Restore Your Natural Smile
For patients missing multiple teeth, single dental implants aren’t always the best option. They can become costly and will come with a lengthy recovery time. Fortunately, there’s a more cost-effective option. With All-on-4 or All-on-6 placement, you can receive permanent and natural-looking restorations for the upper or lower arches of your teeth.
At Family Dental Center, Dr. Peters and our expert team believe that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for missing teeth, which is why we’ll carefully assess your situation and help create a personalized treatment plan.
What are All-On-4 and All-On-6?
All-on-4 and All-on-6 are dental implant procedures that replace the upper or lower arches of your teeth with durable restorations. These implant-retained bridges are natural-looking and functional, so you can enjoy a complete smile without having to sacrifice the ability to eat and speak with comfort.
Depending on which treatment Dr. Peters decides is best for you, you’ll receive either four or six implant fixtures. The implants will be placed in such a way that your restorations will be secure and well-supported, so there’s no risk of them shifting or coming loose. These restorations also typically don’t require bone grafting, allowing for more patients to qualify for the procedure.
Benefits of All-On-4 and All-On-6
The benefits of these implant treatments make them a desirable and effective option for many patients missing multiple teeth. Some of the advantages include:
- Cost-Effective: Replacing missing teeth with a full arch is less costly than relying on individual implants.
- Short Procedure Time: Because fewer posts are required for this treatment, the procedure can often be completed in just one visit to our Louisville or Frankfort office.
- Natural-Looking: All-on-4 and All-on-6 arches look and feel like natural teeth for a beautiful and functional smile.
- Short Healing Time: The recovery time for this treatment is much shorter than that of individual implants, which could take months. Healing from an All-on-4 or All-on-6 procedure is achieved almost immediately.
How All-On-4 and All-On-6 Work
Similar to traditional dental implants, All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants involve securing titanium implants into your jawbone. This is where the similarities end, however, as not all teeth in full arch replacements are individually secured. Depending on your individual needs, four or six posts will be used to affix the arch to your jawbone.
Placing Your Implants
Our Louisville dentist will begin by creating a model of your mouth using advanced dental technology for a detailed and comfortable fitting restoration. After creating your restoration, Dr. Peters will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel a thing while he works.
He’ll then prep your jaw by removing any infected tissue or non-viable teeth from your gums. The titanium posts will then be implanted into your jawbone with connectors, known as abutments, placed on top.
Placing Your Arch
Once this is all secure, you can begin the healing process so your implants can undergo a process known as osseointegration. This process involves your implants fusing to your jawbone for a secure and stable fit. Typically, osseointegration takes three to six months to complete.
After your mouth has healed, you’ll return to our Louisville or Frankfort office so Dr. Peters can place your customized arch. He’ll ensure it fits comfortably and securely. After making any necessary adjustments, Dr. Peters will attach the arch to your implants, completing your restoration and giving you a smile you can be proud of.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants last?
All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants can last a lifetime with proper care. You can keep your restorations in great shape by maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing twice each day. We also encourage patients to schedule biannual appointments at our Louisville or Frankfort office for routine cleanings and exams.
Who is a good candidate for All-On-4 or All-on-6 treatments?
You may be an ideal candidate for these procedures if you have:
- Missing teeth on your upper or lower arch
- Sufficient bone density and oral health
- Good oral hygiene habits
Full arch replacements may not be for every patient, however. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Peters to learn if you’re a candidate for these procedures. He’ll be able to determine if All-on-4 or All-on-6 is right for you and go over other restoration options if necessary.
Are All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants painful?
Just like traditional implants, All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants involve a virtually painless procedure. Dr. Peters will administer a local anesthetic beforehand so you won’t feel a thing.
You may feel slight discomfort after the numbness fades, which is usually a couple of hours after your procedure. This pain can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses.
If the pain persists, however, contact our Louisville office at (502) 442-7319 or our Frankfort office at (502) 234-1569 as it may be a sign of a complication. Dr. Peters will be able to assess your situation and alleviate your pain.
Learn More About All-On-4 and All-on-6 With Dr. Peters
Missing teeth can lead to complications that can be easily avoided with restorations. If you’re missing many teeth on the upper or lower arches of your mouth, All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants may be the ideal solution for you.
You can schedule an appointment by contacting our Louisville office at (502) 442-7319 or our Frankfort office at (502) 234-1569. You can also fill out a contact form and a team member will get back to you shortly. We look forward to seeing you in the office!