The All-on-4 dental implant process is the preferred option for Tulsa-area patients dealing with full tooth loss or extensive damage to multiple teeth. The procedure eliminates the hassles of traditional dentures, like adhesive, poor fit, difficulty chewing and nightly removal.

All-on-4 implants replace your entire set of teeth with four implant posts that support a full set of fixed replacement teeth during a one-time procedure. In most situations, you can expect your dental surgeon to perform this procedure in just one day. With proper care, All-on-4 dental implants will give you the look of natural teeth and can last a lifetime.

Step 1: Free Dental Implant Consultation

At the start of your full mouth restoration journey, your implant dentist will carefully assess the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if All-on-4 dental implants are right for you.

This procedure is usually a viable solution for people who've lost most or all of their teeth or if they have extensive tooth decay. The success of dental implants depends on a few factors, like having enough bone density and healthy gum tissue to support the implants for years to come. Deterioration of the jaw bone over time can cause it to become more susceptible to fractures and breaks, so through X-rays and examination, we'll check your bone density and identify any potential issues. 

We'll also take the time to discuss your medical history and current health concerns so we can create a treatment plan that's tailored to your unique needs. If your dentist determines you're a good candidate for dental implants, you can schedule the next steps of the All-on-4 process. 

We want to make sure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision and feel confident about your choice. That includes understanding the costs associated with the procedure. Our restorative dentistry office staff can guide you through the process of selecting the best option for your unique situation and help you understand the costs associated with the procedure. They can also provide you with several options for payment, including financing and assessing any dental insurance plan you may have. 

Step 2: All-On-4 Placement

The day has come and it’s time to get your new smile! A dental implant placement is considered major oral surgery, so you can expect to be sedated during the experience. You’ll need someone to accompany you and drive you home once your procedure is complete. Your dental team will do everything they can to ensure that your extraction is as stress-free as possible. 

If you have remaining teeth that need to be removed before getting implant-supported dentures, your dentist will perform a tooth extraction. After your teeth are extracted, your dentist will place your All-On-4 dental implants. During this placement, small incisions are made in your gums to shape the four upper and four lower arch sockets. Implant screws are placed in your jawbone, and a connector is attached.

If you've had significant bone loss, a bone graft can be performed before placing the implants to restore your jaw’s volume and density. The bone grafting material can be obtained from various sources, including from your own body or with a synthetic material.

Finally, your dentist will suture your gums, and affix a temporary bridge to your dental implants!

Step 3: Dental Implant Healing

Once your implants are installed, it's time to heal.  After your procedure, it's completely normal to experience some bleeding in the days following. Don't worry - this is just a natural part of the healing process. If you notice any bleeding, you can gently pat the area with a clean cloth or gauze. During this time, we recommend sticking to soft foods to avoid putting any unnecessary pressure on your healing gums. If you experience any discomfort, over-the-counter pain medication should be all that’s needed. 

Once any bleeding stops, you should rinse your mouth with warm salt water at least twice a day.  The full healing process usually takes about three to six months as the titanium rods integrate fully into your jawbone through osseointegration.

What is Osseointegration?

In dental terms, osseointegration is the process of your gums and jaw bone fusing with your dental implants. The tissues of the jaw grow around the implant, giving it strength and stability. Implants that don't undergo osseointegration won't be secure enough to anchor your dental restoration.

Following after-care suggestions during this time is important for healing. We recommend sticking to soft foods for a while to avoid loosening the implants. Don't worry, we'll give you a list of tasty options to choose from! It's also important to take any antibiotics as directed and use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep everything clean. It will help immensely if you refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol until your healing is complete.

After two weeks, you'll start feeling much better and be able to get back to your normal routine. However, the integration process will continue over the next three to six months as your body fully adjusts. 

Once your implants have healed, your dentist will install your permanent All-On-4 implants to your arch sockets and you can enjoy a mouth with a smile that feels natural!

All-On-Four Dental Implants in Tulsa, OK

If you’d like to learn more about how dental implant restoration can provide you with a permanent and natural solution for your smile, Restore Dentures and Implants of Tulsa can help! Our team of experienced dental restoration professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Schedule a free consult with us to review your options! We look forward to working to restore your smile!