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All on 4 FAQ Lakewood, CA Three decades ago, a patient missing most of their teeth had exactly one realistic option: a removable denture that needed adhesive every morning and a glass of water every night. Today, a single treatment plan can anchor a full new smile directly to the jawbone, no suction, no slipping, no taking teeth out before bed. That shift, more than any marketing term, is what makes All-On-4 dental implants worth understanding before deciding on a path forward at Lakewood Dental Arts.
What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?All-On-4 is a method of replacing an entire arch of missing or failing teeth using just four implant posts per jaw. Rather than placing one implant for every missing tooth, the posts are positioned at precise angles that take advantage of the densest available bone, often allowing patients with bone loss to skip a separate bone grafting procedure. A custom fixed bridge is then attached to those four posts, giving patients a full set of replacement teeth that function and feel much closer to natural teeth than a removable denture ever could. Who Qualifies for All-On-4 Dental Implants?Most adults who are missing all or nearly all of their teeth in an arch, or who have teeth that are failing beyond repair, are reasonable candidates for this approach. Our dentists evaluate each patient individually, but the factors that typically matter most include:
Patients who were told in the past that they were not candidates for implants due to bone loss are sometimes surprised to learn that All-On-4 was designed with exactly that situation in mind. The angled placement reduces the need for the bone that traditional implant placement requires. What is the All-On-4 Process?The process unfolds in stages, beginning long before the day of surgery and continuing through the months that follow:
Because a temporary bridge is typically attached immediately, patients are not left without teeth while the implants integrate, which is one of the more practical advantages of this approach for those who need full mouth implants but want to avoid an extended period of wearing a removable prosthetic. Recovery and Maintenance for All-On-4 PatientsInitial recovery after surgery generally involves some swelling and tenderness for the first several days, manageable with the medication and instructions provided after the procedure. A soft food diet is recommended for the first few weeks while the surgical sites heal and the implants begin to integrate with the bone. Most patients return to work and normal routines within a few days, though strenuous activity is usually limited for a longer stretch. Long term, All-On-4 restorations are cared for much like natural teeth, with daily brushing, the use of any specialized cleaning tools recommended for under the bridge, and regular checkups so our team can confirm the implants and bite remain stable. With consistent care, these restorations are built to support a normal diet and an active lifestyle. Ready to Learn if All-On-4 Is Right for You?Choosing how to replace a full arch of teeth is a significant decision, and the right answer depends on details unique to each patient's jaw, health, and goals. Lakewood Dental Arts welcomes the opportunity to walk Lakewood patients through their options in a straightforward consultation. Call (562) 384-1091 to schedule a visit and find out whether All-On-4 is the right fit for your smile. |
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