All-on-4® by Nobel Biocare in Alexandria

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants in Alexandria are dentures that are permanently screwed into your jawbone. They're called ‘All-on-4’ because they include four implants that your dentist secures to a denture or a full bridge. You can have All-on-4 implants for your upper or lower jaw.

All-on-4 options provide results that look and feel like real teeth, and you take care of them by brushing and flossing them. If you've lost teeth as a result of decay, periodontal disease, illness, accidents, or trauma, All-on-4 implants could help you restore your smile.

How Should I Prepare for My All-on-4 Implant Treatment?

Before you have your first All-on-4 appointment, your dental care provider will examine your teeth, gums and jawbone. You may need to have x-rays or other imaging studies to help the dentist gather more information about your oral health. If your dentist detects concerns that require treatment, you should have any necessary treatment before you start the All-on-4 implant process.

What Happens When I Receive All-on-4 Dental Implant Treatment?

Light sedation is used to help you feel comfortable during your procedure. Once you are sedated, your All-on-4 dentist will insert four titanium posts into your jawbone. Two of them will be placed in the front of your mouth, and the others will go in the back of your mouth. The posts in the back are tilted at 45-degree angles, pushing them deeper into your bone than conventional implants. This eliminates the need for bone grafts in most patients.

The posts used in this procedure are made of biocompatible materials, so they won't harm your oral tissues. You can expect to have a quick recovery, and you'll use temporary dentures while you're healing. To reduce your risk of developing a post-surgical infection, your dental team will provide detailed instructions on appropriate aftercare. Make sure to follow all of the instructions, and reach out to your provider if you have any questions or concerns.

When you've recovered, you will have a second procedure to attach customized dentures to the posts. The dentures are created in laboratories, and they're crafted to suit the shapes and shades of your existing teeth. After they're in place, you should treat them like natural teeth. Brush them at least twice a day, and remember to floss them once a day.

If you aren't able to attend a second appointment to receive All-on-4 procedures, it may be possible for you to have your implants completed in a single appointment. Check with our office staff in Alexandria to learn about our same-day implant options.

How Much Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost?

All-on-4 implants are less invasive than traditional implants, and they require fewer implants. As a result, they're more affordable than traditional implant options.

There are no standard prices for All-on-4 procedures, and the cost of your treatment will depend on your specific needs. Our dental team at Dental Associates of Northern Virginia - Pinecrest in Alexandria will be happy to provide personalized cost estimates for you.

What Do I Need to Know About All-on-4 Before and After Preparations and Care?

Before you consider All-on-4 options, it is helpful to read dentist and dental clinic reviews to learn about the experience and training of the people who will be treating you. When you're reading reviews, check to see if other patients were satisfied with their procedures, and make notes about any concerns that were raised. Ask your providers to show you before and after photos of All-on-4 treatment that they've completed, and make sure you like the results. Here at Dental Associates of Northern Virginia - Pinecrest in Alexandria, we are happy to share reviews and photos with you, and we're here to answer all of your questions.

After your treatment, attend all of your follow-up appointments, and contact your dental team if you have any concerns during your recovery.

How Are All-on-4 Implants Different From Conventional Implants?

When you have All-on-4 implants, you receive a complete dental arch that's made of four implants. With conventional implants, you might need to have as many as 10 implants for each arch. Additionally, many conventional implant patients need bone grafting to replace their jawbones, and this requires additional surgery. If you choose to have All-on-4 implants, you can be treated in a less invasive way, and you will recover more quickly.

What Are the Differences Between Traditional Dentures and All-on-4 Options?

Traditional dentures are removable, and they sit on your gums. You use adhesive to keep them in place, and this process tends to be messy. Since All-on-4 dentures are anchored to posts that your dentist inserts into your jawbone, they provide unparalleled stability. Unlike traditional dentures, All-on-4 options also help with maintaining the natural shape of your jawline.

Where Can I Receive All-on-4 Dental Implants Near Me?

If you're looking for All-on-4 care in Alexandria, contact us at Dental Associates of Northern Virginia - Pinecrest. Our providers are experts in All-on-4 procedures, and we perform these treatments for patients in Alexandria on a regular basis. Make an appointment with us to discover how we can transform your smile.