All on Fours at Sunbrite Dental
Hi guys, my name is Dr. Ervin Calvo from Sunbrite Dental in Las Vegas, Nevada. I know there are some questions regarding all-on-four implants, and I'd like to review some of the most commonly asked questions for you.
What are all-on-four implants?
All-on-four implants are a restoration that restores a patient's arch on four implants. Implants are artificial roots or screws that replace an entire upper arch of teeth, usually around 12 teeth, not all the way to the wisdom teeth. All-on-four implants are a restoration prosthesis that replaces a full upper arch. The pros of an all-on-four restoration are that it replaces our teeth. The traditional way to replace teeth is with full dentures, which move and irritate the gums, and the bone shrinks. The implants help stabilize the bone, allowing you to chew food naturally, like with real teeth. The cons are that they are prosthetic, not natural teeth, so we lose some ability to sense how we're chewing. However, with practice and time, patients learn to use these prosthetic teeth to chew just fine.
Who is a good candidate for all-on-four dental implants?
A good candidate for all-on-four dental implants is someone in good systemic and overall health, without uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure, and with enough bone to place the implants. Many patients who lost their teeth over the years experience bone shrinkage. The first step is to evaluate the gum and bone tissue with a 3D scan. We look intraorally and conduct an exam to determine if you are a good candidate, considering factors like jaw opening. Most people can be good candidates for all-on-four implants.
Who is not a good candidate for dental implants?
Someone with uncontrolled systemic diseases, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, or an improper immune system, may not be a good candidate. We need to address these issues before undergoing any type of dental surgery. Limited mouth opening also makes it challenging to perform all-on-four dental implants.
What are the steps involved in an all-on-four procedure?
The steps involved in an all-on-four procedure start with an evaluation. We conduct an X-ray exam, called a 3D X-ray, to evaluate the bone. I get to know my patients to understand their desires and goals, like functioning and chewing properly as they did with natural teeth. The first step is the initial examination and radiographs. We take impressions and X-rays, and the next step involves assessing the bite, especially if missing teeth have caused a collapsed bite. Then, we proceed to the surgery phase, where we place the implants, possibly removing unhealthy teeth, and place the implants. After placing the implants, we insert the prosthesis immediately. This is a temporary prosthesis, and the patient receives specific instructions on what they cannot eat to ensure full understanding of the procedure.
What are the anesthesia options available during an all-on-four procedure?
The anesthesia options during an all-on-four procedure include local anesthetic, which numbs the area, ensuring patients do not feel anything during the procedure. Another option is conscious sedation, where a pill is given an hour before to help patients feel less anxious. They must have someone to drive them home, but they remain fully awake, able to move their head and talk. Most patients are fine with just local anesthetic.
What is the length of healing time for an all-on-four procedure?
The healing time for an all-on-four procedure is around six to eight months. Typically, implants take four to six months to heal, after which we create the final prosthesis. Initially, you receive temporary teeth, then the final teeth. All-on-four restorations can last 15, 20, or 30 years, depending on maintenance. It's important to have maintenance at least once a year to clean around the implants and prosthesis, removing bacteria that can destroy the bone. With good maintenance, these restorations can last over 20 years, making them a great investment for replacing missing or unrestorable teeth.
What is the cost of all-on-four dental implants?
The cost for all-on-four dental implants is around $25,000 per arch, from start to finish. This can fluctuate depending on the number of teeth to be removed, whether additional bone is needed, and the number of implants required. Sometimes, four implants may not be enough, and we might need five or six. A good estimate is around $25,000 per arch.
Does insurance help with the cost of all-on-four dental implants?
Insurance may help with the cost of all-on-four dental implants or all-on-x dental implants. Typically, insurance covers the removal of teeth, but anything beyond that is usually an out-of-pocket expense for patients.