All-on-4 Dental Implants in Northern Virginia

All-on-4 dental implants in Northern Virginia: what is it?

All-on-4 dental implants are a modern and long-lasting solution for people who have lost teeth due to reasons such as gum disease, trauma or tooth decay.
This advanced technique allows you to restore a fully functional smile using just four implants per arch, allowing patients to regain confidence in their smile and comfort in their daily lives.
One of the main advantages of the All-on-4 method is the ability to bypass the problem of bone loss, which is often seen in patients after a long period of tooth loss. By using special angled placement techniques, the surgeon can avoid the need for bone grafting, which in turn reduces overall costs and shortens treatment time.

The origins of the All-on-4 system go back to the late 1990s, when renowned Portuguese dentist and surgeon Paulo Malo, together with Nobel Biocare, developed this method to reduce the number of implants used in traditional dental restoration methods. The essence of the method is to install just four titanium implants as efficiently as possible so that they can support a full set of dentures in the upper or lower jaw.

The uniqueness of All-on-4 is the inclined placement of the posterior implants, which eliminates complex and expensive procedures such as bone grafting. Thanks to this, patients with insufficient bone volume, who would not be able to integrate implants under other circumstances, are able to use the All-on-4 method. The anterior implants are installed vertically, in the area of the greatest bone density, which additionally ensures the reliability of the prosthesis fixation.

Individualized treatment planning and innovative techniques allow patients in Northern Virginia to experience fast, lasting results that significantly improve their quality of life. This procedure not only restores aesthetics, but also oral function, which is important for overall health and self-confidence. With reduced recovery time and fewer procedures required, patients can return to their normal lifestyles faster.

All-on-4 implants in Northern Virginia: Who is this procedure right for?

• People who are completely missing teeth or who are facing complete tooth extraction due to medical reasons on one or both jaws.
• Older adults who have difficulty tolerating the multiple surgeries required for traditional implants, such as bone grafting and sinus elevators.
• Patients who need bone grafting for implants but are not ready for these procedures for a variety of reasons, whether psychological, physical, time or financial.
• Individuals with medical conditions that make extensive bone grafting difficult, such as diabetics (including those with compensated diabetes) and people with the effects of cancer.
• In the presence of generalized periodontitis, where significant bone loss reduces bite height.

During the period of implant integration (3-4 months), the temporary prosthesis fulfills an aesthetic role and contributes to stability by fixing the implants. Recommendations during this time are similar to other types of implantation. After the procedure, it is important to follow a gentle diet. The success of recovery depends largely on the patient’s compliance with all the doctor’s recommendations.

How Much Do All-on-4 Implants Cost?

Preparing for and Recovering From All-on-4 Implants

Before the Procedure

Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination, including x-rays or a CT scan, to evaluate your jawbone health. Custom impressions of your mouth are taken to design your prosthetic teeth for a perfect fit.

After the Procedure

Stick to a soft-food diet during the initial healing period. Avoid smoking and strenuous activities to support recovery. Practice excellent oral hygiene, brushing and flossing daily to maintain your implants. Manage post-surgery discomfort with over-the-counter or prescribed medication as advised by your dentist.

What are the steps in the All-on-4 implants placement procedure in Northern Virginia?

Now, let us tell you about what you are about to experience, or what the All-On-4 dental implants procedure is all about.
Let’s go through it step by step:

Step 1: Coming up with a consultation and reviewing the past history

Your procedure is kick started by a comprehensive consultation with a trained oral surgeon. They will also go through your past medical history with respect to your dental health and the bone and gum density of the area concerned. As a result, you get to know whether you are suitable for the All-On-4 dental implants treatment.

Step 2: Involves diagnosis and treatment planning for the disease

Before you begin your All-On-4 dental procedure, your dentist will need to analyze the most effective treatment plan using a high-tech imaging technique (digital scanners). This will also require an evaluation of the implant position, the implants that will be used, and the need for bone grafting.

Step 3: Implant Surgery

When you are being operated on, the surgeon or prosthodontist will place the implant screws that hold the denture in the best positions in your jaws so as to provide support for the required arch. One of the important factors most closely related to posicioning of these implants is the angle at which they inserted; this approach is designed to get the most from the bone available and, therefore, such displacement does not required bone grafting in most cases. A titanium screw is screwed into the implants, and the temporary teeth are screwed or alternatively affixed on the implants.

Step 4: Healing Process and Temporary Teeth

After implant placement, patients go through a healing process. To avoid any discomfort that may occur during the adjustment process, your dentist will provide you with temporary dentures. These will allow you to get used to your new teeth while your gums and bone heal, so you can smile and eat soft foods during this period.
Osteointegration, which is the fusion of the implant with your jawbone, usually takes 3-4 months. During this time, your dentist will make any adjustments necessary for healing and placement of permanent teeth.

Step 5: Final fitting and follow-up

Once the tissues have healed, your temporary teeth will be replaced with a permanent aesthetic restoration using a hybrid material. This final set of teeth will mimic your natural teeth in size, shape, and color to give you the perfect smile. Once you have this denture in place, you will visit your dentist in Northern Virginia for cleanings and other routine checkups.

All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants

The main differences between All-on-4 and traditional dental implants include:

Fewer Implants:

Only four implants are needed per arch for All-on-4, whereas traditional implants may require 8–10 per arch.

No Bone Grafting:

All-on-4 implants are designed to work without additional bone grafting, making them ideal for patients with reduced jawbone density.

All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dentures

Compared to conventional dentures, All-on-4 implants provide unmatched stability and convenience:

No Adhesives:

Unlike dentures that rest on the gums and require adhesives, All-on-4 implants are anchored securely in the jawbone.

Preserve Facial Structure:

They help maintain jawbone mass, preventing the sunken appearance often associated with bone loss.

Ease of Care:

All-on-4 implants can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth, eliminating the need for nightly removal and messy cleaning routines.

How long do all on four implants last?

All-on-4 implants last on average 10 to 15 years, provided that all care recommendations are followed and regular visits to the dentist are made.
Their durability may vary depending on several factors:

• Quality of materials: Durable materials and high-tech manufacturing guarantee the reliability and durability of the structures.
• Oral hygiene: Regular professional cleaning and hygiene procedures at home help prevent inflammation and infection that can damage the implants.
• Strict adherence to the specialist’s recommendations: After the implants are installed, it is necessary to carefully follow the dentist’s advice to ensure successful engraftment.
• Regular examinations: Periodic visits to the dentist allow you to promptly identify and eliminate any possible problems, which prolongs the service life of the implants.

Risk factors

Despite the high efficiency of All-on-4 implants, some individual characteristics can affect their durability:

• Age and general health: Younger patients in good health generally have a higher chance of long-term success of treatment.
• Chronic conditions: Conditions such as diabetes can complicate healing and affect bone health.

Research shows that most All-on-4 implants remain functional even after 10 years of placement. This makes them a reliable choice for those looking for a long-lasting and effective solution to dental restoration. By following specialist recommendations and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can significantly extend the life of your implants and maintain confidence in your smile for many years to come.

Before and after photos

Your Journey to a Restored Smile Starts Here

If you are considering All-on-4 dental implants in Northern Virginia, you have a great opportunity to regain confidence in your smile. This innovative method allows you to replace missing teeth using only four implants per jaw, providing a reliable and durable foundation for the prosthesis.

At our TopSmileDesign clinic in Northern Virginia, we have experienced professionals who have the knowledge and state-of-the-art technology to perform this procedure. Thanks to their professionalism, you can expect quality results that will significantly improve your oral health and the aesthetic appearance of your smile.

The installation of All-on-4 implants brings with it many advantages. Firstly, the procedure allows you to avoid the need for bone grafting in most cases, which speeds up the recovery process. Secondly, implants provide a natural feeling and full functionality of the oral cavity, allowing you to enjoy your favorite food without restrictions.

If you want to discuss all the details and understand whether this method is right for you, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with a doctor. During the meeting, the specialist will assess your current health condition, offer a personalized treatment plan, and answer all your questions. By taking this step, you are getting closer to having a radiant smile that will no longer cause you anxiety.

Meet our doctor:

Dr. Vladimir Soyfer

With almost three decades of experience, Dr. Vladimir Soyfer has practiced in implantology, prosthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Soyfer has done his undegraduate studies at the University of Ohio and completed his dental degree studies at the University of Pennsylvania. His clinical career commenced at the Georgetown University Department of Oral Surgery, providing a robust foundation for his professional growth and expertise.
Dr. Soyfer has more than 50 academic publications on multiple aspects of Oral Surgery.

Some of Dr. Vladimir Soyfer publications and surgeries:

• AAID NEWS Winter 2017 24, 66 pp 2017 1st issue “It is all about blood”. AAID News Winter 2017. USA 24-66 pp https://www.aaid.com/updates/aaid-news-2017-issue-1
• Distraction Osteogenesis Surgery Procedures (available on https://www.slideshare.net/VladimirSoyferDMDPhD/distraction-osteogenesis-presentation-1999
• Archives of Surgery and Clinical Research July 19, 2023 “Review Article on the All-On-Four Treatment Concept in Dental Implants” h https://www.clinsurgeryjournal.com/articles/ascr-aid1070.php
• AAID NEWS Issue 3, 2023 pages – 22-27 All-on-4® Modern Concepts Techniques Review https://www.aaid.com/updates/aaid-news-2023-issue-3
• Zygomatic Implant surgery in combination V4/6 implant surgery https://youtu.be/GYdU_0lSmLE