What to Expect When You Get All-on-X Dental Implants, a Step-by-Step Guide
At New Teeth Now, we’ve performed thousands of successful full mouth teeth restorations using high-quality dental implants, so there are no mysteries in the process for our experienced team. But we understand that no matter how much our patients want a beautiful new smile and fully functional teeth, they might be a little intimidated by the thought of replacing all their teeth in one procedure.
In fact, a full set of new teeth in a single day might sound too good to be true, but that’s what we offer our patients at New Teeth Now. We do it through a procedure you might have heard about called All-on-4® dental implants, which allows a full prosthetic arch – either upper or lower – to be secured on four titanium implants. However, each patient at our practice receives a customized version of this technique, which often requires more than four implants or even specialized implants known as zygomatic implants to ensure ideal results. That’s why we refer to our full arch and full mouth implant procedures as “All-on-X” instead of All-on-4.
The best way to become more comfortable with the idea of getting full mouth dental implants and move forward toward confidently smiling, laughing, chatting and dining out is to know what to expect. When you schedule a consultation with us, we’ll thoroughly explain every step of the process and answer any questions you have. In the meantime, here’s our dental implant guide to getting All-on-X dental implants and beautiful, natural-looking teeth at New Teeth Now:
Step 1: Book a consultation
If you have extensive periodontal disease and/or multiple missing or failing teeth in one or both arches, you may be a candidate for oral restoration at one of our clinics in Florida or California. When you schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with us, our highly qualified and friendly team can help you determine whether our services are right for you.
Step 2: Visit us for your in-office consultation & get a complete oral evaluation
During your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals, your dental history and your medical history, including any ongoing illnesses you have and the medications you take. You’ll meet with the board-certified oral surgeon and dental implant coordinator who will take charge of your case. They’ll explain every facet of the process – from the steps you should take to prepare to what to expect on the day of the procedure – and answer any questions you have.
At New Teeth Now, we take pride in housing all the services you’ll need for your smile makeover under one roof. This includes 3D CT imaging equipment that will provide us with a complete picture of your teeth and underlying bone structure.
On the same day as your consultation, we’ll use highly detailed CT scans to evaluate the size and shape of your jaws as well as whether you have sufficient bone mass to anchor traditional implants, or whether zygomatic implants for the upper arch would be a better option for you. Your oral surgeon will use your imaging scans and dental history information to design a custom treatment plan that includes the number, type and placement of implants.
When you receive your personalized treatment plan, you’ll be given an upfront price that covers all the steps in your journey toward full mouth rehabilitation. This will encompass any teeth extractions required, the implant procedure and the general anesthesia we use to ensure a safe, peaceful and painless experience for our patients. It will also include the fabrication of your initial and final sets of teeth.
Should you decide to move forward with getting dental implants, we’ll schedule your procedure at a time that works for you.
Step 3: Let us design your new set of teeth
About a week or so before your scheduled procedure, you’ll meet with one of our restorative dentists, and you may visit our in-house dental lab. Our restorative dental team will use a sophisticated digital scanner to take impressions of your mouth, which will be used to deliver the best fit.
Based on your preferences, our restorative dental team and highly skilled technicians will create beautiful, natural-looking teeth for you to go home with on the same day as your dental implant procedure. A few months after your procedure, when your mouth has had a chance to fully heal, you’ll receive your permanent set of ultra-durable zirconia teeth, perfectly customized to meet your preferences.
During this office visit, you’ll also complete all the preop steps, including any medical clearances if required, to ensure your readiness for the procedure.
Step 4: Arrive for your dental implant procedure
Typically, you’ll come to our clinic early on the morning of your scheduled implant procedure. You’ll meet with your oral surgeon and team, who will walk you through every step of your procedure. You’ll also meet your certified anesthetist, who will expertly administer general anesthesia and carefully monitor you while you sleep.
Step 5: Leave with beautiful new teeth same-day
After your dental implants are placed and you awaken from the effects of general anesthesia, you’ll receive your first set of natural-looking teeth. These teeth will be capable of chewing just about any food you can name, but you’ll be advised to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods for several days immediately after your procedure to facilitate healing.
In fact, you’ll receive detailed instructions about caring for your new teeth and implants. You’ll also receive a prescription for pain relievers, but many of our patients say they feel so little pain, they don’t need it. You may need to use an ice pack, which we will provide, to manage swelling.
Step 6: Let us check your progress
In a few days, you’ll visit your oral surgeon again for a checkup just to be sure you’re healing properly and so we can address any questions you have. Then you’ll return every few weeks for a series of post-op appointments, during which adjustments will be made as needed. You will also receive a temporary set of custom-crafted zirconia teeth during the healing phase.
Step 7: Get your permanent set of beautiful new teeth
When all swelling has subsided and your gums have adjusted to your dental implants, it will be time to visit us again to receive your final set of custom-crafted teeth, which will be made from exceptionally durable zirconia. This usually occurs about six months or so after your implant procedure.
After many years of experience, we’ve learned that this timeframe is ideal for fabricating the teeth our patients will enjoy for the rest of their lives. Not only will your mouth have time to physically adjust to your dental implants, but you’ll also have an opportunity to develop preferences for the appearance of your permanent new teeth based on experience. Our restorative dental team will discuss your preferences and help you get a perfect fit and exactly the look you want.
Step 8: Follow your recommended oral hygiene routine
Once your mouth has healed, caring for your dental implants and prosthetic teeth is similar to the recommended maintenance of natural teeth and gums, with a few exceptions. For example, you’ll want to use a soft-bristle or electric toothbrush at least twice daily, and you’ll want to substitute a water flosser for traditional floss.
Moreover, just as with natural teeth, you’ll need to visit us or another qualified dental professional every six months or so for checkups and maintenance of your prosthetic. It’s important to recognize that full mouth dental implants must be removed for professional cleaning and inspection from time to time, and they are not designed for removal except by a trained provider.
How long do dental implants last?
Our All-on-X dental implants and prosthetic teeth are designed to last a lifetime, provided you follow our maintenance guidelines. This is one of the biggest advantages of choosing dental implants instead of removable dentures. Other teeth replacement options typically have to be replaced after several years because they wear out or no longer fit properly.
Additional benefits include the ability to smile, talk and eat the same way you would if you still had your natural teeth. You won’t have to worry about a removable device slipping and embarrassing you or irritating your mouth.
Ready to get started?
For many people with advanced periodontal disease and extensive tooth loss, replacing their failing teeth with full mouth dental implants is the ideal solution. In fact, our patients routinely tell us they wish they had gotten the procedure sooner.
However, it’s crucial to select your dental implant provider wisely. You can feel confident turning to New Teeth Now because our board-certified oral surgeons have been performing full arch and full mouth implant procedures for many years. They have successfully treated thousands of patients, including many with highly complex dental needs. What’s more, they stay abreast of the latest developments in the industry and have invested in technological advances to ensure consistently spot-on results and a high level of patient satisfaction.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward enjoying the life-changing results made possible through All-on-X dental implants, contact New Teeth Now today to schedule a consultation.
