All-On-Four™ dental implants are an excellent restorative dental treatment option for patients missing all teeth on the bottom or top of their mouth. Dr. Dhara Patel of Best Dental Spa is experienced in providing personalized treatment plans for patients with missing teeth. If you want information on All-On-Four dental implants in Hoffman Estates, IL, you have come to the right place. Learn more about the benefits and details of this procedure below.
What is All-On-Four?
All-On-Four is a restoration that uses as few as four dental implants to secure an arch of missing teeth. This treatment can replace all teeth in the lower and upper tooth arches. We can place the implants in an area of the mouth with higher jaw bone density, which lowers the need for bone grafting. This also reduces the need for more dental implants.
Using the support of implants ensures that dentures last longer and function naturally. However, we do not need to replace each missing tooth with an implant. Dental implants use titanium materials to provide durable support for dentures.
Benefits of All-On-Four Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants are a life-changing solution for people with missing teeth. This innovative treatment replaces a full arch of teeth using only four implants strategically placed in the jaw. It provides a permanent, natural-looking, and functional set of teeth that feels just like your own.
One of the biggest benefits of All-on-4 implants is their stability and durability. Unlike traditional dentures, which can shift or slip, All-on-4 implants are securely anchored to the jawbone. This gives you the confidence to eat, speak, and smile without worrying about your teeth moving out of place. The implants also prevent the discomfort that often comes with ill-fitting dentures.
Another major advantage is that All-on-4 implants help preserve jawbone health. When teeth are missing, the jawbone can shrink due to lack of stimulation. All-on-4 implants act like natural tooth roots, stimulating the bone and preventing further bone loss. This helps maintain the structure of your face and prevents the sunken appearance that can occur with missing teeth.
All-on-4 implants also offer convenience and efficiency. Many patients can have the implants placed and walk out with a fully functional set of teeth on the same day. This “teeth in a day” approach eliminates the long waiting periods often required with traditional implants. You can quickly return to enjoying your favorite foods and smiling with confidence.
Another reason All-on-4 implants are so popular is their natural appearance. The prosthetic teeth are custom-designed to match your natural teeth’s shape, color, and size, creating a seamless and attractive smile. The results are transformative for many people, boosting self-esteem and improving overall quality of life.
Another benefit of All-on-4 implants is cost-effectiveness. Because only four implants are needed to support a full arch, the procedure is typically more affordable than replacing each tooth individually with implants. Over time, the durability and low maintenance of All-on-4 implants make them a wise investment compared to dentures that may need frequent adjustments or replacements.
Learn More
If you don’t qualify for dental implants because you do not have enough jaw bone, you may be a candidate for All-On-Four. While we may require bone grafting in some cases, you may not need this treatment before you receive your denture.
Dr. Patel specializes in prosthodontics, an area of dentistry that focuses on restorative treatments for patients with missing teeth. This branch of dentistry focuses on jaw function and replacement teeth. Dr. Patel’s dental experience and passion for restoring patients’ smiles ensure that treatment is custom-tailored to your needs and goals. She encourages open communication so she can find the best treatment for you.
All-On-Four Dental Implant Treatment in Hoffman Estates, IL
It takes several office visits to complete All-On-Four treatment. The All-On-Four treatment requires comprehensive treatment planning for successful care:
Treatment Planning
Before treatment, Dr. Patel will evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw bone structure, and bite function. After considering your budget, goals, and oral health, she will create a treatment plan for you.
All-On-Four treatment requires comprehensive treatment planning. While you do not need as much natural, healthy jaw bone for All-On-Four, you still need sufficient jaw bone to support the implants. Dr. Patel may recommend bone grafting to rebuild healthy jaw bone before surgery. She will examine your jaw bone density to maximize the jaw bone to place the implants.
Dr. Patel will often take CBCT scans to plan implant placement. These scans create three-dimensional images of the teeth, gums, jaw bone, and nerves. In addition, Dr. Patel will only begin treatment once you are in good oral health. She will treat problems like gum disease or cavities before treatment. Dr. Patel will begin treatment once you are healthy and have enough healthy jaw bone.
Implant Treatment
In our office, Dr. Patel will surgically implant four capped titanium posts with a temporary restoration. The dental implants will take two to three months to integrate and utilize the bone structure.
Dr. Patel also offers sedation options for patients with dental fear or anxiety. Under sedation, you will not feel any pain, and you may not remember your procedure. Dr. Patel and her team aim to provide as pleasant and comfortable treatment as possible.
Once healed, Dr. Patel will place abutments, or connecter pieces, on the implants. These pieces require more time for the gums to heal. Finally, Dr. Patel will permanently secure your final custom restoration to the implants. The restoration is made of highly durable, color-matched material for a more natural look.
All-On-Four Aftercare
Proper aftercare for All-on-4 dental implants is essential to ensure successful healing and long-lasting results. These implants provide a permanent solution for missing teeth, but they require care and attention, especially during the first few weeks after the procedure. Following your dentist’s instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene can protect your new smile and enjoy its benefits for years.
Right After the Procedure
Rest is key in the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid strenuous activities and use soft foods to protect the healing gums and implants. You may experience mild swelling or discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or any medication your dentist prescribes. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling.
Your dentist may recommend avoiding hot foods and drinks for the first day, as the anesthesia might still wear off. Avoiding straws is also essential, as the suction can disrupt the healing process.
Oral Hygiene Tips
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to preventing infection and ensuring proper healing. To keep the surgical area clean, gently rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution several times a day, especially after meals. Avoid brushing directly over the implant sites for the first few days, but continue brushing the other areas of your mouth carefully.
Once your dentist gives the go-ahead, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around your implants and prosthetic teeth. Specialized implant cleaning tools, such as interdental brushes or water flossers, can also help keep your mouth clean without irritating.
Diet Adjustments
Stick to a soft-food diet for the first two weeks after your All-on-4 procedure. Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and soups are gentle on your healing gums. Gradually reintroduce firmer foods as your dentist advises. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, as these can damage the implants or put unnecessary pressure on the healing areas.
Follow-Up Appointments
Regular follow-up appointments are a vital part of All-on-4 aftercare. During these visits, your dentist will monitor your healing progress and ensure the implants integrate properly with your jawbone. Your dentist may also adjust your prosthetic teeth to ensure a perfect fit and maximum comfort.
Long-Term Care
Once your implants have fully healed, maintaining them is similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and visit your dentist for routine cleanings and check-ups. While All-on-4 implants are strong and durable, they can still be affected by poor oral hygiene or habits like grinding your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a custom night guard to protect your implants.
What to Avoid
To protect your All-on-4 implants, avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, as these can interfere with healing and increase the risk of implant failure. Limit alcohol consumption during the recovery period and steer clear of biting hard objects like ice or pens.
All-On-Four FAQs
Learn more about All-on-Four treatment in Hoffman Estates with answers to these common questions:
Who is a good candidate for All-on-4 implants?
All-on-4 implants are ideal for individuals with significant tooth loss or damage who want a permanent alternative to dentures. Candidates should have good overall health and sufficient jawbone density to support the implants. If bone loss is present, the angled placement of the implants may eliminate the need for bone grafting.
How long does the All-on-4 procedure take?
The surgical procedure typically takes 2–4 hours per arch and is often completed in one day. You’ll leave the office with a temporary prosthetic, and the final prosthetic is fitted after the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, which takes about 3–6 months.
Does the All-on-4 procedure hurt?
The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the surgery. Some discomfort, swelling, or bruising may occur afterward, but it is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications.
What is the recovery time for All-on-4 implants?
Initial healing after the procedure typically takes 1–2 weeks, during which you’ll need to follow a soft-food diet. Full osseointegration (when the implants fuse with the jawbone) takes about 3–6 months, after which your permanent prosthetic is placed.
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
With proper care, All-on-4 implants can last 20 years or more. The titanium implants are designed to be permanent, while the prosthetic teeth may need replacement after 10–15 years due to normal wear and tear.
Can I get All-on-4 implants if I have bone loss?
Yes, All-on-4 implants are designed for patients with bone loss. The angled placement of the posterior implants allows them to anchor in areas with sufficient bone density, often eliminating the need for bone grafting. Your dentist will assess your bone health during the consultation.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Do you have missing teeth? Are you looking for a more balanced smile? Get your smile back. Call Best Dental Spa for comprehensive restorative care today at 847.660.6603. You can also schedule an online appointment with Dr. Patel and her dental team.
Contact our office if you have multiple missing teeth and want a fuller smile. Our professional team aims to provide comfortable restorative treatments to Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates patients. We can help you improve your appearance, self-esteem, and oral health.
