Process and Recovery Time for All-On-4 Dental Implant Procedure

All-on-4 dental implants, also known as full-arch fixed implant bridges, are the most popular choice for those patients with missing teeth. This restorative dentistry service uses 4 implants, which are made of custom materials including acrylic/titanium and other materials, to replace your entire upper or lower set of teeth.

 

Continue reading to learn more about the process and recovery time.

The All-On-4 Dental Implant Process

1. Consultation and Examination: Before the Procedure.

The first step is for the patient to have a consultation and examination where the dentist will do a full mouth examination, including dental x-rays, scans to look at the jawbone and other structures, and the patient’s medical history discussion. This will help the dentist know about any health problem, current medication, and if the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. Once this is done, the patient will schedule the placement procedure.

2. Placing the Implant.

After surgery prep, the patient will be sedated to start the procedure. The dentist will extract any of the remaining teeth and will make small incisions in the patient’s gums in order to shape the four upper and four lower arch sockets, where the implants will be placed. Implant screws will be then placed in the patient’s jawbone, with a connector attached. Lastly, the gums are sutured and temporary dentures will be placed while the implant sites heal.

3. After the Procedure.

Once the implants are in place, they will need time to heal properly. In general, post-surgery recovery takes 72 hours of rest, but every patient has a different time to heal. The use of ice packs is recommended to reduce any swelling. In some cases, the dentist may also prescribe medications for pain and to prevent infections. All that’s left is the process of ‘’osseointegration’’. This lets new bone growth integrate around the implants and complete the healing process.

The Recovery Period for the All-on-4 is quite simple: once the procedure is finished, the sedation should wear off in approximately 4 to 5 hours. It’s essential to follow the Aftercare Tips For All-On-4 Implants to secure proper healing.
The All-on-4 implant process takes about four and six months to be completed. The osseointegration may take 3-5 months. However, this may vary from patient to patient as it may take longer for those who are in need of additional dental work, which can add another month or two to the overall process.

 

Patients will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment two weeks after the surgery to ensure that the gums are healing properly and the implants are aligning with the mouth. Then, the appointments will be every two months for the next six months.

When you have missing teeth, dental implants will benefit your smile and oral health immediately. Read more about the All-On-4 implants benefits here.
Overall, dental implants are the best solution for missing teeth. If you want to decide whether dental implants are the right choice for you, contact Northern Colorado Dental Specialty and Dental Implant Center. Call +1 970-825-0000, or visit us at 1221 E Elizabeth St Unit 4, Fort Collins, CO 80524.

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