All-on-4

Unlike conventional dental implants that require separate screws for each replacement tooth, All-on-4, or “Teeth Express,” implants can support an entire arch of replacement teeth (bridge) with only four or five implants. As a cost- and time-saving alternative, an All-on-4 restoration provides the perfect balance between having sufficient bone to support the implant and stabilizing the artificial tooth.

During an All-on-4 implant procedure, Dr. Puri places two implants at the front of the mouth and two in the back. The four implants then provide a firm foundation upon which your artificial teeth (fixed bridge or “overdenture”) can be attached. As a newer type of same-day implants, the implant, abutment, and temporary set of teeth are all completed during a single appointment.

When there’s not enough healthy bone in front of the patient’s sinuses, fewer implants are sometimes better. If you need implants in your lower jaw, there’s a long nerve that can get in the way of the implants. Only using four to six implants allows Dr. Puri to avoid those potential implant placement challenges. All-on-4 dental implants can also be removed by a dental professional for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

All-on-4 dental implants offer these benefits over traditional dentures:

• You can clean and brush them just like real teeth.
• They look, feel, and perform like real teeth when chewing, speaking, or smiling.
• You don’t have to use messy adhesives.
• Implants help prevent bone loss and reduce the likelihood for bone-grafting surgery.
• They cause minimal disruptions to your active lifestyle.
• You don’t have to remove them for cleaning or while sleeping.
• With proper hygiene, maintenance, and checkups they will last up to 40 years.

Not every patient is a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants. To find out if they are right for you,

schedule a free dental implant consultation appointment with Dr. Puri. If you are a candidate, she will provide step-by-step instructions on what you can expect during your All-on-4 treatment.

Several factors influence the cost of All-on-4, including the placement and whether any additional surgical procedures are needed (bone shaping, tooth extraction, etc.). That said, the average cost for a single-arch of implant-supported replacement teeth can range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more.

However, that figure is considerably less than you might end up paying for a more conventional arch-reconstruction procedure. And although removable dentures cost less, they cannot duplicate the comfort, longevity, and oral health benefits of dental implants.

Not every patient is a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants, including those with severe periodontal disease, heavy smokers, and those with advanced problems caused by bone recession.

Other contraindications for an All-on-4 procedure include radiation therapy within the past five years and uncontrolled diabetes. If you have any of these conditions, Dr. Puri might recommend another type of dental implant, traditional dentures, or a traditional bridge.