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Contributor
Posts: 27
Registered: ‎09-28-2015

Hi folks, Does anyone have experience with the all on 4 dental implants? Please send your opinions and,  or,  advice. I am in Massachusetts ..  Thank-you for your help. 

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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,911
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

I don't have four implants, but I do have two.  One on each side of my lower teeth.  I really like my implants, although I have had a lot of trouble with the one on my left side.  That one keeps breaking and I don't chew ice, chew gum, or anything like that.  Iv'e had to have it replaced three times.  The one on the right side is the original and is about 12 years old.  I had a bridge, retainer, the whole bit and I wouldn't give up my implants for anything.

 

Just make sure you have a good periodontist for the implant and that your dentist does a good job with the crown.  My dentist told me not to floss around the implant but to use proxabrushes instead.  You have to keep the area between the implant and the natural teeth clean or the natural teeth will develop cavities.

 

The pain??  Not very much after the first couple of days after the placement of the implant.  At least for me.  You have to wait about six months for healing before you can have the crown put on.

 

I'm sure I forgot something, but I can't think of anything else right now.  Some dental insurances are now covering implants at 50% just like crowns. 

 

Good luck.

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” St.Teresa of Calcutta
Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,702
Registered: ‎08-22-2013

My sister just had 4 dental implants on the bottom completed, there is a partial denture that hooks onto the dental implant teeth, but she's having a heck of a time getting the proper fit. I think if she had a prosthedontist make the partial denture instead of her regular dentist she may have gotten a better fit. At any rate she said she would not go through it again. Thank goodness she can chew just fine without the partial denture.

Occasional Contributor
Posts: 14
Registered: ‎10-23-2018

Re: All on 4 implants

[ Edited ]

Be sure to get the price of the procudure before they start.  My husband went to a new dentist and he really made a mess in my husbands mouth.  He sent him to a specialist to implant.  After he put my husband out he came out and told me that my husband  need extensive work done and it would cost $10,000.  I did not know what to do so I told him to do what my late husband needed done.  Long story short 2 years later he needed the same thing done on a different tooth.  He had changed dentist and he sent him to a new specialist and he only charged $2500. You may have dental insurance but most do not cover 100%.  Sadly after draining a lot of extra saving my husband passed away less than 5 years after both implants were done.

Whatever you do check price for procudure before you have anything done.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,602
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I had 2 implants and they never took. The drilling was the worse. He cracked my jaw on the right side and the left kept falling out. So apparently I was not a good candidate for this kind of procedure. 

So I now I have two screws in my jaw to close up the holes if I want them removed it would have to be a surgical procedure. The whole thing was a very expensive nightmare for me. 

Not everyone will have this experience but be sure the dentist is good at this, good reviews and recommended by people you trust. Good luck to you. 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,537
Registered: ‎03-15-2010

I THINK the original poster meant to say All-On-Four Implants which is 4 posts implanted to attach a full denture to (for lack of a better description.

 

I have had 2 co-workers have it done and all I can say is

1- it seems like there are A LOT (like thousands) of additional fees and costs once you get started.

 

2-neither co-worker wears their teeth for a variety of reasons.  But now that the posts are implanted in the gums options are limited.

The one gal only wears her teeth for special occasions and does not eat with them. ????

 

Sorry, I wish I had more info.  Maybe someone here does.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,709
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@MASSMOM, are you referring to an over denture with implants?  If so I had the procedure done about 15 years ago (removable upper) and am still as happy with the results today as I was then.

 

I would caution you to be certain that the periodontist that does the procedure is very experienced and I highly recommend having the denture made by a prosthodontist that works closely with the periodontist.  Good communication between the two offices is essential.

 

It can be a long, expensive process but so worth it. There isn't anything I can't eat and having an uncovered hard palate adds to the comfort of the over denture.

 

When getting your quote be sure to ask if that is all inclusive.  There will be charges from the periodontist and additional charges from the prosthodontist.  Also, if you will need bone grafting to secure the anchor be sure to ask if your own bone can be harvested.

 

It is a big decision but so are the rewards.

The eyes through which you see others may be the same as how they see you.
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,985
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

@Marp 

Great explanation!  I think some of the other posters are confused about what OP is asking.  My husband is thinking about this procedure.  Coordination between specialists is essential.  Yes, it will be expensive, time consuming and optimal to use specialists over general dentists.

Contributor
Posts: 27
Registered: ‎09-28-2015

Thanks everyone. The procedure places 4 implants and then a full set of teeth is  screwed onto the implants. They can be removed only by the Dentist.  All-on- four. Sorry I wasn't  clear in my description. 

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,168
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: All on 4 implants

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I would do some research with local dental surgeons before having anything done, I have one upper implant done about 7 years ago...it was done by an oral surgeon who doesn’t do anything but extractions and implants.  Have had no problems at all since then. The new offices that promise a whole mouthful of implants in one day sound a bit sketchy to me. I am not familiar with the all on four implants but would definitely see an oral surgeon before having anything done. The only thing I do know for sure is that every option is expensive. My dental insurance paid zero.