Tooth loss can occur due to various reasons, such as accidents, untreated dental conditions, or neglect. For those who have lost multiple teeth, the All-on-4® dental implant solution offers a chance to restore a confident smile. Using a small number of strategically placed implants, our team at Premier Dentistry in Gresham, Oregon, can fully restore your smile, improving both appearance and functionality.
Ideal Candidates for All-on-4® Dental Implants
The All-on-4® treatment is designed for patients needing to replace multiple teeth, including full dental arches. During your consultation at Premier Dentistry in Gresham, Oregon, our dentist will evaluate your oral health, review your medical history, and determine if this procedure is suitable for you.
The best candidates for All-on-4® dental implants:
- Need to replace multiple teeth or expect to have several teeth extracted.
- Are in good overall health, with no conditions that would complicate surgery.
- Have adequate jawbone to support dental implants.
Benefits of All-on-4® Dental Implants
All-on-4® dental implants are often the preferred choice for restoring an entire dental arch. Here’s why they stand out compared to traditional dentures or bridges:
- Single-Visit Solution: Your entire smile can be restored in one appointment, with implants and permanent prosthetics placed together.
- Natural Look and Feel: These implants function like natural teeth, staying securely in place without slipping.
- Strong and Functional: Once healed, All-on-4® implants allow you to eat most of your favorite foods with confidence.
- Seamless Integration: The implants blend naturally with any remaining teeth for a cohesive appearance.
The All-on-4® Process
Your journey begins with a one-on-one consultation with our experienced dentist at Premier Dentistry. We’ll review diagnostic images, examine your teeth and jaw, and discuss your medical history. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, recovery, or long-term care.
In some cases, preparatory procedures like tooth extractions or bone grafting may be needed to ensure your mouth is ready for All-on-4® implants. These may be performed during the same visit or scheduled separately, depending on your needs.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from All-on-4® treatment is typically straightforward. Most patients can return to work or daily activities within 2–4 days. Any discomfort or swelling usually peaks around day three or four and can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
During recovery, stick to a soft-food diet, avoiding spicy, hot, cold, or crumbly foods. Refrain from using straws for several days post-surgery. Once your implants have fully healed, your dentist will place custom-made prosthetics to complete your natural-looking, fully functional smile.
Restore Your Smile with Premier Dentistry
Tooth loss doesn’t have to define your smile. With All-on-4® dental implants, you can regain confidence and functionality. To learn more about your eligibility for All-on-4® treatment in Gresham, Oregon, contact Premier Dentistry today. Schedule your consultation by calling us at (503) 667-1184.
Frequently asked questions
A dental implant is a titanium fixture inserted into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. It supports a replacement tooth (crown, bridge, or denture) through three parts: the implant, abutment (connector), and artificial tooth. The implant fuses with the bone via osseointegration, providing a stable, durable foundation that mimics natural teeth, improving function and appearance.
You are likely a good candidate if you have missing teeth, adequate jawbone density, healthy gums, and good overall oral health. Non-smokers or those willing to quit are preferred, as smoking can hinder healing. You should also be committed to the multi-month process and maintaining oral hygiene, as conditions like periodontal disease may need treatment first.
Costs vary widely, typically ranging from $3,000 to $4,500 per implant, depending on factors like the number of implants, bone condition, location, and type of artificial teeth. Additional procedures like extractions or bone grafts can increase costs. Insurance often does not cover implants, considering them cosmetic, but may cover related components like crowns. Always check with your provider for specifics, as coverage varies.
The procedure generally spans 3 to 9 months, involving two phases: first, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, followed by a healing period (3-6 months) for osseointegration. Then, the abutment and artificial tooth are attached. If extractions or bone grafts are needed, the timeline may extend. Surgery itself takes 1-2 hours per implant, with multiple implants requiring longer.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during surgery due to anesthetics, with reports suggesting it’s less painful than tooth extraction. Post-surgery, expect mild swelling, bruising, and possible bleeding, subsiding within days. Full healing (osseointegration) takes 6 to 12 weeks, varying by health and number of implants. Follow post-op instructions, like taking antibiotics and maintaining a soft diet (liquids and soft foods initially, then cooked noodles by day 3, resuming normal diet after 7 days), to minimize discomfort. Avoid smoking, heat application, and using straws to prevent complications.
Research suggests dental implants are worth considering due to their durability (potentially lasting a lifetime with care), natural appearance, and high success rate (around 98%). They improve confidence, eating ability, and allow an active lifestyle, made of non-decaying titanium. Compared to dentures or bridges, implants offer greater stability, reducing the need for adhesives and frequent replacements. However, they are more expensive upfront, and suitability depends on personal needs, finances, and health. Our patients experience improved quality of life, though costs and recovery are noted concerns.