Just as dental implants offered an improvement over removable dentures, the All-on-Four procedure is a step up from traditional dental implants. While implants have the advantage of being permanent and looking more like real teeth, the process of receiving them can be long and frustrating. Patients have to come into Dr. M. Shoaib Khan‘s office up to six times over the course of 18 months until all implants are finally completed. In the meantime, they have to wear dentures anyway.
What is All-on-Four?
All-on-Four, as the name suggests, means that Dr. Khan installs your new teeth on just four dental implants. To achieve this, he inserts four titanium screws into your jaw at a 45-degree angle. Two of the screws are towards the back of the jaw and two are towards the front. The angle is important because it allows the existing bone to grow around the screws and hold them securely in place. Dr. Khan then places an abutement on top of each screw to hold your new replacement teeth. Unlike a typical dental implant procedure, no bone grafting is necessary.
Are You a Good Candidate for All-on-Four?
If Dr. Khan has recommended replacing some or all of your remaining natural teeth, he will discuss the possibility of you undergoing the All-on-Four procedure. When you come in for your consultation appointment, Dr. Khan will advise you on the best course of treatment after completing several diagnostic procedures. These include taking x-rays, panoramic scans, and bite impressions as well as determining if any of your teeth require extraction.
One Appointment and You’re Done
If you decide to pursue the All-on-Four procedure, the next step is to schedule an appointment for placement of the titanium screws, abutements, and your new replacement teeth. Even if you do need some of your teeth extracted, Dr. Khan accomplishes all of this in a single visit. That means no temporary dentures and no return appointments. You leave the office with your permanent teeth already in place. Typically, patients schedule a morning appointment for the All-on-Four procedure and go home in the afternoon.
Please contact our office to request a consultation if you’re interested in learning more about All-on-Four.
