While dental bridges and traditional dental implants are great procedures if you are missing a few teeth, a more serious solution is required to replace an entire row of teeth. In these situations, Dr. Robert Milner offers All on 4 dental implants. All on 4 is an entire row of prosthetic teeth that connect to the jawbone with just four dental implants. His patients in Mission Viejo who have tried All on 4 are thrilled to have complete smiles that are both attractive and functional.
All on 4 Procedure Details
After determining that you are a good candidate for All on 4, Dr. Milner take X-rays and impressions of your mouth so that a custom set of prosthetic teeth can be created in a laboratory to fit your mouth just right.
At the next appointment, Dr. Milner numbs the mouth for a painless procedure. He starts by extracting any remaining unhealthy teeth in your mouth, if necessary. He then inserts titanium posts into the jawbone that hold a temporary (and lighter) row of artificial teeth while the mouth and gums heal from surgery.
Once the mouth has fully recovered a few months later, you can return to Dr. Milner’s office to have the permanent set of prosthetic teeth attached to the 4 posts in your jaw.
Why Many Patients Prefer All on 4 over Dentures
Patients in need of full mouth rehabilitation have traditionally relied on dentures to replace an entire row or rows of teeth. However, All on 4 dental implants have gained in popularity because of how realistic they look and function. Because the implants are permanently secured to your mouth, you do not have to worry about them slipping out of place while talking or eating. The force of your bite is also stronger with All on 4 than with dentures. You should brush and floss your prosthetic teeth as you would ordinary teeth.
All on 6 Dental Implant Option
In some cases, Dr. Milner may recommend an All on 6 option. As its name suggests, the treatment is just like All on 4, except that it utilizes six posts to keep the artificial teeth in place. Having more posts provides additional strength and stability to your mouth and can help to extend the lifespan of the prosthetic teeth. During a consultation, Dr. Milner can assess whether your jaw has enough bone to accept six posts.
Cost of All on 4 Dental Implants
The price of All on 4 dental implants differs from patient to patient. Determining factors include whether you need one or two rows of All on 4, whether you choose the All on 6 option and whether any teeth need to be extracted prior to the procedure. Dr. Milner can provide you with a complete cost breakdown during the consultation phase.
Choosing All on 4 dental implants is significantly less expensive than replacing each tooth with a dental implant individually. Most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of All on 4 implants; be sure to check your individual plan to see what is covered.
All-on-4 and All-on-6 Dental Implants FAQs
Who is a good candidate for All-on-4/All-on-6?
Good candidates for All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants typically include individuals who have lost most or all of their teeth and are looking for a more stable and permanent solution than traditional dentures. Ideal candidates should have sufficient jawbone density to support the implants, although these procedures often require less bone density than traditional implant methods due to the strategic placement of the implants. People in good general health, non-smokers, and those willing to quit smoking are better suited to these procedures, as smoking can affect the healing process and implant success. During your consultation, Dr. Milner will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if All-on-4 or All-on-6 is the best option for your dental needs.
How should I take care of my All-on-4?
Caring for your All-on-4 dental implants involves maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Here are some care tips:
- Brush twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your teeth and implants gently.
- Floss daily: Use a floss designed for dental implants or a water flosser to clean around the implants, abutments, and prosthetic teeth.
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash: This helps reduce bacteria and prevent infection around the implant sites.
- Regular dental check-ups: Visit Dr. Milner’s practice for routine cleanings and check-ups to ensure the health of your implants and overall oral health. He will monitor it to ensure there are no complications.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods: While your All-on-4 implants are designed to be durable, it’s best to avoid foods that could damage the prosthetic teeth or implants.
What if my jawbone cannot support dental implants?
If your jawbone is not dense enough to support dental implants, Dr. Milner may recommend several options to make implant-supported solutions like All-on-4 or All-on-6 feasible. These can include bone grafting, a procedure to augment the jawbone and provide a solid foundation for the implants. Another option might be the use of mini dental implants, which require less bone for placement. Dr. Milner will assess your situation and discuss the best course of action based on your specific needs and the condition of your jawbone.
In what ways are All-on-4 better than dentures?
All-on-4 dental implants offer several advantages over traditional dentures, including:
- Stability and Comfort: All-on-4 implants are anchored directly to your jawbone, providing a stable and secure fit. This eliminates the discomfort and slippage often associated with dentures.
- Improved Bone Health: The implants stimulate your jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss that typically occurs with tooth loss and the use of traditional dentures.
- Enhanced Functionality: With All-on-4 implants, you can enjoy a broader range of foods with confidence, improving your overall nutrition and quality of life.
- Natural Appearance: All-on-4 prosthetics are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth, offering a solution that prioritizes aesthetics.
- Longevity: With proper care, All-on-4 implants can last many years, making them a more permanent solution compared to dentures, which may need to be replaced or relined over time.
Discuss All on 4 with a Top Restorative Dentist
Dr. Milner is known throughout southern California for his dedication to his craft and the compassion he exhibits to his patients. If you are looking for a skilled dentist to replace a row of teeth, please call (949) 859-8899 to start a conversation with Dr. Milner about All on 4.
