Losing multiple teeth due to injury or decay doesn’t have to mean living with gaps in your smile. An All-on-4 dental implant offers a strong, natural-looking solution that can transform your confidence and oral health.
What is an All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are a long-term solution to replace multiple missing teeth. This process involves placing four titanium posts in the jawbone, mimicking the roots of the missing teeth.
Once they have healed and fused with the bone, a custom-made prosthetic arch is attached, designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. The result? A durable, natural-looking tooth replacement that functions just like your original teeth.
How Does the Implant Work?
The All-on-4 dental implants consists of three main components:
• Implants: The four titanium posts act as a strong foundation for your new teeth, integrating with your jawbone to provide support.
• Abutments: These small connectors are attached to the implants, holding the prosthetic arch securely in place.
• Prosthetic Arch: Custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, the prosthetic arch is the visible part of the implant.
The Implant Procedure: Step-by-Step
The dental implant process usually unfolds over several months and includes the following steps:
- Initial Consultation and Planning: Your dentist will assess your oral health and take x-rays to determine if your jawbone can support the implants.
- Tooth Extraction (if needed): If damaged teeth are still in place, they will be removed before moving forward with the implants.
- Bone Grafting (if required): In cases where the jawbone lacks density, a bone graft may be necessary to ensure the implants have enough support.
- Placing the Implants: Small incisions are made in the gum, and the titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone. This is followed by a healing period, during which the implants fuse with the bone.
- Abutments and Prosthetic Arch: Once healing is complete, the abutments are placed, and impressions are taken for the prosthetic arch, which is then attached to finalize your new smile.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before the All-on-4 dental implant procedure, your dental team will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions. You may need to take antibiotics or use a special mouthwash to prevent infection. If sedation is part of the procedure, you’ll be advised to arrange transport and fast beforehand.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
Dental implant surgery is usually performed in two stages:
- Implant Placement: Your dentist will numb the area and make small incisions to expose the bone. The implants are carefully positioned and covered with healing caps before stitching the gum closed.
- Abutments and Prosthetic Arch Placement: After healing, a second minor procedure exposes the implants, and impressions are taken for your custom prosthetic arch. This phase is straightforward and painless.
Post-Surgery Recovery and Care
After your surgery, you may experience some swelling or discomfort, which can usually be managed with pain relief medication. You’ll be provided with aftercare instructions to promote healing and avoid complications.
Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to keep your implants healthy and functional for years to come.
Benefits of an All-on-4 Dental Implant
Opting for a dental implant comes with numerous advantages:
• Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
• Natural Appearance: The custom-made prosthetic arch is indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
• Jawbone Preservation: Implants stimulate the bone, preventing bone loss that occurs with missing teeth.
• No Impact on Adjacent Teeth: Unlike bridges, implants don’t require altering nearby teeth for support.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
At My Dental Implants in Northcote, Auckland, we’re here to help you regain your confidence with an All-on-4 dental implant. If you’re ready to explore your options, contact us today to book a consultation and take the first step toward a healthy, beautiful smile.
