Bone grafting adds time, complexity, and expense to the process of getting dental implants. Thankfully, with All-on-4 implants, you can save time and money by skipping bone grafting altogether. At Angels Smiles Dental Care, Dr. Oksana Bailey offers quality implant-supported dentures to patients with limited bone quantity using the All-on-4 method.

How It Works

Digital drawing of an implant-supported denture being attached to four dental implants that have been placed according to the All-on-4 technique to avoid bone grafting.

Implant-supported dentures are attached to the jaw via embedded metal fixtures, or dental implants. To be successful, implants require sufficient bone support. Because of this, jawbone loss due to resorption can make the traditional method of implant placement nonviable. Bone grafting is one way to solve this problem, but it adds 3-6 months of healing time as well as considerable cost. Another solution, All-on-4 dental implants, allows you to move forward with implant-supported dentures without bone grafting. This technique involves strategically placing implants at an angle to optimize stability within the available bone structure. It’s called All-on-4 because it often involves the use of four implants per denture, though it can also be done with six for even greater stability. In the image at left, four implants are used, with the back two angled according to the All-on-4 method.

All-on-4 Dental Implants: Our Process

Photo of a CBCT machine. CBCT scans are important in determining the placement of dental implants, including those placed according to the All-on-4 technique.

To begin, Dr. Bailey will see you for an initial exam. We’ll go over your medical history to verify that you’re a good candidate for dental implants, as most patients are. We’ll also take some records, including x-rays, digital impressions, and a CBCT scan. The CBCT scan gives Dr. Bailey a critical 3D view of your mouth, jaw, and nasal cavity. She will use this information to determine the proper placement of each implant according to the All-on-4 technique. The digital impressions will be used to create your custom-fitted implant-supported dentures.

Next, it will be time to schedule your surgery. During surgery, the metal fixtures that support your dentures will be implanted into your jaw. Once this is done, your temporary dentures will be attached, so you’ll go home with a full set of teeth.

After surgery, we’ll wait a few months to allow osseointegration (the fusion of the implants to the bone) to take place. Then, we’ll call you back in to have your permanent dentures affixed, and you’ll begin enjoying all the comfort and stability they provide. To learn more about the types and benefits of implant-supported dentures, visit our Implant-Supported Dentures page.

What is the Life Expectancy of All-on-4 Implants?

When thinking about how long your implant-supported dentures will last, there are two parts to consider: the dentures themselves and the embedded metal fixtures to which they are affixed. With proper oral care, the implant fixtures can last a lifetime. The dentures, however, do wear out over time and can be expected to last 10-15 years, or more with excellent care.

To maximize the life of your dentures, follow these tips:

A Smile You Can Count On

If you’re considering implant-supported dentures, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Bailey to learn more about your options. To schedule, give us a call. Or feel free to request an appointment online, and we’ll contact you to set one up.