you have questions about All-on-4 dental implants or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Periodontic Associates of Port Huron at (810) 987-1400.
We look forward to helping you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.