What Are All-On-4s (& Are They Right for Me)?
Serving Patients in Vancouver WA
Missing teeth can impact your confidence and daily life in more ways than one. For the right candidate, getting All-on-4 dental implants (more commonly referred to now as All-On-Xs) is a life-changing reconstruction option that restores both function and aesthetics.
If you’re unfamiliar with this type of implant, All-on-Xs are full-arch dental implant solutions where a complete dental prosthetic is attached using strategically placed implants in your jawbone. They typically include 4 to 6 implants, depending on your unique anatomy and needs. All-On-4 is the most well-known option.
So if you’re ready to get back to smiling like you used to, find out if these implants are the right choice for you!
Who Is the Right Candidate?
You might be the ideal candidate for All-On-Xs if:
- You’re missing most or all of your teeth. All-On-X implants are specifically designed for patients who have lost multiple teeth or an entire arch.
- Your remaining teeth are failing. Rather than trying to save teeth that will likely fail anyway, All-On-Xs allow you to start fresh with a complete, stable arch.
- You’re frustrated with traditional dentures. Many patients come to us tired of dealing with slipping dentures, messy adhesives, and dietary restrictions.
- You have adequate bone density. Successful implant placement requires enough healthy jawbone to anchor the titanium posts securely.
CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR NEXT STEPS?
Click the button below to leave your name and number and we’ll call you back.How Do All-On-4s and All-On-Xs Work?
All-On-X dental implants simplify full-arch rehabilitations by using strategically placed titanium implants to anchor a stable bridge. Traditional implants require one implant screw per tooth! With fewer implants than conventional methods, All-On-X solutions feel closer to natural teeth than other types of dental implants.
The number of implants varies based on your specific situation:
- All-On-4 uses four implants and works well for patients with adequate bone density.
- All-On-5 or All-On-6 configurations provide additional support for patients who need it or prefer extra stability.
Immediately after the procedure, we fit a temporary bridge to allow the implants to fuse to your natural bone. Once fused, we place a prosthetic bridge that gives you a stunning, lasting smile.
Benefits of These Implants
The main benefit of All-On-X dental implants is that you’ll feel like you’re using your own natural teeth again. Some additional benefits include:
- Long-Term Success: Studies have shown that All-On-X procedures have success rates of approximately 94% or higher after 10 years.
- Easy Healing Process: Patients report returning to normal activities after just a few days.
- Improved Eating and Limited Dietary Restrictions: There are very few foods that are off-limits once your All-On-X dental implants are placed and you’ve healed.
- Less Invasive: Unlike individual dental implants, which require one implant per tooth, All-On-X uses just four to six implants to support the entire bridge.
- Customizable Solutions: The variable number of implants allows your dentist to tailor the treatment to your specific anatomy and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our FAQs below. If you still have questions, give us a call!
Like any dental implant, there are potential downsides to them. Some of these may include:
- Learning to Floss: Since All-on-X is one solid prosthetic, the sensation of flossing can be strange for some people.
- Tenderness and Discomfort: All implants are a surgical procedure, and tenderness and discomfort come with having this done. These symptoms will go away during the healing process, but if you’re especially sensitive to pain, you might want to let your dentist know.
- Learning to Speak: Some patients report difficulty with certain words or letters. However, this usually goes away after a short adjustment period.
- Cheek or Tongue Biting: Even small changes to the position of the natural teeth to the prosthetic teeth can change the way the tongue and cheeks interact when chewing. This typically resolves over the first month or two as the tissue retrains itself while eating
Prices vary based on location and materials. Investing in quality care will provide you with lasting results, but research your options carefully. A dental consultation with Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry will provide you with the best financial option based on your specific needs.
Many dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry or surgical dentistry, but having All-On-X implants installed draws on the skill sets of both. Therefore, it’s important to select a dentist experienced in surgical and cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Lewis has over 20 years of experience in implant dentistry. This is an experience you can count on!
Do You Offer Anesthesia?
Yes, we do. At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we want our patients to be as comfortable as possible. Let us know if you believe you would benefit from anesthesia during your dental procedure. We are happy to explore options to accommodate you.
Ready for All-On-X Dental Implants?
Dental implants can transform your life if you’re the right candidate. With many different factors to consider (from the number of implants to the type of prosthetic), a dental consultation will provide you with the answers you need to make an informed decision.
Contact Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. Our team has been serving residents for over 20 years and is ready to help restore your smile!