All-on-4 Dental Implants Santa Maria, CA
The All-on-4 implant treatment involves mounting all replacement teeth to four dental implants on the top and bottom of the mouth. If you are experiencing tooth loss or severe decay, All-on-4® implants could be the right solution. In addition, eating or speaking with significant gaps in the mouth can be challenging and may cause one to avoid social situations.
All-on-4 implants are available at Wilson Oral Surgery in Santa Maria and the surrounding area. Our oral surgeon can help restore your smile and allow your mouth to function without challenges. Call our office today at (805) 910-1213 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
Why Patients Should Consider All-on-4
Instead of waiting several months to get false teeth attached to the implants, patients can get them attached the same day. The All-on-4 process takes a shorter amount of time since it does not require bone grafts or a large number of implants. Along with a shorter treatment process, the All-on-4 implant process gives patients natural-looking teeth and helps them feel at ease when chewing, speaking, and socializing.
Treatments such as partial dentures, bridges, or traditional implants may be a better fit when patients are missing only a few teeth. However, people who come to our office for All-on-4 implants either have no teeth or their teeth are failing. Also, a bone graft may not be recommended if a patient has certain health conditions, and this treatment may be safer. Our oral surgeon can help patients determine the most effective option to meet their needs during a consultation.
“The All-on-4 implant process gives the patient natural-looking teeth and helps them feel at ease chewing, speaking, and socializing.”
Causes and Effects of Tooth Loss
According to WebMD, tooth loss is a common but not inevitable part of aging. Tooth loss can occur from an accident, such as a slip or fall that knocks out one or more teeth. Injuries such as hard blows to the face from playing sports or being involved in a vehicle accident could also dislodge teeth. Over time, excessive damage, decay or gum disease can compromise a tooth’s structure and effectiveness. As a result, teeth may wear down or fall out, or a dental professional may have to pull them.
Extreme tooth decay can cause severe pain and irritation. Aesthetically, a toothless smile can have emotional implications for a patient. Other effects of missing or damaged teeth include:
- Sensitivity to certain foods and beverages: When a patient has large cavities or failing teeth, it can be challenging to consume hot or cold food and drinks.
- Discomfort in the gum area: Patients who have no teeth may have trouble eating and speaking. Some may find wearing a complete set of dentures less comfortable.
- Social discomfort: Patients who are missing teeth may avoid smiling or even being out in social settings.
All of these effects can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, our oral surgeon can help by offering various tooth replacement options. Our team can help patients determine if All-on-4 is the right solution for the patient before moving forward with the treatment.
“Over time, excessive damage, decay or gum disease can compromise a tooth’s structure and effectiveness.”
How the All-on-4 Implant Treatment Works
Replacing the top or bottom arch of teeth with standard dental implants would require an implant for each tooth. Alternatively, All-on-4 uses four implants to replace the top or bottom row of teeth. The treatment works even if the patient has no teeth at all. As explained in this article by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the four implants support the entire arch of replacement teeth. Also, this treatment does not require bone grafting. The implants will fuse with the existing bone and become part of the jaw. Since some of the implants are set at an angle, they are longer and offer more support.
All-on-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster. First, the doctor will take impressions and X-rays and send those to a lab. At a subsequent appointment, our oral surgeon and team will use a local anesthetic to numb the patient and may have to remove any remaining damaged teeth. Then, the oral surgeon will insert screws into four places in the upper and lower jaw. These titanium anchors will help support the artificial teeth throughout the mouth.
“All-on-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster.”
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After the Procedure
Our oral surgeon will send you home with specific aftercare instructions that you should follow exactly for proper healing and prevention of infection. Instructions commonly include:
- Brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush.
- Sleeping with your head elevated.
- Eating only soft foods.
Immediately following the procedure, you may be sore and have swelling and light bleeding. Call our office immediately if these symptoms worsen rather than subside. Patients should maintain proper care of their implants and oral health. Just as with natural teeth, patients must continue brushing and flossing daily. Regular dental checkups are essential and should include an examination of the implants.
“Patients should properly care for their implants and oral health. Just as with natural teeth, patients must continue brushing and flossing daily.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Who is a good candidate for All-on-4?
Q. What is involved in the All-on-4 implant treatment?
Q. What should you do after the procedure?
People Also Ask
Q. What is the dental implant process?
Q. What are some tips for a successful recovery?
Q. What are implant-supported dentures?
Q. Why would I need a tooth extraction?
Q. Why would a dentist refer a patient to a specialist for dental implant surgery?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does insurance cover All-on-4 implants?
A. It is essential to check with your provider first. All insurance plans have different levels of coverage. Our office can work with you on financing and payment plans.
Q. What is the cost of an All-on-4?
A. Patients can benefit from the fact that All-on-4 implants tend to be less expensive than traditional implants. Some people can expect to pay about half as much as with regular treatments. Our staff will discuss the cost before starting the treatment.
Q. What foods should people avoid after receiving All-on-4?
A. All-on-4 implants allow patients to fully function within hours of the surgery. It may take a little bit of time to get used to the implants. Our oral surgeon may advise patients to avoid hard foods at first.
Q. Are there any side effects from the All-on-4 procedure?
A. After the surgery, there may be some soreness. Patients can take over-the-counter pain medication. Minimal bleeding may also occur on the day of the procedure.
Q. When can patients return to normal activities after the All-on-4 procedure?
A. Because our oral surgeon uses anesthesia to numb the patient, the person should take time to recover. Patients should avoid heavy physical activity for the next day or two. Rest is critical during this time.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Schedule A Consultation Today
If you are missing teeth, consider All-on-4 implant surgery. Call us today at 805-910-1213 to discuss your oral health needs. Join other patients in Santa Maria and rediscover your smile and ability to eat the foods you love. You may also finally feel good about your overall appearance.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. 2023
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. 2023
- American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2023
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). National Cancer Institute (NCI). 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
About our business, license, and website security
- Wilson Oral Surgery was established in 1990.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Santa Barbara County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Santa Maria, Nipomo, Orcutt, Betteravia, Garey, Los Alamos, and Guadalupe
- CA (License #53295). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1578736013). View NPI Registry Information
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