What is an All-on-4 in Mexico? An all-on-4 is a procedure that allows patients to have a complete denture with only 4 implants placed in their jaw. The objective of this technique is to restore the patient’s mouth with a method that is safer for their health, easier to treat, and cheaper to afford. Our specialty at SOTA Dental is the all-on-4.

This procedure was created by Professor Paulo Malo and the dental implant brand, Nobel Biocare. By strategically placing 4 implants you can achieve a beautiful smile, proper chewing, and proper nutrition. It is easy to see why this revolutionary procedure quickly took over the market. full mouth dental implants tijuana

This procedure is also known as the all-on-x. The x stands for the number of implants, which could be 4, 5, 6, or even 8 implants. The amount of implants required depends on the structure and health of the patient’s bone within their jaw. Different denture materials have different weights, therefore the material used is also a factor to consider.

The parts of an All-on-4 are:

• Implants: Implants are little titanium screws that are placed in your jawbone. There are commonly 4 implants in this procedure. They are the anchor points for the denture.
• Abutments: Abutments are small metal connectors that are placed between the implants and the denture. 
• Temporary Denture: A temporary denture is a custom-made prosthesis that patients use while their implants heal and osseointegration happens. The dentist will replace this denture in the final visit with the final prosthesis.
• Final Denture: The final denture is made to perfectly fit your mouth and match your bite. The dentist will place this denture at the end of the treatment. It can last a lifetime with proper care.

What are the advantages of an All-on-4 procedure?

Currently, a full-mouth restoration can only be done in a few ways. When a patient is missing most of their teeth or perhaps all of them, the all-on-4 could be an option.

Before the existence of the all-on-4 procedure, dentists would use multiple implants and bridges throughout a patient’s mouth to achieve the same result. With an all-on-4, strategically placing implants across your mouth avoids doing an implant for every single missing tooth.

It is created from one solid piece and requires a reduced number of implants. That means reduced costs, improved healing time, better bite stability, and fewer complications.

All patients are different and all dentists have different opinions. That is why you should always check with your dentist what is the best option for you.

Check out our before and after photo gallery to see our patients who had this life-changing procedure.

Am I a candidate for the All-on-4?

In order to be a candidate for the all-on-4, you need to be a good candidate for dental implants. Most people that are missing teeth are good candidates. However, there are a couple of absolute contraindications to keep in mind. For example, people that have recently suffered a heart attack should avoid getting this surgery. Also, people that have:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Bleeding issues
• Biphosphonates therapy
• Radiotherapies for cancer treatment

Having an all-on-4 is a big decision. It requires removing all of your teeth. (top or bottom arch). This is why most dentists try to save as many natural teeth as possible. Even if you wanted to have this procedure done on yourself, it is best to let your dentist decide if you are a candidate for the all-on-4 or not.

How is the All-on-4 procedure done in Mexico?

The all-on-4 procedure is a surgical oral rehabilitation, hence, it will take a couple of visits to the dentist. The whole procedure might last anywhere from 4 to 12 months depending on the case’s complexity. The result is a new life with a beautiful smile.

In the initial visit, our doctors will examine the patient’s mouth. They will look at their medical records and take the necessary x-rays and/or CBCT scans. The purpose of this is to have enough information to determine if the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. The doctor will also consider their medical conditions that might require extra steps in the process. 

If our doctors find you to be a good candidate for the All-on-X and you opt to continue with the treatment, then the surgery takes place. Our doctors will first take measurements and impressions of the patient’s mouth. 

Next, the patient will be sedated and the remaining teeth removed. The dentist will then cut incisions to expose the jawbone and drill holes with a pilot drill.

The implants will then be placed. In the all-on-4 procedure, most of the time the doctors will place the implants in the frontal area at a 90° angle, and the ones in the back area at 45°. This serves two purposes, it gives more stability to
the denture as well as prevents damaging the nerve that is in the back of the jawbone.

The doctor will close the incisions once the implants are in the right position. At this point, a temporary denture will be provided for day-to-day use.

What is a Temporary Denture?

Temporary dentures come in 2 types, fixed or removable. Fixed temporary dentures (or same-day teeth) are provided when all implants have good torque in the bone. Removable ones sit on top of the implants in order to ensure the integrity of the implant. The doctor will decide what is best for any patient, but patients usually prefer fixed teeth because it feels more like their natural teeth.

After the surgery, the patient will need to take extra care of their mouth for a couple of months. They must wait until the osseointegration is complete and their body has accepted the implants. The osseointegration phase can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

Once the patient’s mouth has healed, a second visit will be required to take new measurements and impressions of the mouth. After this, the final denture will be created using the material that you and your doctor chose. Sometimes a third visit is required to test the final prosthesis.

How long is the All-on-4 process in Mexico?

The all-on-4 process is different for every person. Treatment times depend on a lot of factors, such as the quality of the patient’s bone, their general health or pre-existing conditions, how well the body accepts the implants, the complexity of the case, etc. You can expect to visit your dentist at least two times.

The healing process can take anywhere between 3 to 6 months depending on everything mentioned above. Take into consideration that extra steps like bones graphs of sinus lifts will make this entire process longer.

We have a great video with Dr. Nestor talking about this procedure. Please watch the video below for an in-depth explanation.

How much does an All-on-4 in Mexico cost?

When you begin to look for information about the cost of an all-on-4, you will find that prices are all over the place.

There are many factors that change the price of dental implants. For an in-depth understanding of the cost of an all-on-4 in Mexico visit this link.

Here is a list of things that could influence the price of an all-on-4 in Mexico:

• Implant brand & material
• Prosthesis brand & material
• Surgical fees
• Anesthesia
• Extra procedures 
• X-rays and scans
• Medications

In the United States, you can expect to pay an average of $25,000 – $40,000 USD per arch. That means nearly $50,000 – $80,000 USD for a full-mouth restoration!. These outrageous costs are why so many people look for all-on-4 procedures outside of the United States.

If you look for dental implants or all-on-4s in Mexico, you can save up to 60% of the total cost of your treatment compared to the United States. If you want more information about the prices of dental implants in Mexico, please check our special offers and prices page here.

A properly done all-on-4 can last a very long time with proper care. Brushing, rinsing, cleaning, and general care are important habits for an all-on-4 patient. Furthermore, implant longevity depends on several other factors like:

• Oral habits – How do you take care of your teeth? Do you follow the oral health guidelines like flossing?
• Implant brands – Implants brand manufacturers use different materials which determine the longevity of the product.
• Implant placement – Is the area around the implant placement healthy? 
• General health – Are you someone who is sick all the time? Do you take care of your health?
• Lifestyle – Do you smoke a lot? Do you drink a lot? Do you play any extreme sports? 
• Teeth Usage – Do you eat tough foods often?

Always ask your dentist how to take the best care of your prosthesis.

What material options do I have for an All-on-4 in Mexico?

There are many different types of materials on the market. Different doctors work with different brands and materials. It is a good idea to ask your dentist for their top choice regarding brands and inquire more about it.

Here at SOTA Dental, we use 4 primary materials:

• Acrylic – $
  • Pros: Easily repairable, affordable, and upgradable.
  • Cons: Not as aesthetic or durable as other options, picks up odors if not treated with proper care.

• PMMA – $
  • Pros: This material is milled from a single block, making it more consistent and resistant than acrylic.
  • Cons: More expensive than acrylic.

• Zirconia – $
  • Pros: One of the strongest and hardest materials on the market. More durable than acrylic and PMMA. Highly aesthetic.
  • Cons: Very heavy. More expensive. Could require more implants.

• Nano Ceramic – $
  • Pros: Highly aesthetic. High translucency. Good flexibility. Lightweight. Easily repairable. Similar to natural teeth.
  • Cons: More expensive. Not all doctors offer this material.

If you decide to go with one of the cheaper options, you can always upgrade your prosthesis in the future. It is just a matter of taking your denture out, scanning it, and milling the new one.

Does an All-on-4 procedure hurt?

Many people have the misconception that this procedure is very painful. The procedure is painless because our doctors use strong local anesthesia or general anesthesia. You will not feel any pain because you will be sedated or highly numbed in your gums. You may however start to feel discomfort and pain once the numbness disappears. 

Even though the all-on-4 procedure is considered to be safe, it is still a surgery that will generate temporal trauma to your gums and bone. Take into consideration that the recovery time will vary from patient to patient. 

Always discuss with your doctor how to take proper care of your prosthesis to avoid future complications.

Our professional team is here to help guide you through the entire process.

What will happen if my All-on-4 prosthesis breaks?

Although a well-made prosthesis rarely breaks, it can happen. To prevent this from happening the patient needs to be careful with what they are eating. Wearing a nightguard is also important.

The dentist, in the office, can fix simple fractures of materials like acrylic or nano-ceramic, however, zirconia is more complex to repair.

Consult with your dentist to find the best solution for you.

How to get an All-on-4 in Mexico with SOTA Dental?

At SOTA Dental, we specialize in the all-on-4. We perform this procedure more than any other. We are glad to have been able to help so many people by improving their smiles. Of all the things our team has accomplished over the years, giving people their smiles back has fulfilled us the most. Visit our Before & After photo gallery to see our patients’ beautiful smiles.

If you want to take a look at our prices and specials, click here. Visit our article, “How much do dental implants cost”, if you want to understand our prices in comparison with the United States and Canada.

To get started with SOTA Dental, please fill out our Patient Form. By doing this, our doctors will review your case and send you a personalized treatment plan.

We highly recommend you visit our Video Library for an extensive array of useful videos. There you will meet our doctors who will explain procedures, treatments, timelines, and more.