Patient Info
Dental Implants
Cosmetic Dentistry
General Dentistry
Missing teeth can lead to many oral and overall health issues, which is why tooth replacement is critical. One of the most popular options is conventional dentures because they are the most budget-friendly. However, dental professionals regard dental implants as the “gold standard” because they look, feel, and function more like natural teeth than other options.
Dr. Byron Scott at Springhill Dental Health Center in Mobile is the area’s leading dentist in dental implant procedures. He has undergone extensive training, which gives him the experience and expertise to give you the perfect smile.
However, one of the biggest concerns about implant-based options such as this is how long it takes to get dental implants. In this article, we’ll explore how long it takes to get traditional dental implants versus how long it takes to get All-on-4 dental implants.
Traditional dental implants are recommended for people that are missing up to a few teeth, not for those who are missing most or all of their teeth. On average, traditional dental implants can take up to a year or more depending on several factors including how many implants you need and your body’s ability to heal. This is because there are several steps involved in the process.
The first step is always the initial consultation, in which it will be determined if you qualify for dental implants. If necessary, additional procedures such as extractions, gum disease treatment, and more may be scheduled. If this is the case, you may need a few weeks to heal before the implants can be placed. If not, implant placement can be scheduled.
Implant placement surgery is an invasive oral surgery. Once the implants are placed, you will need to heal for up to 6 months before the prosthesis can be placed. During this time, the jawbone will be healing around and fusing with the implants, a process known as osseointegration. During this time, you’ll want to stick with a soft food diet to avoid causing damage or shifting of the implants.
Once healing is complete, the abutment can be added to the implant screw and the prosthetic tooth will be ordered. The fabrication process usually takes a few weeks. When the dental lab sends it back to the clinic, it will be attached to the abutment and you will have functioning teeth.
All-on-4 dental implants are often referred to as “teeth in a day” because you will leave the clinic with a fully-functioning set of teeth.
The first step is the initial consultation to determine if you qualify for dental implants. If you do, the surgery will be scheduled.
On the day of the surgery, 4 implants will be strategically placed in your jawbone. Two will be in the front and two will be in the back. This will improve the strength and stability of your restoration.
Once the implants are placed, a temporary prosthetic will be placed. Full healing will still take up to 6 months, but you will have a full set of teeth. During this time, you will need to stick to a soft food diet. If you bite down on something that is too hard, you may damage the implants or cause them to shift. This can ultimately lead to implant failure.
The life expectancy of All-on-4 dental implants ranges from around 5 years to 40 years, with an average of around 20 years. Therefore, All-on-4 is considered a permanent solution for missing teeth. There are several factors that are taken into consideration when it comes to the life expectancy All-on-4:
If your prosthesis is damaged, it may be possible to repair it if it is made of acrylic. In most cases, a zirconia/porcelain prosthesis will need to be replaced. One of the most common causes of damage is bruxism. The best way to combat that is by wearing a mouthguard at night.
My visit was incredible. I had my “All on Four” appliances cleaned, and it was a painless and thorough experience. Dr. Scott and all his staff are very friendly. During the cleaning, Mary was gentle and let me know everything she was doing and how it would feel. She gave me tips on how to clean my implants/appliances better and gave me a small brush to do the underside more effectively. Dr. Scott and Mary suggest cleanings take place every 3 months so I will be back in December.
Dr. Byron Scott is a highly-trained and accomplished dentist. He attended The University of Alabama School of Dentistry and subsequently completed numerous Advanced Studies and Trainings. Dr. Scott is Board-Certified by The Academy of General Dentistry and has earned Mastership status (MAGD), an honor shared by only 1% of dentists. He has numerous memberships and associations, including Diplomate status with The American Board of Oral Implantology (D-ABOI) and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (D-ICOI). Overall, Dr. Scott has dedicated his life and career to helping patients improve their oral health through expert dentistry. His goal is to help each patient keep their smile healthy, attractive, and comfortable for the duration of their lifetime.
