All-On-Four Dental Implants
in Jacksonville, FL
Are you tired of your removable denture? Do you have failing teeth that will need to be restored? All-on-4® (also commonly referred to as “Teeth-in-a-Day”) may be the right choice for patients in these situations. All-on-4® utilizes state-of-the-art dental implants to repair teeth effectively, and like the name suggests, you will only need four implants placed within the jaw to support a custom restoration. Please contact Parkway Prosthodontics in Jacksonville today to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Ryan and her knowledgeable dentistry team. We will examine your smile, explain your treatment options, and partner with you to create a tooth replacement plan that meets your needs and fits your schedule and budget.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL IMPLANTS & ALL-ON-4?
When considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, understanding the differences between traditional implants and the All-on-4® system is essential to make an informed decision. Both approaches aim to restore your smile, but they differ significantly in terms of procedure, time commitment, and overall impact on your oral health.
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Traditional Dental Implants typically involve replacing each missing tooth with an individual implant. For patients needing a full arch replacement, this method can require six or more implants to be placed along the gumline. Due to the placement requirements, traditional implants often necessitate preliminary procedures like bone and gum tissue grafts to ensure the jawbone is strong enough to support the implants. These preparatory steps can be time-consuming, adding months or even years to the overall treatment timeline. Additionally, multiple surgeries may be required, and healing times can be prolonged, making the entire process quite extensive.
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On the other hand, All-on-4® implants revolutionize this approach by streamlining the process and minimizing the need for additional procedures. Instead of placing individual implants for each tooth, the All-on-4® system uses just four strategically positioned implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. These implants are anchored in the denser part of the jawbone, usually located at the front of the mouth, which often eliminates the need for bone or tissue grafts. This key difference not only reduces the invasiveness of the procedure but also significantly shortens the treatment timeline.
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With All-on-4®, you can expect fewer appointments, as the procedure is designed to be completed more efficiently. Dr. Ryan will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that covers every step, all of which can be conveniently carried out in our office. The reliability and durability of All-on-4® implants make them an excellent long-term solution for tooth replacement. They are also easy to maintain, requiring no more care than your natural teeth, and they contribute positively to your overall oral health by preventing further bone loss and maintaining facial structure.
All-On-Four Implants
Traditional Implants
Why should I choose All-On-Four Dental Implants?
With All-on-4®, patients will be able to walk into our Jacksonville practice on the day of their treatment and walk out with new teeth – it’s really that simple. After placing just four implants at strategic angles into the jawbone, a temporary prosthetic will be attached over them immediately. In a few months, you’ll return to receive your final fixed denture that will look, feel, and function just like your natural smile. Thanks to the supportive implant posts that mimic tooth roots, patients have the oral comfort and security they’ve missed with traditional removable dentures, and they will also be able to preserve their jaw’s health. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy virtually any food you want!
3 Advantages of All-On-4 Dental Implants
Enhanced Stability
Another significant advantage of All-on-4® dental implants is the enhanced stability they provide, which directly contributes to better oral health. The four implants are strategically placed in areas of the jaw where the bone is naturally denser, usually at the front of the mouth. This not only provides a strong foundation for the prosthetic teeth but also helps preserve the jawbone by stimulating it during chewing, which prevents the bone loss that typically occurs with missing teeth or traditional dentures. Additionally, because All-on-4® implants are fixed in place and do not rest on the gums like conventional dentures, they offer superior comfort and functionality, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Cost Effective Solution
All-on-4® dental implants provide a cost-effective alternative to replacing a full set of teeth. With traditional implants, replacing each missing tooth individually can quickly become expensive, especially when factoring in additional procedures like bone grafts or sinus lifts. All-on-4® reduces these costs by requiring fewer implants—just four per arch—to achieve the same, if not better, results. Additionally, the reduced need for supplementary procedures means fewer expenses overall. This makes All-on-4® an attractive option for patients seeking a long-term, high-quality solution without the financial burden associated with more extensive implant procedures.
Efficient and Time-Saving Treatment
One of the most notable advantages of All-on-4® dental implants is the efficiency of the treatment process. Traditional dental implants often require multiple surgeries, extended healing times, and possible bone grafting procedures, all of which can stretch out the timeline for achieving a fully restored smile. In contrast, All-on-4® implants streamline the process by using only four strategically placed implants to support an entire arch of teeth. This approach often eliminates the need for bone grafting, significantly reducing the overall treatment time. Many patients can have their implants and a temporary set of replacement teeth placed in just one day, with fewer appointments needed, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
See how we can use four implants to support a full arch of teeth...
Am I a Candidate for All-On-Four Implants?
When considering All-on-4® dental implants, it's important to understand that this procedure is designed for individuals who have lost a significant number of teeth and may not have enough healthy jawbone left to support traditional implant dentures. Dr. Kathryn Ryan typically recommends this innovative solution for patients who find themselves in these circumstances, as All-on-4® implants can provide a stable, long-term solution for restoring a full set of teeth.
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However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for All-on-4® implants. The success of this procedure largely depends on the condition of your jawbone. A certain level of jawbone density is essential to secure the implants properly. If a patient lacks sufficient bone density, alternative treatments or preparatory procedures such as bone grafting might be necessary before All-on-4® implants can be considered. Dr. Ryan will evaluate the bone structure through advanced imaging techniques to determine if this treatment is viable for you.
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Additionally, overall health plays a crucial role in the success of dental implants. Patients with chronic health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, may face challenges in healing after the implant procedure. These conditions can affect the body’s ability to integrate the implants with the bone, potentially leading to complications. Therefore, Dr. Ryan carefully assesses each patient’s medical history and current health status to ensure that All-on-4® implants are the safest and most effective option for their dental restoration needs.
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It's important to consult with Dr. Ryan to discuss your specific situation. She will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether All-on-4® implants are suitable for you and, if not, suggest alternative treatments that can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Good Overall Health and Controlled Chronic Conditions
Candidates for All-on-4® implants generally need to be in good overall health, with any chronic conditions like diabetes being well-controlled. If you manage your health effectively and don’t have conditions that could interfere with healing or bone integration, you could be a good candidate for this procedure. Dr. Ryan will review your medical history to ensure that you're a suitable candidate.
Adequate Jawbone Density
While All-on-4® implants are designed for patients with some level of bone loss, a minimum amount of jawbone density is still required to ensure the implants can anchor securely. If you have sufficient bone structure in the areas where the implants will be placed, you may be a candidate for this procedure without the need for additional bone grafting. Dr. Ryan will assess your bone density through imaging to confirm your eligibility.
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WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING ALL-ON-4 TREATMENT?
The thing that makes All-on-4 so unique is the way the implant posts are placed. Two of the implants are placed vertically to support the front of the denture. Then, two implant posts are angled from the back of the denture to implant into the front of the jaw. This procedure can take several hours to complete, and before you leave, we can usually place a lightweight, temporary denture. This will allow you to get used to the feel of your All-on-4 prosthetic until the final denture is designed, crafted, and attached to your implant posts. Once your gums have time to heal, you can return to Parkway Prosthodontics where we’ll design your custom denture. Once this prosthetic is returned from the lab, you will comeback for one short final treatment appointment, so we can attach your flawless, final denture.
See how we can use four implants to support a full arch of teeth...
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY ALL-ON-4 DENTURE?
Caring for your All-on-4® denture is crucial to maintaining its longevity and ensuring your oral health remains in top condition. Once your All-on-4® denture is securely in place, you can follow a routine similar to how you would care for natural teeth, but with a few specific considerations to ensure optimal maintenance.
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Brushing Your All-on-4® Denture: Brushing is a fundamental part of keeping your All-on-4® denture clean and free from plaque buildup. We recommend using an ultra-soft bristled toothbrush to gently clean the surface of your prosthetic. This type of toothbrush minimizes the risk of scratching or wearing down the material of your denture. Just like with natural teeth, you should brush your denture twice a day, paying special attention to all surfaces, including the areas where the denture meets the gumline.
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Flossing and Cleaning Between the Denture and Gums: Traditional floss might not be effective for cleaning around an All-on-4® denture due to the way the prosthetic is designed. Instead, a water flosser can be an excellent tool for maintaining cleanliness. Water flossers are designed to use a stream of water to remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas, particularly between the denture base and the soft tissue of your gums. This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque that could lead to gum irritation or infection.
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Using Antimicrobial Mouth Rinse: Incorporating an antimicrobial mouth rinse into your daily routine can further help reduce the risk of plaque buildup around your All-on-4® denture. This type of mouthwash is specifically formulated to target bacteria that can accumulate in the mouth, providing an extra layer of protection against oral health issues such as gum disease. Using the mouth rinse as directed by Dr. Ryan will help keep your gums healthy and your breath fresh.
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Regular Check-ups and Professional Cleanings: Even with diligent at-home care, it’s important to visit Dr. Ryan regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. These appointments allow her to monitor the health of your gums and the condition of your denture, ensuring that everything remains in good shape. Professional cleanings can also address any areas that may be difficult to maintain on your own, providing a deeper level of cleanliness and care.
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By following these care guidelines and working closely with Dr. Ryan, you can enjoy the benefits of your All-on-4® denture for many years to come, maintaining a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
WE SPECIALIZE IN PROSTHODONTICS
& IMPLANT DENTISTRY
Some general dentists perform dental implant treatment or refer these cases out, but Parkway Prosthodontics focuses solely on prosthodontics and dental implant placement. Dr. Kathryn Ryan has advanced training in the latest dental implant placement techniques and is able to deliver stunning, long-lasting results for our patients.
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Because we can perform dental implant placement in-office, you don't have to worry about jumping back and forth between dental offices during the course of your treatment.
YOUR FIRST STEP IS TO TALK TO A DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS!
Every patient is paired up with our treatment coordinator, who will be with you throughout the entire process and at every appointment with you! Dr. Ryan will go over all of your options and create a customized treatment plan just for you. Never have to worry about any surprise fees, again.
