11
Nov
All-on-4 Implants: Are They for You?
If you’re missing most or all of your teeth and are looking for a way to restore your smile, we recommend all-on-4 dental implants. Dr. Alan Ko is your go-to dentist for implants in the Milford, Massachusetts area. These FAQs from our patients provide greater insight into all-on-4 treatment to help you decide if it’s right for you.
What is an all-on-4 implant treatment?
All-on-4 is a full-arch teeth replacement procedure that uses four implants to support an entire upper or bottom teeth arch. Using advanced imaging technology, Dr. Ko determines the best location for each implant to provide optimal support for your new teeth. The procedure for all-on-4 implants is more efficient than other implant treatments, and your recovery is quicker without compromising on quality results.
What are the pros and cons of all-on-4 implants?
The main advantages are:
- Implant placement can be done the same day as extracting your teeth
- Less costly treatment per tooth restored
- Prevents bone loss
- Permanent solution to tooth loss
Some of the disadvantages include:
- Requires high jawbone density for placement
- Takes months to complete your treatment
- Requires commitment to good oral care to maintain the integrity of the implants
How long is the procedure?
All-on-4 implant procedures can take two to four hours per arch to complete.
Is the process painful?
No. Like all implant treatments, all-on-4 procedures are done under anesthesia. You’ll feel no pain or discomfort during your procedure. Dr. Ko also offers sedation for anxious or fearful patients so they, too, can benefit from this treatment.
How long is the recovery period for all-on-4 implant procedures?
Traditional implant treatment can take between 3 and 6 months to complete. With all-on-4 treatments, the recovery period is generally quicker. The implants start integrating with your bone shortly after placement, shortening your treatment time considerably. Recovery times can range from 3 weeks to several months.
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New Patients: (508) 850-0686 | Existing Patients: (508) 478-3800
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How successful are all-on-4 treatments?
Patients who take excellent care of their teeth after their procedure can expect a 98% success rate from their implant treatment. Dr. Ko and our team can monitor the state of your implants periodically through biannual dental checkups.
Am I a good candidate for all-on-4 implants?
The best candidates are those with good bone density and general and oral health. Smokers make poor candidates as the use of tobacco products can impair the osseointegration process, which is critical to the success of this treatment.
Is all-on-4 implant treatment worth it?
Anyone who’s struggled with the pain, discomfort, or embarrassment of tooth loss or ineffective restorative treatments will appreciate what all-on-4 implants have to offer. Implant dentures give you a strong, functional, healthy, attractive, and enduring smile. You’ll be able to eat, smile, laugh, and talk normally again for many years.
Who offers all-on-4 dental implants near me?
If you live in or near Milford, Massachusetts, you can contact the office of Drs. Goodman & Ko, at (508) 850-0686 to schedule all-on-4 implant treatment.
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Alan Ko, DMD
Alan Ko, DMD, studied Biology at Washington University in St. Louis (BA Magna Cum Laude), Dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania (DMD Magna Cum Laude, Dean’s Scholarship recipient, Louis I. Grossman Award in Endodontics, and Academy of General Dentistry Award Recipient), did his residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH)/Harvard Medical School (General Practice Residency and Clinical Instructor Massachusetts General Hospital), was a guest lecturer at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Massachusetts General Hospital (General Practice Residency). Dr. Ko’s clinical focuses are craniofacial development in children, sleep/airway dentistry, TMD and occlusion, regenerative oral surgery, and reconstructive restorative/prosthetic dentistry, including Invisalign and dental implants. He is a member of the American Dental Association and Massachusetts Dental Society and has been named as Boston’s Top Dentists since 2012.
Brittany Bressler, DMD
Brittany Bressler, DMD, attended the University of New Hampshire-Durham (magna cum laude, studying psychology and pre-dental studies). Then, she attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA (Doctorate in Dental Medicine). At Tufts, she was the Vice President of the local chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists. Dr. Bressler has been named one of Boston Magazine’s Top Dentists for the last four years.
Saeed Kashefi, DMD, FAGD
Saeed Kashefi, DMD, FAGD, attended Harvard University (Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Literature and Creative Writing, cum laude), the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (doctorate, cum laude: He also won the JR Schmidt Fixed Prosthodontics Award), and the BWH/ Harvard-Wide General Practice Residency Program in Hospital Dentistry (residency and fellowship). He stayed on the BWH staff before taking over as clinician attending at the Massachusetts General Hospital, where he served for 16 years. Dr. Kashefi was also the Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine during this time. He is a Fellow of the American Association of Hospital Dentists and Academy of General Dentistry.
Cristina Hantavis MS, CCC-SLP
Cristina Hantavis MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed and certified Speech and Language Pathologist with extensive training in orofacial myology. She believes that oral health is deeply connected to our general health and takes a holistic approach that targets the whole body by working with the muscles of the face and mouth. Cristina previously worked in private and elementary school settings with children experiencing moderate to severe cognitive, linguistic, and behavioral challenges. She uses this experience to help children facing such issues in her current role.
David Goodman, DMD (retired)
David Goodman, DMD (retired), joined our practice in 1984. Our office was founded in 1975 by Dr. Carl DiGregorio, and since partnering with him, Dr. Goodman has been devoted to delivering exceptional dental care to Milford families. Although he retired in 2021, our practice still carries his philosophy of treating patients as whole people beyond just their teeth.