All-on-4® Irvine, CA
If you are missing multiple teeth and researching possible tooth-replacement options, you may want to consider the All-on-4® implant treatment. All-on-4 implants involve placing four titanium implants at key points in the lower or upper jaw to provide a sturdy base for a row of artificial teeth. This type of dental implant can provide the natural appearance of a full smile with artificial teeth that function like regular teeth.
The All-on-4 implant treatment is available at Smile by Design Dental Group in Irvine and the surrounding area. This treatment is a fantastic option for many patients who need to replace multiple teeth but do not want to use individual implants. Our team can help customize this treatment to your specific needs for the full smile you desire.
Call us today and schedule an appointment to learn more about the All-on-4 implant treatment.
The All-on-4 Solution
All-on-4 implants are similar to traditional dental implants. Unlike with conventional dental implants, however, the dentist only needs to place a total of four implants in each jawbone to replace all the teeth of a specific row. Traditional dental implants can require up to eight implants in each jawbone to replace a full set of teeth. Furthermore, the recovery time for traditional dental implants can take up to eight months. Getting the All-on-4 implant can speed up the recovery time and lessen the pain.
Dental implants have been in use since the 1970s and 1980s. Dr. Paulo Malo developed the All-on-4 treatment method with straight and angled multi-unit abutments in 1998, effectively transforming a procedure that used to take four to six months to complete into a single-day procedure (even when including extraction).
“Unlike with conventional dental implants, however, the dentist only needs to place a total of four implants in each jawbone to replace all the teeth of a specific row.”
Causes and Effects of Tooth Loss
According to WebMD, tooth loss is a common but not inevitable part of aging. Tooth loss can occur from an accident, such as a slip or fall that knocks out one or more teeth. Injuries such as hard blows to the face from playing sports or being involved in a vehicle accident could dislodge teeth as well. Over time, excessive decay or gum disease can compromise a tooth's structure and effectiveness. Teeth may wear down, fall out, or a dental professional may have to pull them.
Extreme tooth decay can cause severe pain and irritation. Aesthetically, a toothless smile can have emotional implications on a patient. Other effects of missing or damaged teeth include:
- Sensitivity to certain foods and beverages: When a patient has large cavities or failing teeth, it can be challenging to consume hot or cold food and drinks.
- Discomfort in the gum area: Patients who have no teeth may have trouble eating and speaking. Some may find wearing a complete set of dentures less comfortable.
- Social discomfort: Patients who are missing teeth may avoid smiling or even being out in social settings.
All of these effects can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Luckily, there are many tooth replacement options. Our team can help patients determine if All-on-4 is the right solution for them.
“According to WebMD, tooth loss is a common but not inevitable part of aging.”
How the All-on-4 Implant Treatment Works
Replacing the top or bottom arch of teeth with standard dental implants would require an implant for each tooth. Alternatively, All-on-4 uses just four implants to replace the top or bottom row of teeth. The treatment works even if the patient has no teeth at all. As explained in this article by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the four implants support the entire arch of replacement teeth. Also, this treatment does not require bone grafting. The implants will fuse with the existing bone and become part of the jaw. Because some of the implants are set at an angle, they are longer and offer more support.
All-on-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster. First, the doctor will take impressions and X-rays and send those to a lab. At a subsequent appointment, our staff will use a local anesthetic to numb the patient and may have to remove any remaining damaged teeth. Then, the dental professional will insert screws into four places in the upper and lower jaw. These titanium anchors will help support the artificial teeth throughout the mouth.
“All-on-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster.”
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Caring for All-on-4
All-on-4 is a clinically proven means of replacing all teeth, with one study verifying that they have a survival rate of 99.2% with up to 10 years of follow-up. Additionally, the treatment has over 18 years of proven clinical success. However, they still require the same care as natural teeth.
To prevent plaque from building up on the implants and causing gum disease, we encourage our patients to brush at least twice a day for two to three minutes each time. It is essential to clean the gum line as well. It is helpful to use a gum stimulator to remove any food at the base of the gum, since the crown of the implant does not fit as tightly against the gumline as a natural tooth and food can get stuck there.
“…the treatment has over 18 years of proven clinical success.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is involved in the All-on-4 implant treatment?
Q. What are All-on-4 dental implants?
Q. How can I care for All-on-4 implants?
Q. What is the process for getting these implants?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the differences between implant supported dentures and removable dentures?
Q. What happens during the dental implant process?
Q. What services are offered by a general dentist?
The Process of Getting All-on-4
On the day of the oral surgery, we will prep the patient. The patient will be asleep during the procedure, and the type of sedation we use will vary per patient. We will go over these options during the consultation. Once the patient is asleep, we will remove any teeth or gum tissue that we need to.
Our dentist will place two implants at the back of the jaw, with one on either side; the other two implants will be placed near the front of the jaw so all four can evenly support the new teeth. After the surgery, our dentist will place the teeth over the implants. The entire procedure takes about one to two and a half hours. After completing the procedure, we will wait for the patient to wake up and ensure that everything is functioning correctly.
“After completing the procedure, we will wait for the patient to wake up and ensure that everything is functioning correctly.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Am I a suitable candidate for All-on-4?
A. The ideal candidate for the All-on-4 implant is someone who has already lost all or most of their teeth. Someone who has dentures may be the right fit for the All-on-4 implant. Other factors to consider can include age, oral health, and the state of the patient's teeth.
Q. Will I have speech issues with All-on-4?
A. As mentioned earlier, some people experience speech issues after the All-on-4 procedure. This may be due to teeth that are too high or bulky, inadequate positioning of the anterior teeth, or air going through the prosthesis. We will do everything necessary to minimize these risks.
Q. Does age affect my tooth replacement options?
A. Dental implants are effective and long-lasting for both younger and older patients. Though patients of all ages may choose between dentures and dental implants, dental implants prevent bone loss and gum irritation.
Q. How long can an All-on-4 procedure take?
A. On average, an All-on-4 surgery takes about four hours per arch. Once the implants are healed, it can take four to five dental appointments to make a final dental bridge.
Q. How long should I wait to eat after the first surgery?
A. You can begin drinking liquids immediately following the surgery. However, you should try to limit yourself to only cool drinks for the first 48 hours. Only drink hot drinks after all numbness has subsided and any bleeding has stopped. You will need to stick to a liquid diet for the first two weeks following the surgery.
Q. How often do I see a dentist after replacing my teeth?
A. You should still see a dentist twice a year for your bi-annual checkups. However, some patients may need to be seen more frequently than others. We can help determine what is best for you.
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Denture Terminology
It is Your Turn
If you are missing teeth, consider All-on-4 implant surgery. Call us today at (949) 336-3404 to discuss your oral health needs. Join other patients in Irvine and rediscover your smile and ability to eat the foods you love. You may also finally feel good about your overall appearance.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
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