10010 N. Division St. Spokane, WA 99218 Call Us (509) 466-2587
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All on 4 FAQ in Spokane, WA Most people who've lost several teeth, or all of them, assume that means a lifetime of dentures. What many don't realize is that modern dentistry has developed an approach, which we use here at Dynamic Dental Care, the All-on-4. The All-on-4 replaces an entire arch of missing teeth with just four strategically placed implants. If you've been living with missing teeth or struggling with dentures, All-on-4 may be worth a closer look. Contact our office today at (509) 466-2587 to schedule a consultation and find out whether this approach is right for you. What Are All-on-4 Implants?All-on-4 dental implants use four titanium implant posts anchored into the jawbone to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw, and two are angled at the back, a positioning that maximizes contact with available bone and often eliminates the need for bone grafting. Once the implants integrate with the bone, a fixed bridge is attached, giving patients a stable, permanent set of teeth that function like natural ones. What's the Difference Between All-on-4 and Traditional Implants?Traditional dental implants replace individual teeth. Each missing tooth gets its own implant post, which works well when only a few teeth are missing. For patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, that approach could require a dozen or more individual implants — a longer, more involved process. Full mouth implants with the All-on-4 design solve that problem by using just four implants per arch instead of one per tooth. Because the back implants are angled, they reach denser areas of bone, which often makes the procedure viable even when some bone loss has occurred. The result is a complete arch restoration with fewer implants, a more efficient process, and a fixed result rather than a removable appliance. Another important difference: All-on-4 restorations are not removable. Unlike dentures, they don't shift, slip, or require adhesive. They're brushed and cared for like natural teeth. How Long Do All-on-4 Implants Last?With proper care, All-on-4 implants are designed to be a long-term solution. The titanium implant posts themselves can last decades and in many cases, a lifetime — because titanium integrates directly with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once that bond is established, the implants become a stable part of the jaw structure. The prosthetic arch attached to the implants may need to be replaced or refurbished at some point over the years, depending on wear and other factors. Our implant dentists can evaluate the condition of the restoration during routine visits and advise when any adjustments are needed. Longevity also depends heavily on patient habits. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding behaviors that put excessive force on the teeth — such as chewing on ice or using teeth as tools — all contribute to keeping the implants and the restoration in good shape long-term. How Long Does the All-on-4 Procedure Take?The timeline varies depending on each patient's situation, but in many cases the full process, from the initial consultation to final restoration, takes several months. The implant posts need time] to integrate with the jawbone before the permanent arch is attached, and that healing period typically spans three to six months. Many patients receive a temporary set of teeth on the same day as the implant placement, so they leave the appointment with a functional smile while the implants heal. Once osseointegration is complete, the final permanent restoration is fitted and secured. Some patients require preparatory work beforehand — such as tooth extractions or evaluation of bone density — which can add time to the overall process. A thorough consultation at Dynamic Dental Care at the outset gives patients a realistic picture of their individual timeline. |
Contact Information10010 N. Division Street Spokane, WA 99218-1305 (509) 466-2587 info@dynamicdentalcare.com Follow Us |
