All-on-4 implants are a popular choice for people who need an entire set of teeth replaced. Whether you’re missing an upper or lower set (or both), we’ll examine how the procedure works and what you can expect.

What Is All-on-4?
The term all-on-4 refers to the number of actual implants that a dentist uses to replace your teeth. With standard dental implants in St. Louis, MO, the dentist will implant one metal post for one artificial tooth. However, doing individual posts with many missing teeth can stress your jawbone and gums. With all-on-4, dentists only use four posts for up to 8 implants in a row. This speeds up the procedure and reduces the recovery time and the costs for the patient.

How It Works
This procedure was introduced in the 1990s by changing the angle of the implants. After shifting it to 45°, it opened the doors for more people to use the technology. People who may not have been approved for implants before, whether due to gum recession or bone deterioration, may have a better chance of approval thanks to the all-on-4 option.

Dental Implants in St. Louis
Dental implants have long been considered the best way to replace a missing tooth, thanks to their ability to replicate the natural tooth’s structure. Better than bridges or partial dentures, they’re highly recommended to patients who can tolerate the process and the recovery time.

If you’re interested in implants, whether traditional or all-on-4, it helps to talk to a dentist with plenty of expertise in the subject. At Smile Now STL, our dentists in St. Louis, MO, are here to evaluate your eligibility and recommend the best treatment plan from there.