What Are All on Four Dental Implants?
Instead of replacing each missing tooth with an individual implant, the All-on-4 method uses just four dental implants to support a full arch (upper or lower) of prosthetic teeth. The implants are placed strategically so that two in the front are generally straight, and the two in the back are angled. This gives strong support even if the jawbone isn’t perfect.
Some of the biggest benefits:
- A more stable, permanent solution than traditional dentures
- No need for adhesives or constant removal
- Chewing ability is much better—less slipping, less frustration
- Aesthetic results: a natural look, often better proportions restored
- Can save time and cost compared to many individual implants
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You might be a good candidate for All-on-4 if:
- You are missing most or all of your upper or lower teeth
- You have dentures you’re unhappy with (slipping, discomfort, poor fit)
- Your jawbone is somewhat compromised—but not so much that bone grafting would be impossible
- You are in good general health, as healing and oral hygiene are critical
During your consultation, a dentist in Tustin (or anywhere in Orange County) will evaluate your case using scans and X-rays to see if your bone density is sufficient. If not, sometimes grafting or other preparatory work will be needed.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During the All-on-4 Process
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from start to finish:
- Consultation & Planning
You’ll meet with your dentist to discuss your goals (how you want it to look, what foods you want to eat, and comfort levels). They’ll take 3D scans or X-rays to see your jawbone, soft tissue, and alignment of your bite. They’ll also plan where exactly the implants will go.
- Prep Work, If Needed
If you have damaged teeth, those may need to be extracted. Sometimes, bone grafting is required if the bone has resorbed too much. Eating and speaking with old dentures or in partial tooth loss might still happen during this stage if you’re already using prosthetics.
- Implant Placement Surgery
On the big day, the dentist places the four implants. Two at the front (more vertical) and two toward the back (angled) to maximize support. Local anesthesia, sedation, or a combination may be used. Sometimes extractions and implant placements happen in the same visit.
- Healing & Osseointegration
Over the next few months, the implants fuse with your jawbone—a process called osseointegration. During this time, you’ll wear a temporary prosthesis (often a denture or temporary arch) so you’re not without teeth. You’ll want to eat soft foods at first, avoid heavy chewing, and follow care instructions closely.
- Fitting the Permanent Arch
Once healing is sufficient and the implant posts are stable, the permanent prosthetic arch is fabricated and secured. This is the final new set of teeth you’ll use long-term. It’s custom-made to match your mouth and bite, so it looks natural and fits comfortably.
- Aftercare & Maintenance
Cleanliness is key. Brushing twice daily, flossing (or using floss alternatives, water-flossers), and regular checkups with your dentist are essential. Avoiding tobacco, controlling medical conditions like diabetes, and keeping up with adjustments if needed all help.
What’s Recovery Like?
People often feel some swelling, mild discomfort, or soreness after surgery. Pain management is prescribed, and the discomfort usually tapers off in a few days to weeks. You’ll be on a soft diet initially—think soups, smoothies, mashed foods gradually moving back to regular food once healing allows.
Emotionally, many patients say it’s well worth it because the boost in confidence, ability to eat, speak, and smile normally is huge.
Finding “All-on-4 Implants Near Me” — Tips for Choosing a Dentist in Tustin or Orange County
Since quality and experience matter a lot with implants, you’ll want to:
- Choose a dental clinic that specializes in implants or has a surgeon trained in implant dentistry
- Look at before-and-after photos of actual All-on-4 cases the dentist has done
- Ask how many All-on-4 procedures they’ve done—experience reduces complications
- Check reviews from local patients in Tustin / Orange County
- Ask about their process: Do they do everything in-house (extractions, imaging, prosthetic fitting)?
- Make sure they explain risks, costs, and recovery clearly.
Why Ocean Pacific Dental Is Here for You
If you’re in or near Tustin, Ocean Pacific Dental offers experienced implant dentistry, including All-on-4 full-arch restorations. We take the time to plan carefully, use state-of-the-art imaging, and walk you through the whole process so you know exactly what to expect. Your comfort and satisfaction are our priorities.
If you’re tired of dentures that slip, missing teeth, or hiding your smile, the All-on-4 could be the life-changing solution you’ve been looking for and interested in a consultation with a dentist in Tustin or somewhere close in Orange County? Reach out to Ocean Pacific Dental; we’d love to see how we can help you reclaim your smile.
