Missing most or all of your teeth can transform everyday activities like eating, speaking, and smiling into sources of stress and self-consciousness. If this is you, you don’t need to live with the discomfort of missing teeth forever. All-on-4 dental implants offer a permanent solution by anchoring a full arch of replacement teeth to just four strategically placed implants, often in a single appointment.
At Advanced Smile Care, this streamlined approach to full mouth restoration has changed how we help patients rebuild their smiles. Instead of needing eight or more individual implants per arch, the All-on-4 technique positions four implants at precise angles to maximize bone contact and stability. Many patients leave their initial visit with a temporary set of teeth, allowing them to eat and smile with confidence while their permanent restoration is being crafted.
How All-on-4 Works
The All-on-4 dental implant system relies on careful planning and placement. Your dentist uses advanced imaging to map your jaw and identify the optimal sites for each implant. The two front implants are positioned vertically, while the back two are angled up to 45 degrees. This angled placement lets the implants anchor into denser bone and avoid areas where bone loss may have occurred.
After the implants are secured, a temporary bridge attaches to them on the same day. This bridge functions like natural teeth, so you leave the office able to eat soft foods and speak clearly. Over the next few months, the implants fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once healing is complete, your final custom bridge is attached, providing a permanent solution.
Advantages of All-on-4 Over Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures rest on your gums and can slip, click, or cause discomfort during everyday activities. All-on-4 implants eliminate these issues because they’re fixed in place. You never remove them for cleaning at night, and they don’t require adhesives to stay secure. The implants also stimulate your jawbone, which helps prevent the bone loss often seen with removable dentures.
Another benefit is diet flexibility. With traditional dentures, many foods become off-limits due to chewing limitations. All-on-4 restorations function like natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy a full range of foods without worry. The stability and strength of implant-supported teeth restore the biting force you may have been missing.
Who Is a Candidate for All-on-4?
All-on-4 works well for patients who are missing most or all teeth in one or both arches. It’s also an option if you’re facing multiple tooth extractions and want to avoid the interim period of being without teeth. Even if you’ve experienced some bone loss, the angled placement technique often means you won’t need a bone graft, which can extend treatment time and add cost.
Good candidates should have adequate jawbone density to support the implants and be committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease may need to be managed before treatment begins. A consultation with your dentist will include imaging and a health assessment to confirm whether All-on-4 is right for your situation.
What to Expect During Recovery
Most patients report manageable discomfort after All-on-4 placement, which is typically controlled with over-the-counter pain medication. Some swelling and bruising around the treatment site is normal and usually subsides within a week. Following post-procedure care instructions, like eating soft foods initially and avoiding strenuous activity, helps promote healing.
You’ll attend follow-up appointments to monitor how your implants are integrating with the bone. These visits also allow your dentist to check the fit of your temporary bridge and make any needed adjustments. Once osseointegration is complete (usually after three to six months), you’ll receive your permanent restoration during a straightforward appointment.
Caring for Your All-on-4 Restoration
Maintaining All-on-4 implants involves the same basic habits as caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a low-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the restoration surface. Flossing remains essential, though you may need special floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean effectively around the bridge and implants.
Regular dental cleanings and checkups help ensure your implants stay healthy. Your dentist will examine the implants, check the condition of the restoration, and remove any buildup around the implant sites. Professional monitoring catches potential issues early, protecting your investment and keeping your smile functional for decades.
Restore Your Smile with All-on-4 Implants at Advanced Smile Care
At Advanced Smile Care, we’ve helped countless San Antonio patients transform their lives through All-on-4 dental implants and other advanced restorative treatments. With nearly 40 years of experience creating beautiful, functional smiles, our team combines technical precision with a commitment to patient comfort at every stage of care.
We offer multiple sedation options for those who feel anxious about dental procedures, and our Comfort Bar ensures you feel relaxed from the moment you arrive. Ready to learn whether All-on-4 is right for you? Contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a complete, confident smile.
