Understanding All on 4 Dental Implants

Patients who are missing a few teeth have a few different options for restoration. But if you’re missing a full arch of teeth, your treatment becomes more limited. Before modern advances in dental technology, patients could only restore their bite with traditional dentures.

However, dentures can slip, fall out and create pain and discomfort during the day. All on 4 dental implants in Virginia Beach, VA, can help patients restore their bites with increased stability and strength. The strategic placement of implants can help improve bone retention and prevent nerve damage during treatment.

All On 4 Dental Implants can greatly improve your bite and smile after tooth loss

The Benefits of All on 4 Dental Implants in Virginia Beach, VA

Using dental implants for tooth restoration continues to rise in popularity over the years. Implants provide a host of benefits for patients, including improved bite strength, restoration stability, and more jawbone retention. All-on-4 dental implants use a strategic method of careful placement to maximize these benefits with minimal surgical requirements. In some cases, patients may need additional implants to help fully restore their smile, but the end goal is still the same.

The All on 4 Implant Process

Restoring your smile with dental implants can be a lengthy process. But with All on 4, the recovery time and total treatment time are relatively quick. The first step in the treatment planning process is a comprehensive exam by an experienced dental implant specialist.

The dentist will assess your oral health, overall health, and dental history to decide if you’re a good candidate for All-on-4 dental implants. Our dentist will also take X-rays to help determine where the best location is for implant placement. We may also take CT scans and intraoral scans. This step is crucial for determining whether or not you need pre-treatments, like periodontal therapy or bone grafts.

Once the dentist clears you for implants, he will create a customized treatment plan. The goal of the treatment plan is to achieve optimal function, aesthetics, and longevity of the dental implants. This plan will include the number of dental implants you need, the placement, and the design of the final prosthesis.

Next, the dentist will surgically place the implants into your jawbone. During the surgery, the dentist will carefully place the implants in the jawbone using a minimally invasive technique. The healing time after this appointment is often the longest part of the process. Your new implants need a few weeks to properly integrate into your jaw and provide full support.

Most patients can expect to have to wait around three to six months for healing to complete. While your implants are healing, your dentist can begin fabricating your permanent denture or prosthetic. They’ll discuss your cosmetic goals ahead of time to ensure your smile is right for you. After your mouth heals, your dentist will secure the new denture to the implants and make adjustments.

Cost of Dental Implants and Dentures

Paying for a new smile can seem a bit daunting at first. But getting All on 4 dental implants may be more affordable than you think. Because the chief purpose of implants is restorative, many insurance companies do have some coverage wiggle room.

Your dentist can help you submit a pre-authorization to see if your insurance may cover some of the cost. If you can’t afford implants, discuss your options for financing or alternate treatments with your dentist.

At Coastal Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we are here to help our patients restore their smiles and improve their bites. If you need full mouth reconstruction, give us a call at 757-656-6368 to schedule a consultation. We are your top All-on-4 dental implants provider.