There are several things you need to know about All-on-4s dental implants. You can find out more by checking out our guide here.

Even though the rates of tooth loss have been decreasing over the last few decades, it's still a very prevalent concern for older adults. Once they reach age 65, 26% of adults in the United States only have eight natural teeth remaining.

If you're one of the many Americans who are dealing with severe tooth loss, getting dentures can greatly improve your confidence and quality of life. One of your options, called All-on-4 implants, can permanently restore your whole mouth's appearance and function.

What are All-on-4s, and are they something you should consider getting? We'll go over everything you need to know about this denture implant procedure below.

What Are All-on-4s Dentures?

Pros and Cons of All-on-4 Implants

All-on-4s can be life-changing for many people. Having a new set of permanent teeth when you had been missing them makes eating and speaking easier. It can also restore your confidence in your smile.

Other benefits of All-on-4s over other types of dentures include:

• The placement of the implants means a lower chance of needing a bone graft
• Only one procedure with four implant posts for a full set of teeth
• No shifting or moving around throughout the day like removable dentures
• No struggling with adhesives
• A High long-term success rate
• Restores more of your bite force than removable dentures
• Lower cost than individual implants for patients missing quite a few teeth
• A natural appearance that matches your remaining teeth

Almost 24% of Americans between 64 and 74 years old have no remaining natural teeth. Unfortunately, All-on-4 dentures can't replace your back molars. This is because the force of your bite in this part of your mouth is too strong for the teeth to withstand. Some of the other cons to consider include:

• Patients must have high enough jawbone density to qualify
• Inability to "try out" the teeth to see if you like them—the procedure is permanent
• You'll be able to feel a "ridge" under your gums where the implant sits
• Implants don't provide the same sensation as natural teeth



All-on-4 Implants aren't right for everyone, and you should put thought into these drawbacks. Even so, if you're a good candidate for the procedure, the pros will likely outweigh the cons.

How Long Do All-on-4s Last?

All-on-4s are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Even so, they'll still last longer if you care for them properly.



An average set of denture implants will last for at least ten years. With good dental hygiene, regular checkups, and following your dentist's advice, they can stay in good shape for over twenty years.

Potential All-on-4 Dental Implant Problems

As with any medical procedure, there is some risk associated with All-on-4 implants. Most of these problems come from improper care and could have been avoided. Some of the complications to be aware of include:

• Broken teeth on the implant
• Difficulty adjusting speech and an (often temporary) lisp
• Poor implant healing or loosened posts
• Infection



If you're considering All-on-4 implants, make sure to see an experienced dentist who you can trust to prevent complications.

Frequently Asked Questions About All-on-4s

Even after reading through this guide, you likely still have a few questions about the All-on-4 procedure. Your dentist will be happy to go over any concerns you have during your consultation, but here are a few of the most common questions patients have.

How Can I Avoid Dental Implant Problems?

The best way to steer clear of the dental implant problems mentioned above is to take good care of your dentures. This means keeping them clean and being careful not to put too much pressure on them when biting down. If you think you might be having a problem with your implant, talk to your dentist about how to repair it.

How Do I Clean My Implants?

Dental hygiene is still important even when you have implants.

Because your mouth is still healing after surgery, you'll want to start with no more than a gentle saline rinse. You'll be able to brush and floss your implants just like natural teeth after you recover.

What Is the Average Recovery Time?

Your jawbone and the soft tissue in your mouth will take time to heal after getting implants. It will take a few months for you to fully recover, but the healing time is much shorter than getting a full mouth of standard implants. You'll be fitted with temporary dentures until your mouth is ready to support the permanent ones.

Am I a Good Candidate for All-on-4 Implants?



Only your dentist can tell you for sure. During your consultation, they'll take images of your mouth to ensure you have a high enough bone density to support implants. They'll also help you understand the ins and outs of the procedure so you know exactly what to expect.

Talk to Your Hampton, VA Cosmetic Dentist About Getting Dental Implants

If you're thinking about getting standard dentures, All-on-4 dentures, or another type of implant, the most important thing you can do is talk with your dentist about your options. They'll evaluate your mouth and help you decide on an option that's both functional and attractive.



Looking for a dentist in Hampton, VA that offers All-on-4s? The excellent team at LeJeune Family Dentistry can help with all your general and cosmetic dentistry needs. Reach out to us online today to learn more about your options for dental implants or to schedule an appointment.