All-on-X implants
This option is for patients who have lost all of their teeth and want to have a fixed bridge that looks and feels like their own teeth.
The All-on-X implant system is a revolutionary, permanent dental solution designed to provide you with much improved comfort with a permanent, fixed bridge. It looks the most natural and brings confidence with a new ability to eat regularly and enjoy food. Typically, this method involves placing 6 implants in the upper jaw and 4 implants in the lower jaw, allowing for a stable foundation for a full arch of prosthetic teeth.
Advantages:
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It is fixed in your jawbone, functioning completely like your natural teeth. There is no need to remove or insert it like traditional dentures.
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Improved comfort and functionality: doesn't irritate the gums and restores original chewing power.
Are you a candidate?
Patients must complete a medical history form before implant treatment. We evaluate their medical conditions based on how they may affect both the safety of surgery and the likelihood of long-term implant success. We assess whether the patient's overall health is stable enough to undergo the procedure and what level of success can reasonably be expected.
In many cases, patients with certain controlled medical conditions can still be cleared for implant surgery. This often includes current smokers, patients with well-controlled diabetes or hypertension, patients with obesity, and those with mild lung disease. However, for patients with more significant medical concerns, we may need medical consultation and clearance from their physician before proceeding, and treatment must be approached with extra caution. This may include patients with poorly controlled diabetes or hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pacemakers, kidney disease requiring dialysis, a history of mini-stroke, or coronary artery disease with stents placed more than three months ago.
For patients with more recent or unstable cardiovascular or neurologic conditions, such as a recent mini-stroke or coronary stents placed within the past three months, implant surgery is usually postponed. In these situations, we wait until the patient's physician has stabilized the condition and confirms that the patient can be treated more safely.
Patients with uncontrolled diabetes (A1c > 7.5), bisphosphonate usage, daily blood thinner intake, or previous radiation to the head and neck area will need a more thorough assessment before implant surgery is planned.
Medications that affect bone healing
Certain medications can affect bone healing and may influence the success of dental implants.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety, bulimia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, have been associated with reduced bone density, altered bone metabolism, and a higher rate of early implant failure in some patients. For patients taking these medications, we often recommend allowing the implants to heal for about six months before placing the final restoration.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are commonly used to treat GERD and stomach ulcers, may also increase the risk of implant failure. These medications include Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix, AcipHex, and Dexilant. In some cases, the patient may be referred back to the prescribing physician to determine whether it is appropriate to switch to an H2 blocker instead.
Antiresorptive medications, which are often prescribed for osteoporosis or certain types of cancer, also need to be reviewed carefully before implant treatment because they can affect bone turnover and healing.
Our All-on-X process
Before surgery, we follow this protocol for each patient:
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Thorough evaluation of medical history and medications
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Thorough dental exam, X-ray, diagnosis, and formulation of the treatment plan
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Discussion with the patient to determine the optimal treatment plan
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Detailed discussion of potential complications that could occur during and after surgery
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Informed consent
Data collection and treatment planning
Data collection includes photos, intraoral scans, and CBCT evaluation. We then evaluate your smile line, upper front teeth position, corresponding lower front teeth position, your bite, facial profile, and speech. Based on this evaluation, we create a temporary denture, which you will approve before we begin the full surgical process. We highly recommend bringing a close relative to the appointment to help you decide on the final imprint for your future teeth setup.
Surgery stage
The surgery stage proceeds through the following steps:
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Confirm surgical plan
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Place 6 to 8 implants with or without extractions
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Immediate temporization: patients usually leave the office with teeth in their mouth
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Follow-up appointments at the 1st, 3rd, and 8th weeks for implant site inspection and temporized denture adjustment
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Final implant prosthesis fabrication and delivery
Long-term maintenance
The maintenance stage is essential for long-term success. It usually includes hygiene evaluation, X-ray diagnosis, occlusal check, and professional cleaning and maintenance.
How to choose a dental office for All-on-X
Dental implant treatment is a major investment, especially for full-mouth reconstruction such as All-on-X, which can range from $16,000 to $50,000 or more. Because of the cost and complexity, many people take years to consider the decision before moving forward.
The first step is finding an office with a professional team you can trust, one that can provide the type of care you are looking for. It is important to choose a dentist who understands your needs, listens to your concerns, and creates a treatment plan that fits you clinically, financially, and within your time frame. The office should offer a warranty and provide long-term maintenance and follow-up care. Our office offers competitive pricing for All-on-X treatment, along with ongoing maintenance and follow-up care to support the long-term success of your implants.
Questions to ask during your consultation
We recommend starting by visiting the office's website to review the doctor's qualifications and experience. It is also helpful to visit the office in person and speak directly with the doctor. During your consultation, you may want to ask questions such as:
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Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
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What are the risks involved with the surgery?
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What steps do you take to improve the success of the treatment?
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What should I do to help ensure the best possible outcome?