Frequently Asked Questions

Experience is very important with dental implant surgery and especially with large surgeries such as the All-on-4® and implant overdentures.

Having a surgical suite or suites will allow the dentist to have the right setting for dental implant placement. Surgical suites are different than general dentist operatories.

Is the dental implant system FDA approved and does it have long term success with the large implant cases?

Does the dental lab have case design experience with large implant cases? All-on-4® cases are technique sensitive and the more experience a lab has, the better chance for success. The lab and dentist should work together to treatment plan the best option for you.

Experience matters. The more cases that the labs completed, the more likely for a successful outcome.

A fixed case is in reference to the final prosthesis (denture/teeth) that will be screwed in the abutments on top of the dental implants. A fixed case is screwed in and can only be removed by a dentist for cleaning, hygiene, or repair. A removable case is where the denture is able to be removed by the patient. The prosthesis or denture will snap in or out and can be removed at night for sleeping and cleaning. Removable dentures usually have the palate and will cover the roof of your mouth. Fixed prosthesis will be like real teeth and will not cover the roof of your mouth.

There are many factors that go into how long the entire procedure will take until the delivery of your final prosthesis. For most cases you will receive your final prosthesis between 4 to 6 months from your first initial consultation.

For the All-on-4® in most cases you will receive a screwed in prosthesis at the time of surgery. For the implant overdenture, you can receive a healing denture at the time of surgery which will not be secured while your implants are healing.

Is it just the provisional prosthesis at the time of surgery or is it the temporary and final prosthesis?

There can be a milled titanium bar that involves using an acrylic denture or milled all zirconia (porcelain) prosthesis. The zirconia prosthesis will have a higher price than the titanium prosthesis in most cases. Talk with your clinician to see which is right for you.

This varies by practice. But, to have the optimal fit and shade that meets your requirements, it can take 8 to 15 visits to have proper function and smile. There is a lot of time invested by the patient, dental team, and dental lab to give you the best fit and smile possible.

This varies by practice. The dental implants and prosthesis will usually have a one-year warranty in most practices.

This varies by dental lab.

This will depend on the surgery but, after the surgery you will eat soft foods while the dental implants are healing. When you get your permanent teeth with the All-on-4® you will be able to eat the foods you enjoy. With an implant overdenture you will be able to restore 80% of your original biting power.

On average, 2 to 5 months after surgery.

Bi-yearly maintenance and hygiene is required and will assist in the long-term success of your implants and prosthesis. For the All-on-4® this can only be removed by a dentist. They will clean the prosthesis for you. For the implant over denture, the parts will need to be changed out once or twice a year by your dentist. You will be able to take this out at night and clean it at home.

This will depend on your dentist and may be covered by your dental insurance.