All-on-Four dental implants offer a complete smile restoration using just four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. This approach provides immediate results and eliminates the extended healing times associated with traditional implants.
At Northern Westchester Dental Care, our team of highly trained general and multi-specialist dentists brings world-class training and technology to Yorktown Heights. We provide comprehensive restorative dentistry solutions, including All-on-Four dental implants, in one location with our whole-body dentistry approach.
How All-on-Four Dental Implants Work
All-on-Four treatment uses four dental implants positioned at specific angles in your jawbone to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. The back implants are tilted at 45 degrees to maximize contact with available bone, while the front implants are placed vertically. This design evenly distributes chewing forces and allows many patients to avoid bone-grafting procedures.
The procedure typically happens in a single day. After a thorough evaluation using advanced imaging technology, your dentist places the four implants into your jawbone. A temporary set of teeth is immediately attached to these implants, so you leave the office with a functional smile. After the implants integrate with your bone over several months, your dentist will replace the temporary teeth with a permanent prosthesis custom-designed for your mouth.
Benefits of Choosing All-on-Four Implants
All-on-Four implants restore both function and appearance. You can eat the foods you enjoy without worrying about slipping dentures or dietary restrictions. The implants stimulate your jawbone just as natural tooth roots do, helping preserve facial structure. Research shows bone loss can occur rapidly after tooth loss, making implant placement a valuable option for preserving jaw structure.
This treatment also offers practical advantages:
- Immediate results: you receive temporary teeth on the same day as your implant surgery, eliminating the time without teeth during healing.
- Fewer implants needed: using only four implants per arch reduces surgical complexity and overall treatment costs compared to traditional implant-supported dentures.
- Simplified maintenance: All-on-Four prosthetics clean easily with regular brushing and don’t require removal at night like traditional dentures.
- Long-term stability: the permanent prosthesis attaches securely to the implants, eliminating the movement and discomfort associated with conventional dentures.
These benefits make All-on-Four an excellent solution for patients who struggle with failing teeth or uncomfortable dentures.
Who Makes a Good Candidate
Good candidates for All-on-Four implants have lost most or all of their teeth in one or both arches. You should be in generally good health, as conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease can affect healing. If you have moderate bone loss, the angled placement technique often works without additional bone grafting, though severe bone loss may require preliminary procedures.
Your dentist will evaluate several factors during your consultation. They’ll assess your jawbone density using 3D imaging, review your medical history, and discuss your treatment goals. Patients who smoke should be prepared to quit, as smoking significantly impacts implant success rates. Those taking medications affecting bone metabolism may need to adjust their treatment plan.
The Treatment Process
Your All-on-Four journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Your dentist takes detailed scans of your jaw and reviews your oral health history. This planning phase determines optimal implant placement and designs your new smile.
On surgery day, you receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Your dentist places the four implants precisely according to the treatment plan, then attaches a temporary prosthesis. This temporary restoration looks natural and functions well while your implants heal.
Over the next three to six months, the implants fuse with your jawbone through osseointegration. You’ll attend follow-up appointments so your dentist can monitor healing progress. Once integration is complete, your dentist takes impressions for your permanent prosthesis. The final restoration is crafted from durable materials that match your desired tooth shape and shade. At your final appointment, your dentist secures the permanent teeth to the implants and makes any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and function.
Caring for Your All-on-Four Implants
Proper care keeps your All-on-Four implants healthy for decades. Brush your prosthetic teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, focusing on where the prosthesis meets your gums. Floss or use interdental brushes to clean around the implant posts. Water flossers are effective at removing debris from hard-to-reach areas.
Regular dental visits remain important after your All-on-Four treatment. Your dentist will check the implants and prosthesis during cleanings and exams, ensuring everything stays in excellent condition. Professional cleaning removes buildup that home care might miss. Avoid chewing extremely hard foods, such as ice or hard candy, which can damage your prosthesis. If you grind your teeth at night, wear a protective guard to prevent excessive wear.
Most patients find All-on-Four implants significantly easier to maintain than traditional dentures. You don’t need adhesives, special cleaning solutions, or overnight soaking. The fixed nature of the restoration means you brush and care for your new teeth much like you would natural teeth.
Restore Your Smile at Northern Westchester Dental Care
Northern Westchester Dental Care provides comprehensive dental implant solutions with the convenience of having all your care completed in one location. Our team uses the latest dental technology to deliver predictable, comfortable results. We also offer the NWDC Membership Plan for patients without dental insurance, making quality care accessible to more families in the Northern Westchester area. Whether you’re dealing with failing teeth or uncomfortable cosmetic dentistry concerns, All-on-Four dental implants can transform your quality of life.Our commitment to whole body dentistry means we consider your overall health and wellness when creating your treatment plan. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and discover how All-on-Four implants can restore your smile and confidence.
