Do you have a full arch of missing teeth? Tarheel Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can offer complete implant dentistry services and advanced treatment options in our office, including All On Four. Dr. Hewgley and Dr. Bhagat provide a team approach and expertise in all aspects of placing dental implants to help patients restore their smiles in one day using the All On Four procedure.

The All On Four method has transformed how dental professionals approach tooth loss. Traditional dentures often come with discomfort and inconvenience, but All On Four implants provide a more secure and natural-feeling alternative. This solution restores your smile and enhances your quality of life.

What Is All On Four?

All On Four dental implants involve placing four implants in the jawbone to support a full arch of teeth. These implants act as anchors for a same day implant denture, ensuring immediate function and appearance. Unlike traditional dentures, All On Four implants do not require adhesives or removal for cleaning. This method uses the healthiest parts of the jawbone, providing a solid foundation for the new implant-supported denture.

The implants are typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material that integrates well with the jawbone. This integration process, known as osseointegration, ensures that the implants remain secure and stable over time. The result is a set of teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

Benefits of All On Four Dental Implants

All On Four dental implants offer numerous advantages:

• Immediate Results: Patients receive a full set of teeth on the same day of the procedure. This immediate transformation can significantly boost your confidence and improve your overall quality of life.
• Improved Oral Health: Implants prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure. Traditional dentures can lead to bone resorption over time, but All On Four implants stimulate the jawbone, preserving its integrity and preventing the sunken appearance often associated with tooth loss.
• Enhanced Comfort: Implants feel and function like natural teeth. Unlike removable dentures, which can cause irritation and discomfort, All On Four implants provide a stable and comfortable fit.
• Durability: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime. The materials used in All On Four implants are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, providing a long-lasting solution to tooth loss.
• Convenience: No need for nightly removal or messy adhesives. All On Four implants are permanently fixed in place, allowing you to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine without any additional steps.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Dr. Bhagat and Dr. Hewgley can offer complete and comprehensive diagnostics and care for the All On Four process in our Chapel Hill dentist office. An experienced and highly trained periodontist, Dr. Bhagat can help you restore a stable oral foundation if there is compromised bone or gum tissue and can place all types of dental implants.

The All On Four procedure involves several steps:

• Consultation: Our dentists will evaluate your oral health and discuss treatment options. During this initial visit, we will take X-rays and digital images to assess the condition of your jawbone and ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
• Preparation: Our dental care team takes digital images and impressions of your mouth. These images and impressions are used to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
• Surgery: Dr. Bhagat will place four implants in the jawbone. This surgical procedure typically takes a few hours and is performed under local anesthesia or sedation to ensure your comfort. The dentist strategically positions the implants to maximize stability and support.
• Placement: Before you leave, we will attach a temporary same-day implant denture. This temporary denture allows you to leave the office with a complete set of teeth, providing immediate function and aesthetics while your implants heal and integrate with the jawbone.
• Follow-Up: After healing, we will take new impressions to create and place a permanent hybrid denture. This final restoration is custom-made to match your natural teeth’ shape, size, and color, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result.

Throughout the process, our team will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your implants and what to expect during the healing period. Regular follow-up visits will ensure that your implants integrate properly and that your new teeth function as expected.

Who Can Benefit from All On Four Dental Implants?

All On Four dental implants suit individuals with significant tooth loss or those dissatisfied with traditional dentures. Ideal candidates include those who:

• Have multiple missing teeth or a full arch of missing teeth. Whether due to decay, injury, or other factors, All On Four implants can restore a full arch of teeth, providing a complete and functional smile.
• Seek a permanent solution. Unlike removable dentures, which require regular maintenance and replacement, All On Four implants offer a long-lasting and stable option for tooth replacement.
• Desire immediate improvement in function and appearance. The same-day implant denture allows you to walk out of the dentist’s office with a new set of teeth, providing an instant boost to your confidence and quality of life.
• Maintain good overall health. Candidates should have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density to support the implants. Your dentist will evaluate your oral and general health to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Even if you have been told that you are not a candidate for traditional implants due to bone loss, All On Four implants may still be an option. The strategic placement of the implants can often bypass areas of low bone density, providing a viable solution for many patients. Dr. Bhagat also provides bone and tissue grafting to support a more stable outcome.