Doctor, today what are we going to be talking about?
Today we will be talking about what you might have heard referred to as an all-on-four. It's also referred to as all-on-X. It just means X refers to the number of implants utilized to replace a full set of teeth on the top and/or bottom.
Fantastic. Dr. Bodie, what are all-on-four dental implants?
All-on-four dental implants involve replacing four implants to replace all of your upper or lower teeth, right? In either arch, the top or bottom, four implants will be placed. All the teeth you were missing would now be replaced using those four implants. This is something you are not able to remove. Once we place it in, it's fixed, and it functions very similarly to your natural teeth, right? You're not taking it in and out. It's in there as long as those implants are maintained. It's in there, I hate saying forever, but it's in there for a very long time and very well could be forever.
Fantastic. What are the pros and cons of all-on-fours?
The pros of the all-on-X, and I'll say X instead of four because sometimes it's four implants, sometimes it's six, depending on the amount of bone you have, include that it's a fixed device in your mouth, right? It's not a denture that you're removing. It functions almost as well as your natural teeth. They look great. The beauty of an all-on-X is that you're replacing all the teeth, so you get to pick what size and shade you want them to be. They look great, function great, and it's a great way to restore missing teeth.
Great. What are the cons of an all-on-four?
The cons of an all-on-four, obviously, mean you're missing your natural teeth. Nothing is as good as your natural teeth. This is the second best option you have, though. Also, because they're not natural, when you bite down, they feel a little different, but you will get used to that.
Right. Who is a good candidate for an all-on-four?
Anyone with good bone. If your teeth are missing, let's say all of the upper teeth, it's difficult to eat. Maybe you have dentures, but you're not a fan of them because they move around. No one's a fan of dentures, right? So, anyone with good bone in at least four sites, two on each side, because it has to be balanced. If you have great bone on one side, this wouldn't work. You need great bone in the upper right and upper left in four spots so those implants can be placed.
Great. When would somebody not be a good candidate for all-on-fours?
Anyone that doesn't have great bone to support the implants would not be a candidate for all-on-fours. Unfortunately, that would mean you would have to stick with a denture. Bone is required to place dental implants, and without that, the procedure just can't be done.
Right. So you've mentioned dentures and all-on-four. Can you talk about just very simply the difference between those two for people who may not like their denture and want to go to an all-on-four?
Absolutely. Both dentures and all-on-fours are replacing missing teeth. A denture is removable, something you take in and out daily, or even a couple of times a day. Sometimes they fit okay, but often they're not the most comfortable and do move around. The All-On-X utilizes implants and is screwed into the implants. Once we put it in, it's in place, fixed, looks great, and functions great.
What steps are involved in an all-on-four procedure?
Step one is the consultation. You come in, we evaluate the bone by looking at it and taking x-rays. A CT scan, which is 3D imaging, determines whether you can get the all-on-four procedure. We find four places, ideally more than four, but a minimum of four spots to place implants.
What anesthesia options are available for this procedure?
You only need local anesthesia, meaning just a needle in the sites the implant is going. Placing an implant is not as bad as people think in terms of pain. Healing time is much faster than extracting teeth. If necessary, we can bring in an anesthesiologist for general sedation, but all you need is just a local injection.
How long does it take to heal from the procedure itself?
Healing time varies. Some people feel back to normal within 24 to 48 hours, while for others, it could be a week or two, depending on how much we have to manipulate the bone. Certainly within two weeks, most people are pretty much back to normal.
Great. Once you heal from the procedure, how long and what do you do to get the denture created?
Most times, you're going home with something in place over those implants the same day. If the bone is firm enough, we can put something fixed, screwed into the implants on the same day, depending on the healthiness of your bone at the time of placement.
What is the general cost to receive this type of procedure?
It's pricey but well worth it, ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 for just the uppers, depending on the number of implants and the appliance that goes on top.
Will insurance help me cover the cost of this procedure?
Insurance will cover very little, usually capped at about $1,500 per year. The good news is there is financing available, similar to financing a car or a house. With decent credit, you will be approved.
Right. So, you're saying that if I do not have the finances to do it, pay you cash, there are options available specifically that will cover this type of procedure?
If you don't have the finances to pay in full, we offer many options, including one year interest-free or extended plans with varying interest rates. We'll present you with options to choose what works best for you, making this procedure affordable.
How can I get started and schedule to hear more about this and see if I'm a good candidate?
Give us a call at (845) 393-9059.