Millions of American adults are missing most or all of their teeth and, many times the remaining teeth are badly damaged/decayed. This can result in a variety of oral and overall health conditions, including malnutrition due to the inability to chew and digest healthy foods. Therefore, tooth replacement is critical.
There are many options for tooth replacement from conventional dentures to full-mouth dental implants. Conventional dentures are the least expensive but have the most disadvantages. Full-mouth dental implants offer the most benefits but are also the most expensive.
Dental Arts of Florida in Jacksonville offers a variety of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental options including All-on-4 dental implants. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and costs of this option.
What is All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants is a hybrid tooth replacement solution designed to replace a full arch with only 4 dental implants. The implants are strategically placed in the jaw to support a normal bite force. The overdenture is permanently secured in place, only the dentist can remove it.
Who Should Get All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants is the ideal tooth replacement solution for patients who are missing teeth due to:
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Trauma
- Damage to face/teeth due to health problems such as cancer
Typically, full-mouth restorations such as All-on-4 are a much more comfortable, permanent solution than conventional dentures. However, this is only suitable for those who are already missing most or all of their teeth because any remaining teeth will need to be extracted.
If a patient is only missing a few teeth or only has a few unhealthy teeth, it is usually recommended to remove the affected teeth and replace them with single implants or an implant-supported bridge.
There are some patients who are not ideal candidates for All-on-4, including:
- Patients who currently smoke and are unwilling to quit for any period of time
- Uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease
- Significant jawbone deterioration
- Only need a single tooth replaced
- Has undergone radiation therapy to the head/neck
How Much is All-on-4 Dental Implants?
Factors Impacting the Cost of All-on-4 Dental Implants
There are several factors that impact the cost of All-on-4 dental implants, including:
-
Type of implant (traditional vs. mini)
– mini implants are slightly smaller, designed for patients with some jawbone loss or smaller jaws, and therefore cost less.
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Material of implant
– typically, titanium implants are used- but some patients have an allergy to the other trace metals included in titanium and need zirconia, a type of ceramic, instead- which is more expensive
-
Experience/expertise of the dentist
– typically, the more experience/expertise a dentist has, the higher their fees
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Location of the dental clinic
– the cost of living in the area where the clinic is located can impact the cost of treatments
-
Dental insurance coverage
– some dental insurance providers will cover a portion of treatment, but there are some that will not- our office staff will work with your provider to determine your coverage limits
Benefits and Risks of All-on-4 Dental Implants
When considering tooth replacement, it’s important to consider the benefits and the risks of the procedure. The benefits of All-on-4 dental implants are:
- Shorter treatment and recovery time because a temporary prosthesis can be placed on the same day as the implants
- Implants secure the overdenture in place so it won’t slip and slide around or fall out when eating or talking
- Implant placement is ideal for patients who have some jawbone deterioration
- No special considerations for care and maintenance- standard oral care rules apply
- Only 4 implants are needed to support a full arch of missing teeth, making it a more affordable option than replacing each tooth with a single implant
That being said, there are also a few risks that you must consider, including:
- Invasive oral surgery required for implant placement
- Not fully customizable like single dental implants
- Some patients have difficulty getting adjusted to the bulkiness of the overdenture
- A single implant failing could cause the entire solution to fail
Do the Benefits of All-on-4 Outweigh the Benefits of Other Options?
The cost of All-on-4 dental implants is around the middle of the cost spectrum. While it’s not as inexpensive as conventional dentures, it is not as expensive as dental implants.
Most dental experts would agree that the benefits of All-on-4 treatment versus the cost far outweigh the benefits versus the cost of other treatment options. However, it is also important to note that this is a very personal decision. You must decide which solution is right for you based on your personal needs, expectations, and budget.
Schedule Your All-on-4 Dental Implants Consultation Today
If you are missing most or all of your natural teeth and are interested in a full-mouth tooth replacement option, schedule your All-on-4 dental implants consultation right away. Dr. Fred Tepedino specializes in cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, including implant dentistry. He prides himself in being able to offer his patients a variety of options to help them achieve a healthy, aesthetically-pleasing smile.
We are located on Gate Parkway in Jacksonville. We are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except Wednesdays, which are by appointment only. We look forward to meeting with you and giving you back your smile and your confidence.
All-on-4 Dental Implants cost FAQs
Are full-mouth dental implants worth it?
Most dental professionals agree that the benefits of full-mouth restoration with All-on-4 dental implants are worth the cost. However, you are the only one that can make that decision for yourself.
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
The implants themselves should last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. The prosthesis may need to be replaced in about 10 to 15 years- but may last up to 20.
Does All-on-4 dental implants look real?
The All-on-4 dental implants system does not look as natural as replacing each tooth with a single dental implant. However, it does look a lot more natural than conventional dentures because the arch is held in place with implants.
How much does insurance pay for All-on-4 dental implants?
Insurance coverage for All-on-4 dental implants varies from one provider to another. Our office staff will work with your provider to determine your coverage. If you do not have insurance or if your insurance provider does not offer adequate coverage, we offer financing through Care Credit, which will allow you to access the treatment you need and break the fee into more budget-friendly payments.
