“We’re not only fans of Dr. Lodding and his staff, but also his patients."
The All-on-4® dental implant system can provide individuals experiencing multiple missing teeth with the ability to regain form and function, offering a renewed lifestyle of ease and comfort when it comes to their smile. Rather than replace each individual tooth with dental implants as needed or resort to the inconveniences of traditional dentures, All-on-4® implant-supported dentures are designed to replace full rows of teeth while reinforcing stability for the upper and/or lower dental arches.
Dr. Dean Lodding, a cosmetic dentist in Elgin, has extensive experience helping patients restore their smiles and their confidence using the All-on-4® system. He works closely with our implant dentist, Dr. Richard Dryer, to provide the highest quality of cosmetic and functional results for patients.
All-on-4® treatment is designed to replace all of the teeth within a dental arch by affixing a denture into healthy jawbone via four titanium posts (implants), creating a strong and secure dental restoration. The technique may be applied to the upper arch, lower arch, or both depending on the patient’s dental needs and cosmetic goals. For placement, two of the implant posts will be positioned towards the front of the mouth and two will be positioned in the back of the mouth at a tilted, strategic angle to mimic the jaw’s natural structure and obtain an optimal fit.
For patients who have less jawbone support to anchor their denture, our dentists may recommend a technique known as All-on-6®. This process is nearly the same as treatment with All-on-4®, only six dental implants are utilized to further stabilize and secure your restoration.
All-on-4® and All-on-6® anchored dentures are often used for full mouth rehabilitation, allowing patients to regain oral function and aesthetics with strong, durable, and long-lasting results.
Implant-supported dentures have excellent restorative qualities; however, to truly benefit from All-on-4® treatment, there are factors that make certain patients ideal candidates, including:
During an initial consultation, Dr. Lodding will evaluate your overall oral health and study the condition of your teeth, jawbone density, and bone volume. This helps him provide informed guidance for an optimal treatment plan and determine which restorative dentistry option is right for you.
Once it is established that you are a good candidate for an All-on-4® treatment, there may be dental work needed prior to implant surgery, such as a deep dental cleaning or tooth extractions. Once your mouth has been properly prepared, the implants will be placed. The precise placement of your implants will be determined using high-resolution x-rays and digital mapping systems. The advanced capabilities of 3D technology enable our dentists to plan and perform implant surgery with safer, more predictable outcomes.
Your specific dental needs will determine which method should be used:
Upon surgical placement of the All-on-4® implants, it will then take several months for the implants to fuse with the jawbone—a process called osseointegration. During this time, a temporary set of teeth restorations will be worn until the posts become permanently fused, and the custom-made prosthesis can then be attached for the final result.
With proper oral care and adherence to post-procedure instructions, All-on-4® and All-on-6® implant dentures can last 10 to 15 years, or even longer. The best protection you can provide for your implants is daily brushing and flossing, along with twice-annual professional cleanings and dental exams to prevent plaque and bacteria from forming. Poor dental hygiene and untreated bacteria buildup can lead to infections and, in rare cases, implant failure. Additionally, we recommend quitting smoking, which can lead to an increased risk of implant failure. Following these guidelines should optimize the health and longevity of your dental implants.
Each patient receives a customized treatment plan unique to the particulars of their condition, so pricing for the All-on-4® and All-on-6® procedure varies for each individual. In general, costs typically include expenses for any preliminary dental work, laboratory costs, the price of the individual implants, the cost of the dentures, and other factors. After the initial evaluation and consultation, a comprehensive estimate will be provided and reviewed with you, giving you the opportunity to go over the procedure, necessary appointments, and any other questions. Should you require financial assistance, Smile for Life Dental works with trusted third-party lending agencies to provide convenient payment plans for qualified applicants. Our top priority is helping each patient receive optimal oral care and treatments for lifelong dental health.
If you would like more information about All-on-4® or All-on-6® dental implants, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lodding, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
“Dr. Lodding and his staff are so nice and patient. I wont go anywhere else. They’re the best at what they do.”