How to Prepare for an All-on-4 Procedure?

If you have missing or loose teeth threatening to fall out, you have more than a cosmetic issue on your hands. Aside from being unsightly, missing teeth come with dangerous underlying health risks which are a legitimate cause for concern. To make matters worse, if you wait too long before you do something about this issue, your jawbone and the adjacent healthy teeth and gum tissue may suffer damage too. 

The good news is that these are modern times and we have modern technology to fall back on. And when it comes to lasting treatment options in the domain of dental surgery, few options are as popular as the safe and reliable yet cost-effective All-on-4 treatment. For one thing, unlike traditional dentures, All-on-4 dental implants do not press down on the gums and do not cause damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.

Contact an experienced Temecula all-on-4 dentist and discuss this option with them at length and in person. And if your dental implant specialist does recommend the All-on-4 dental implant procedure as your safest, most dependable course of action and you decide to undergo the procedure, you need to prepare yourself for what’s ahead. Read on.

How will my doctor determine my eligibility for All-on-4 surgery?

Your dental implant specialist will take the following steps to ensure that you are eligible for the All-on-4 procedure, as well as that the procedure results in the best possible outcome:

• Comprehensive, detailed examination of your oral and dental health
• Gaining insight into your overall health and medical history, including gathering information on any underlying medical conditions and potentially risky lifestyle choices
• Evaluation of bone quality and density with the use of innovative imagery, as the necessary step in planning the surgery and determining the position of the implants with precision
• Obtaining impression molds for your dental bridge.

What can I do to prepare for my All-on-4 surgery?

Although you will receive detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to prepare for the surgery from your dental implant specialist, these are some steps you can take prior to the procedure to help shorten your recovery time and maximize your chances of success:

• Quit smoking as smoking can cause teeth or gum infection and worsen your outcome of a successful dental implant procedure.
• Warn your dental specialist of any and all medication you are taking, as certain medication may affect your body’s response to the procedure and you may need to modify your medication routine accordingly.
• Adopt a healthier, more restrictive diet and stay away from foods known to affect your wound healing ability, blood coagulation or bone strength.

How long does the All on 4 surgery take?

The All-on-4 procedure itself is relatively short. On average, it lasts up to 4 hours, which is why it is often referred to as teeth-in-a-day, although this depends on the specificity and the complexity of your case. Upon removal of any faulty teeth, the 4 to 6 dental implants will be positioned inside the jaw bone. 

Your dental implant specialist will then attach a temporary dental bridge to the implants, which will stay there for the duration of your recovery period, expected to last about 3 months. This should give your jawbone and gums sufficient time to heal, at which point a permanent, tailor-made dental bridge will be attached to your implants. 

If you are looking to minimize the potential discomfort during the procedure, ask about your anesthesia options beforehand. 

What to expect after All-on-four surgery?

Your dental implant specialist will help you prepare for the final stage of the procedure, which is the placement of the permanent dental bridge. Your doctor will take the following measures, both immediately after the treatment and during follow-up appointments:

• Minimizing risks of bleeding, irritation, inflammation, infection and overall discomfort. 
• Monitoring your body’s response to treatment and the course of the healing process.

You will also receive instructions on your post-procedure routine:

• Stick to a soft & liquid diet and avoid hard, crunchy foods while wearing the temporary bridge
• Although the implants themselves become stable and secure instantly, the tissue around them will remain tender for a few days, so avoid all contact with such areas and their exposure to extreme temperatures and other factors which may lead to irritation and injury
• Brush your teeth gently, using a soft toothbrush
• If you are not ready to stop smoking altogether, try to at least restrain from smoking during the healing period 

Put your dental health in the hands of a leading Temecula all-on-4 dentist

Reach out to us for a comprehensive consultation that is completely free of charge. We will gather the necessary information to help you make an informed decision, one that is in your best long-term interest. Should you decide that All-on-4 is the right solution for you, you will be placed in the safe and competent hands of Dr. Tsvetov who has performed the procedure successfully on numerous other patients across Temecula Valley.  It’s time to reap the benefits of modern dental implant technology. Call and make your initial appointment today!