All-On-4 Dental Implants

For patients missing a full arch of teeth, the All-on-4 dental implant method supports a denture using just four implants instead of the traditional six or eight. The denture is firmly secured to your gums by these four dental implants and can only be removed by a dentist. While we offer the All-on-4 procedure, we may recommend using six implants instead of four, depending on the health and density of your jawbone.

Traditional dental implant surgery often requires up to ten implants to secure your new teeth, but the All-on-4 implant method only requires four per jaw. The All-on-4 system utilizes two straight anterior implants and two implants angled at 45 degrees, creating a solid and secure connection that evenly distributes pressure throughout the jawbone. This approach enables the use of just four implants for a complete set of teeth, avoiding the need for numerous individual implants and crowns. Additionally, the 45-degree angle allows for the safe placement of implants in patients with bone loss.

With All-On-4 Dental Implants, we place the artificial roots and replacement teeth all on the same day. This allows patients to have their teeth extracted and receive their new implants and temporary crowns on the same day, without waiting months for the surgery site to heal. This is why some people refer to the procedure as "teeth-in-a-day" or same-day implants.

After surgery, you will leave our office with a fixed full set of new teeth. Although temporary, these teeth offer an immediate improvement over missing or damaged ones. These temporary teeth, also known as provisional prostheses, are made from a hybrid acrylic material in our in-office lab and remain securely in place for as long as needed. We take extra care to ensure they are comfortable, as you will wear these temporary teeth for a few weeks while we meticulously craft your final zirconia teeth.

Acrylic, being a gentler and softer material, is ideal for placing less pressure on implants during the healing period, allowing for better osseointegration, which is when the implant fuses with the jawbone. This softness is why acrylic is used for temporary teeth but not for permanent teeth as acrylic would need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years if used permanently. For the final teeth in your new smile, we utilize zirconia due to its strength and natural appearance. Zirconia is the most durable material available for dental prosthetics, and teeth made from zirconia are designed to last a lifetime.

After surgery, your jawbone needs time to heal and properly integrate with your new implants. This healing period is crucial for the success of full mouth restorations, and it also allows you to test out your temporary teeth before receiving the final zirconia ones. Some implant centers may advertise quick and easy solutions that promise zirconia teeth on the same day. However, it's important to understand that rushing this process can be risky, potentially benefiting the clinic's profits more than your long-term health and satisfaction. Allowing your jawbone the necessary time to heal will ensure a better outcome for your dental restoration.

The cost of All-on-4 dental implants in Key West and Big Pine Key typically ranges from $17,000 to $30,000 per arch. The final cost is influenced by several factors, including the complexity of the case, the materials used, the specialist's experience and credentials, and any additional procedures required, such as bone grafting. It's important to note that many online advertisements for inexpensive implants often exclude the cost of the final zirconia implants, only providing an estimate for the temporary bridge. Therefore, it's crucial to research and understand all the factors involved in the treatment before deciding to undergo surgery.

Dental insurance policies often cover essential procedures like root canals and extractions. However, elective treatments such as All-on-4 Dental Implants are usually not covered as extensively, as most insurance plans have an annual maximum of around $1,500. Even if your insurance does offer some coverage for dental implants, the savings may not justify hiring a less-experienced specialist to perform your surgery.