Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS

Restore Your Smile With Bone Grafting and All-on-4 Dental Implants

In the previous blogs in this series, we discussed how dental implants have transformed the field of restorative dentistry, providing a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. However, traditional dental implants may not be suitable for patients who need full arch replacement. In such cases, bone grafting and All-on-4 dental implants offer a revolutionary alternative.

In the final blog of this series, we will discuss how bone grafting and All-on-4 dental implants significantly improve full arch replacement, offering a more efficient, less invasive, and cost-effective solution for patients with extensive tooth loss.

Table of Contents

What Are Dental Bone Grafts?

Dental bone grafts are used to increase the amount of bone in a part of the jaw where bone has been lost or where additional support is needed. Bone loss in the jaw can occur due to various reasons, such as periodontal disease, trauma, or tooth loss. 

When a tooth is removed or lost, the natural stimulation to the jawbone is reduced, resulting in a decrease in bone density over time.

Patients who require dental implants but lack sufficient bone density may need a bone graft to ensure there is enough bone to support the implant. A bone graft creates a more solid base for the implant, which is crucial for the stability and longevity of the implant.

There are two types of bone grafts—autografts and allografts. An autograft is bone harvested from another part of the patient’s body, such as the hip. An allograft uses donor bone material, which may come from a tissue bank or a synthetic source.

Dental Bone Graft Procedure

Your periodontist will first assess the condition of your jawbone to determine if a bone graft is needed. If so, they will discuss the different types of bone grafts available and recommend the best option for you.

On the day of surgery, you may receive local anesthesia and sedation, depending on your preference and the complexity of the procedure. A small incision is made in your gum tissue to expose the bone. The bone is cleaned and prepared for the graft. Once the graft is in place, it will be covered with a special membrane to secure it in place. The incision will be closed with sutures.

The healing process takes several months, during which time new bone tissue grows and integrates with the existing jawbone. Your periodontist will closely monitor your progress and recommend a follow-up visit to ensure the graft was successful before proceeding with the dental implant surgery.

Are dental bone grafts always necessary?  In some cases, your periodontist may recommend an alternative solution, such as All-on-4 dental implants.

What Are All-on-4® Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are an innovative approach to full arch replacement that offers an alternative for patients who do not have enough bone density for traditional dental implants. 

This technique anchors a full set of replacement teeth onto four or more strategically placed implants, providing a strong and stable foundation for the prosthetic arch.

The All-on-4 technique uses longer implants that are inserted at an angle to avoid areas of the jaw with less bone density. This eliminates the need for bone grafting procedures, making it a more efficient and cost-effective solution.

All-on-4 Dental Implant Procedure

The All-on-4 dental implant procedure is typically completed in one day. Your periodontist will first assess your jawbone and take any necessary scans or x-rays to determine the best placement for the implants.

On the day of surgery, you will receive sedation to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Four to six implants will be inserted into your jawbone at strategic angles. A temporary full arch prosthesis will be attached to the implants, providing you with a functional set of teeth that look and feel natural.

After your jawbone has healed and fully integrated with the implants, typically within 3-6 months, you will return for a follow-up visit to have the temporary prosthetic replaced with a permanent one.

Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants

The All-on-4 dental implant solution offers several benefits for patients, including:

  • A more efficient and less invasive procedure compared to traditional bone grafting and placement of multiple implants.
  • Reduced cost since fewer implants are needed.
  • Increased stability and longevity as the implants are secured into dense bone areas.
  • Improved chewing and speaking abilities compared to traditional dentures.
  • A natural-looking and permanent solution to tooth loss.

4 Reasons You Should Consider All-on-4 Dental Implants

  1. You have extensive tooth loss and want a permanent solution that does not involve traditional dentures.
  2. You have been told you do not qualify for traditional dental implants due to insufficient bone density or volume in your jawbone.
  3. You want a cost-effective and less invasive procedure that provides stable and long-lasting replacement teeth.
  4. You are looking for a more natural-looking and comfortable solution for missing teeth.

If this sounds like you, All-on-4 dental implants may be the perfect solution for you! Consult with Dr. Mike Norouzinia, DDS, or Dr. Kerri Font, DDS, to determine if this revolutionary technique is right for you.

If you are searching for ‘dental implants in Highlands Ranch’ or a ‘dental implant periodontist near me,’ we can help! To book a dental implant consultation at Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Implant Center, call (303) 683-1144 or complete the online booking form. We look forward to meeting you!

We hope this blog series has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision about dental implants.  If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Still have questions? Read our blog for more articles on dental implants, gum disease, and more!

Categories: Periodontics