All-on-4® Federal Way, WA
If you are missing multiple teeth and researching possible tooth-replacement options, you may want to consider the All-on-4® implant treatment. All-on-4 implants involve placing four titanium implants at key points in the lower or upper jaw to provide a sturdy base for a row of artificial teeth. This type of dental implant can provide the natural appearance of a full smile with artificial teeth that function like regular teeth.
The All-on-4 implant treatment is available at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. This treatment is a fantastic option for many patients who need to replace multiple teeth but do not want to use individual implants. Our team can help customize this treatment to your specific needs for the full smile you desire.
Call us today and schedule an appointment to learn more about the All-on-4 implant treatment.
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.”
Candidacy for All-on-4
Before getting All-on-4 implants, patients will need to come to our office for a consultation and examination. This consultation will include X-rays, plus an evaluation of the patient's oral health and medical history. We will also take impressions and measurements of their teeth to customize the implants to fit the patient's exact jaw. All these steps allow us to determine candidacy and prep the patient for the procedure.
Virtually anyone who needs a set of completely new teeth can benefit from All-on-4 dental implants. For example, patients who have badly broken down or decayed teeth, congenitally missing teeth, teeth compromised by gum disease, or who have six or more missing teeth on a bridge may want to consider All-on-4 dental implants. Our dentists can determine what is best on a case-by-case basis.
“Our dentists can determine what is best on a case-by-case basis.”
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.”
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Caring for All-on-4
All-on-4 is a clinically proven means of replacing all teeth, with one study verifying that they have a survival rate of 99.2% with up to 10 years of follow-up. Additionally, the treatment has over 18 years of proven clinical success. However, they still require the same care as natural teeth.
To prevent plaque from building up on the implants and causing gum disease, we encourage our patients to brush at least twice a day for two to three minutes each time. It is essential to clean the gum line as well. It is helpful to use a gum stimulator to remove any food at the base of the gum, since the crown of the implant does not fit as tightly against the gumline as a natural tooth and food can get stuck there.
“…the treatment has over 18 years of proven clinical success.”
Questions Answered on This Page
People Also Ask
Q. What are the differences between implant supported dentures and removable dentures?
Q. What happens during the dental implant process?
Q. How do I know which replacement option is right for me?
The Process of Getting All-on-4
On the day of the oral surgery, we will prep the patient. The patient will be asleep during the procedure, and the type of sedation we use will vary per patient. We will go over these options during the consultation. Once the patient is asleep, we will remove any teeth or gum tissue that we need to.
Our dentist will place two implants at the back of the jaw, with one on either side; the other two implants will be placed near the front of the jaw so all four can evenly support the new teeth. After the surgery, our dentist will place the teeth over the implants. The entire procedure takes about one to two and a half hours. After completing the procedure, we will wait for the patient to wake up and ensure that everything is functioning correctly.
“After completing the procedure, we will wait for the patient to wake up and ensure that everything is functioning correctly.”
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.
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Denture Terminology
It is Your Turn
If you are missing teeth, consider All-on-4 implant surgery. Call us today at (253) 336-0023 to discuss your oral health needs. Join other patients in Federal Way and rediscover your smile and ability to eat the foods you love. You may also finally feel good about your overall appearance.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Smile Center Dental Care was established in 2005.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: King County and Pierce County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, Des Moines, Tacoma, Fife, Milton, Edgewood, SeaTac, and Algona
- National Provider Identifier Database (1770035289). View NPI Registry Information
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