All-on-4 Dental Implants Tulsa – Ditch Dentures for Good

For years, a 57-year-old Tulsa resident we'll call John struggled with loose, uncomfortable dentures. He often hid his smile and stuck to soft foods in public, worried his “teeth” might slip. After undergoing All-on-4 dental implant surgery with Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD at our Tulsa office, John’s life transformed. “For the first time in 20 years, I ordered a ribeye and didn’t worry if I could chew it,” he says. For patients like John, All-on-4 dental implants Tulsa offers a life-changing, permanent solution – one that’s helping Oklahomans trade in their dentures and never look back.

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 is an advanced dental implant technique that replaces an entire arch of missing teeth using just four strategically placed implants. In a single procedure, four titanium implant posts are anchored into the jawbone – two near the front and two angled in the back – to support a full fixed bridge of new teeth. This approach was pioneered over two decades ago by Dr. Paulo Malo as a graft-less solution for full-mouth rehabilitation oralhealthgroup.com. The result? Patients walk out with a complete smile, often on the same day, without needing an implant for every missing tooth.

Unlike removable dentures that sit on top of the gums, All-on-4 implants fuse with your bone (a process called osseointegration). The implants essentially become new tooth roots, providing a sturdy foundation for a lifelike prosthetic arch. All-on-4 is sometimes called a “Teeth in a Day” treatment because a temporary set of teeth can typically be attached immediately after surgery. After a healing period, a custom permanent arch is fixed in place – giving you teeth that look, feel, and function as close to natural as it gets.

Learn more on our dedicated All-on-4 Dental Implants page for a deeper dive into the process and technology behind this technique.

All-on-4 vs. Dentures: Why Tulsa Patients Choose Implants

Dentures have been a go-to solution for decades, but they come with well-known drawbacks – from messy adhesives to slipping at the worst moments. In fact, more than 1 in 7 adults over age 65 have lost all their natural teeth cdc.gov – relying on dentures to get by. It’s no surprise many Tulsa patients are making the leap from dentures to All-on-4 implants. Let’s break down the key reasons why.

Stability and Chewing Power

With traditional dentures, even simple pleasures like biting into an apple or steak can be nerve-wracking. Dentures rest on the gums and often rely on suction or pastes – meaning they can slip, especially when eating tough or sticky foods. In fact, regular denture wearers often live in fear of an embarrassing slip mid-meal myoms.org. All-on-4 implants eliminate that worry. The prosthetic teeth are securely fixed to implants anchored in your jaw, so you can chew with confidence. Imagine biting into corn-on-the-cob or a crisp apple without a second thought – All-on-4 makes it possible eliteoralsurgeryofok.comeliteoralsurgeryofok.com. According to WebMD, when implants work as intended, they outperform dentures or bridges in terms of strength and function webmd.com.

Bone Health and Facial Structure

Tooth loss isn’t just a cosmetic issue – it leads to bone loss in your jaws over time. When teeth are missing, the jawbone no longer gets stimulation and begins to shrink (a process called resorption). Dentures do nothing to stop this; they simply sit on the gums, and as the bone under them melts away, dentures get looser. This is why long-term denture users often develop a “sunken” facial appearance. All-on-4 implants, however, act like tooth roots and constantly stimulate the jawbone, preserving bone density eliteoralsurgeryofok.comeliteoralsurgeryofok.com. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons notes that implant-supported restorations help prevent the jaw shrinkage that occurs when all your teeth are missingmyoms.org. By keeping your bone healthy, All-on-4 helps maintain your natural face shape – no premature jowls or collapse. You’ll not only feel younger but look it, too.

Convenience and Low Maintenance

Dentures come with quite the upkeep: nightly removal, soaking in solutions, special cleaning tablets, and the constant risk of dropping or breaking them. It’s a daily routine that can feel tedious and even embarrassing. All-on-4 implants are permanent in your mouth – there’s nothing to take out at night. You brush and floss them similar to natural teeth (we’ll show you some techniques and handy tools like water flossers). There’s no need for adhesives or soaking cups on your nightstand. Plus, you won’t experience that awkward taste change that denture adhesives or acrylic plates can cause. For busy folks, All-on-4 offers a mostly “set it and forget it” lifestyle – just maintain good oral hygiene and see your dentist for regular checkups, as you would with real teeth eliteoralsurgeryofok.comeliteoralsurgeryofok.com.

Natural Look and Confidence

Modern dentures can look decent, but there’s often still an artificial “denture look” – too-perfect teeth, or a bit of gum acrylic showing. All-on-4 implant bridges are custom-crafted to you. The teeth are designed for your facial features, with the right shape and color you desire, and they emerge from the gums naturally since there’s no bulky plastic covering your palate. Because they’re anchored, All-on-4 teeth don’t wobble when you speak or laugh, so you can be yourself without worrying about a slipping plate. Many patients say their All-on-4 smile not only feels natural but has given them back the self-esteem to socialize, laugh, and eat freely in public – a life-changing boost in quality of life. It’s no exaggeration: clinical studies confirm that implant-supported teeth lead to significantly higher satisfaction and oral health–related quality of life compared to traditional dentures pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Long-Term Value

At first glance, All-on-4 implants are a bigger investment than basic dentures. However, dentures typically need replacement every 5–8 years as the fit worsens (due to bone loss) myoms.org. They also come with ongoing costs for adhesives, cleaners, relines, and potential health costs from poor nutrition if you can’t chew well. All-on-4, on the other hand, is a one-time investment that can last decades – often 20 years or more with proper care. The implant posts themselves are designed to last a lifetime. A long-term study on All-on-4 showed a 94.8% implant survival rate and 99.2% prosthesis survival after 10 years oralhealthgroup.com, indicating how durable this solution is. When you add up the repeated denture expenses (and intangible costs of discomfort and inconvenience), patients often find All-on-4 to be the wiser, more cost-effective choice in the long run. Many oral surgeons offer financing plans to help make this treatment accessible myoms.orgmyoms.org – including our office.

Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4?

All-on-4 is ideal for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth in an arch (upper or lower jaw) or have a failing dentition (severely compromised teeth that need extraction). If you currently wear full dentures or have many teeth that are beyond saving, All-on-4 can likely give you a fresh start with a fixed new smile. It’s particularly popular among:

• Denture wearers tired of the hassle: If you’re frustrated with loose lower dentures or hate the palate cover of an upper denture, All-on-4 offers a secure, no-slip alternative.
  
  
• Those with advanced gum disease or decay: Sometimes the best option is to remove what's left of bad teeth and replace the whole set. All-on-4 provides a streamlined solution for a full-mouth reconstruction (often part of a broader treatment plan alongside our Full Mouth Reconstruction services).
  
  
• Patients told they lack enough bone for traditional implants: All-on-4’s angled posterior implants can engage more native bone, often avoiding the need for bone grafting smile-creator.comsmile-creator.com. Even if you’ve experienced some jawbone shrinkage, you may still be a candidate.
  
  

Generally, candidates should be in adequate overall health for oral surgery. Chronic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can affect healing (we’ll evaluate and help optimize these factors before proceeding). Age by itself is not a barrier – implants have been successful in patients in their 80s and beyond. As long as you’re healthy enough for a tooth extraction, you can likely handle All-on-4 surgery.

Keep in mind, every mouth is unique. Dr. Egan will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including 3D CT scans of your jaws, to confirm that All-on-4 is your best option. If four implants aren’t the right fit, we might recommend variations like an All-on-6 approach or implant-supported overdentures. But for most patients seeking a permanent new smile, All-on-4 hits the sweet spot of minimal implants with maximum results.

(Not sure if All-on-4 is right for you? Schedule a free consultation – we’ll give honest recommendations, which could include alternatives like single dental implants for smaller gaps or other treatments.)

The All-on-4 Procedure: What to Expect

Undergoing All-on-4 dental implant treatment may sound complex, but we’ve done hundreds of these cases and follow a well-organized, comfortable process. Here’s a step-by-step look at what to expect at our Tulsa practice:

1. Personalized Consultation: You’ll meet with Dr. Egan for an exam and 3D imaging. We use a CBCT scan (cone beam CT) to get a detailed map of your jaws, sinuses, and nerves for precise planning. Dr. Egan will review your medical and dental history, discuss your smile goals, and together we’ll decide if All-on-4 meets your needs. All your questions are encouraged – we want you to feel confident moving forward.
   
   
2. Treatment Planning: Using advanced software, Dr. Egan virtually plans the implant positions in your jaw. The two front implants go straight into the thick front jawbone area, while the two back implants are placed at an angle (up to 45°) to maximize contact with bonesmile-creator.com. This clever positioning avoids areas like sinus cavities or nerve canals and often eliminates the need for bone grafts. We may create a surgical guide to ensure absolute accuracy on the day of surgery. Meanwhile, a set of provisional teeth will be crafted so you’re never without teeth during healing.
   
   
3. Day of Surgery – Relax with IV Sedation: On the procedure day, our team’s top priority is your comfort and safety. You’ll be sedated with IV conscious sedation or general anesthesia administered by Dr. Egan – who, as a dual-degree oral surgeon, is extensively trained in anesthesia (oral surgeons complete hospital-based anesthesia training and can safely provide all levels of sedationmyoms.org). Many patients snooze right through the procedure and have little memory of it. Our office follows rigorous safety protocols in line with AAOMS’s “culture of safety” standards for surgical anesthesiamyoms.org, so you’re in excellent hands.
   
   
4. Implant Placement and New Teeth: Dr. Egan will gently extract any remaining failing teeth and precisely place the four implants into pre-planned positions in your jawbone. The implants are small titanium screws that act as roots. Once the implants are in, we attach abutments (connectors) and secure a temporary fixed arch of teeth on the implants. Yes – you get teeth the same day! These immediate teeth are often made of acrylic; they look good and allow you to leave the office with a functional smile.
   
   
5. Recovery: After a short observation period, you’ll head home (with a friend or family member driving). Amazingly, most All-on-4 patients report surprisingly manageable post-op discomfort – far less than they expected. You’ll receive pain medication, antibiotics, and a detailed aftercare kit (ice packs, rinse, etc.). Plan to rest for a couple of days. Many patients resume normal daily activities within 2–3 days after surgery, with minimal swelling.
   
   
6. Healing and Osseointegration: Over the next 3–4 months, the implants will fuse with your jawbone, getting increasingly solid. We’ll see you for check-ups to monitor healing. During this phase, you’ll maintain a modified diet (more on that below) to avoid stressing the implants while they integrate.
   
7. Final Permanent Teeth: Once Dr. Egan confirms your implants are well-integrated, we take impressions to fabricate your final prosthetic arch. This permanent bridge is typically crafted from ultra-strong materials like zirconia or a titanium-acrylic hybrid for long-term durability. We custom-shade and shape the teeth for an incredibly natural appearance. When we attach your final set of teeth, get ready for smiles all around – many patients get emotional seeing their definitive new smile.

Throughout the process, our team at Elite Oral Surgery of Oklahoma is by your side. From the initial consult to the final follow-up, we make sure you feel informed, cared for, and excited about your results. Dr. Egan’s surgical expertise (he performs dozens of full-arch implant cases each year) combined with our state-of-the-art technology means you’re getting the best of the best in Tulsa for your All-on-4 journey.

(Worried about the idea of surgery? Rest assured, patient comfort is one area where Dr. Egan truly shines. As both a dentist and a medical doctor (DMD, MD), he is uniquely qualified to handle complex cases with hospital-grade care. Many patients who once feared oral surgery tell us afterward how easy we made it for them!)

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovering from All-on-4 implant surgery is typically faster and easier than people imagine. Most patients feel up to returning to normal routines in just a few days. Here’s how to ensure a smooth recovery and get the best long-term success from your new smile:

• Immediate Post-Op: We’ll monitor you as the anesthesia wears off, then send you home with a companion. Your mouth will be numb for a few hours. Plan to rest and take it easy for 24–48 hours. Some swelling and minor bleeding are normal – we’ll show you how to use gauze and ice packs effectively (20 minutes on/off) to minimize swelling in the first 2 days.
  
  
• Pain Management: Discomfort is usually mild to moderate. Many of our All-on-4 patients are surprised that they only need prescription pain meds for a day or two (if at all) and then manage with ibuprofen or Tylenol. We’ll provide the appropriate medications and instructions. Because the implants are placed in already-healed areas (or sockets where teeth were just removed), there’s often less trauma than multiple individual implants or grafting procedures.
  
  
• Diet: For the first week or two, a soft diet is key. Think smoothies, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, soups – anything that doesn’t require heavy chewing. Avoid very hot foods or drinks until sensation returns fully. As your comfort improves, you can progress to more substantial foods, but we advise sticking to soft foods for about 8-12 weeks while initial healing and osseointegration occur. This protects the implants during their most critical integration period. Over time, you’ll be able to enjoy the crunchy, chewy favorites you missed (John’s first steak in 20 years is a great example!), but patience early on pays off.
  
  
• Oral Hygiene: Keeping your mouth clean is vital for healing. Starting the day after surgery, you’ll rinse gently with a prescribed antimicrobial rinse or saltwater multiple times a day (especially after meals). We’ll show you how to carefully brush the new teeth and use any special tools like a water flosser or small proxy brush to clean under the bridge. No vigorous swishing or touching the implant sites with your tongue or fingers, please – let nature do its healing. Our team will see you for follow-up visits to professionally clean and make sure you’re on track.
  
  
• Follow-Up Appointments: You’ll typically have a check-up about 1-2 weeks post-surgery to remove any stitches and see how you’re doing. Additional follow-ups at the 3-month mark (to evaluate integration) and for impressions of your final teeth will be scheduled. We really focus on aftercare – you’re part of our Elite Oral Surgery family, and we want your outcome to be flawless.
  
  
• Adjustment Period: Adapting to your immediate fixed teeth might take a few days. Your tongue and cheeks will learn the new contours. You might have some minor lisping at first that resolves quickly as you practice speaking with your new teeth. We’re here to fine-tune the bite or fit of your temporary bridge if needed so you’re comfortable during healing.
  
  

In short, follow our guidelines, keep the area clean, stick to the recommended diet, and you should sail through recovery. If you ever have a question or concern – even after hours – our Tulsa office provides emergency contact info. We’ve got your back 24/7.

Fast forward a few months: once you have your permanent All-on-4 teeth, caring for them is much like caring for natural teeth. Maintain excellent oral hygiene, and see your dentist for regular exams and cleanings (we’ll demonstrate techniques to clean around your implants effectively). With proper care, your All-on-4 smile can last decades, providing an incredible return on investment in your health and happiness.

Why Choose Dr. Jeremy Egan in Tulsa for All-on-4?

Tulsa is home to a number of dental providers – but few have the unique qualifications and track record of Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD. Here’s what sets our practice apart when it comes to All-on-4 and complex implant dentistry:

• Dual-Degree Oral Surgeon: Dr. Egan is not only a dentist (DMD) but also a licensed physician (MD). He completed a six-year Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency and earned his medical degree along the way eliteoralsurgeryofok.comeliteoralsurgeryofok.com. This extensive training – including a general surgery internship – gives him a broad surgical skillset and a deep understanding of facial anatomy. In practice, it means Dr. Egan can handle the most complicated cases with hospital-level expertise. Patients with medical considerations or advanced bone loss are in expert hands.
  
  
• Experience and Surgical Volume: As Oklahoma’s leading full-arch implant specialist, Dr. Egan has performed hundreds of All-on-4 and dental implant procedures. He’s seen a wide array of scenarios and refined techniques to maximize success. Our office invests in cutting-edge technology like 3D imaging, guided surgery tools, and digital planning software to ensure each case is executed with precision. This level of experience can directly impact outcomes – like shorter surgery times, minimal discomfort, and excellent success rates.
  
  
• Safety and Anesthesia Expertise: Patient safety is paramount. Dr. Egan is qualified in IV sedation and general anesthesia, having administered thousands of sedations safely during trainingdentistry.ouhsc.edu. Our surgical suite is outfitted with advanced monitoring equipment (just like a hospital OR), and our staff is ACLS-certified. We follow stringent protocols from organizations like AAOMS to maintain a “culture of safety” for every surgery. You’ll be closely cared for from the moment you walk in, through sedation, surgery, and recovery.
  
  
• Comprehensive Care Under One Roof: At Elite Oral Surgery of Oklahoma, we handle every step of the All-on-4 process in-house – from consultation and imaging to surgery and follow-ups. There’s no bouncing between multiple offices. Dr. Egan collaborates with top restorative dentists and lab technicians to create your final teeth, but you’ll only ever need to come to our Tulsa surgical office for the implant treatment. This seamless coordination streamlines your experience and often shortens overall treatment time.
  
  
• Local Trusted Authority: Dr. Egan has built a reputation as the go-to oral surgeon for complex implant cases in Tulsa and beyond. He’s a published researcher and holds memberships in prestigious organizations like the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the American Medical Association eliteoralsurgeryofok.comeliteoralsurgeryofok.com. Perhaps more importantly, he’s earned the trust of countless patients and referring dentists through his warmth, confidence, and consistently outstanding results. We invite you to read our patient testimonials or talk to someone who’s undergone All-on-4 with Dr. Egan – their smiles speak volumes.
  
• Compassionate, Personalized Approach: Technical skill is essential, but Dr. Egan and our team also pride ourselves on treating patients like family. Undergoing a major smile transformation can be emotional – we get it! From the initial consult, you’ll notice our genuine empathy and listening. Dr. Egan takes the time to answer all your questions (no matter how small) and will give you an honest assessment of your options. There’s zero pressure – whether you proceed with treatment is entirely your decision. Our goal is simply to educate and support you. If you do choose All-on-4, we’ll hold your hand (figuratively and literally if needed) through every step of the journey.

 In summary, choosing Dr. Egan and Elite Oral Surgery means choosing expertise, experience, and excellence. We combine big-city surgical proficiency with the heart of a local practice. Your outcome isn’t just another case to us – it’s a life change we are honored to facilitate. When you’re ready to explore All-on-4, you won’t find a more qualified or caring team in Oklahoma to trust with your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we answer some common questions about All-on-4 dental implants. (For more detailed inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out or schedule a consultation – we’re here to help.)

Q: How long do All-on-4 dental implants last?
A: All-on-4 implants are designed to be a long-term or permanent solution. Clinical studies show implant success rates around 95% or higher over 10+ years oralhealthgroup.com. With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, many patients enjoy their All-on-4 teeth for decades. The implant posts can last a lifetime. The prosthetic arch (the teeth) may eventually need refurbishing or replacing after 15–20 years due to normal wear, but these restorations are very durable (one study showed 99% of All-on-4 prostheses still functioning at 10 years oralhealthgroup.com). We will guide you on maintenance to maximize the lifespan of your new smile.

Q: What do All-on-4 implants feel like?
A: They feel very much like natural teeth. Because the prosthesis is fixed and supported by your jawbone, there’s no slipping or removable parts. After a brief adjustment period, most patients forget they even have implants – they can bite and chew confidently, and the teeth look and feel normal in the mouth. Importantly, there’s no more foreign-object sensation or insecurity like there can be with dentures. Your All-on-4 smile becomes an integrated part of you.

Q: Will I need bone grafts for All-on-4?
A: In most cases, no. One of the big advantages of the All-on-4 protocol is that it’s engineered to avoid bone grafting smile-creator.com. By tilting the back implants, we can engage the denser bone in the front of the jaw and avoid areas that often require grafts (like a sinus lift in the upper jaw or nerve ridge in the lower jaw). Even patients with some bone loss can often get All-on-4 without additional graft surgeries. However, if you have extremely advanced bone resorption, there are modified approaches – such as using extra implants (All-on-6) or zygomatic implants (in the cheekbone) – that Dr. Egan may discuss. We will review your scans and let you know if any grafting is recommended, but for the vast majority of Tulsa patients, All-on-4 is a graft-less solution.

Q: Does insurance cover All-on-4 dental implants?
A: It depends on your plan. Some dental insurance plans offer limited coverage for implants or the prosthetic, but many classify All-on-4 as a major procedure with coverage caps. Medical insurance rarely covers dental implants unless tied to a medical condition or trauma. That said, our insurance coordinators will help check any benefits you might have. Regardless of insurance, we believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of your dream smile. Our Tulsa office provides flexible payment options, including third-party financing (with affordable monthly payments). During your consult, we’ll provide a transparent cost breakdown and work with you to find a payment solution that fits your budget. Investing in All-on-4 is investing in your quality of life – and our patients consistently tell us it’s worth every penny.

Q: What’s the success rate of All-on-4 implants?
A: Extremely high. All-on-4 has been performed for over two decades worldwide, with excellent outcomes. As noted above, long-term studies report implant survival rates in the mid-to-high 90% range oralhealthgroup.com. In our practice, we meticulously plan each case and only proceed if we believe we can achieve a predictable result. Dr. Egan’s personal success rate with All-on-4 is above 98%. Of course, success also depends on patient factors and following post-op instructions. We will partner with you to ensure everything possible is done for a successful, trouble-free outcome. On the rare occasion an implant doesn’t integrate (which can happen in a small percentage of cases), it is often replaced with a new implant after a brief healing period. We stand by our work and will do everything to get you to a successful result.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Ready to find out if All-on-4 dental implants are right for you? Schedule your free All-on-4 dental implant consultation at our flagship Tulsa office. You’ll meet with Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD — Oklahoma’s dual-degree surgical specialist in full-arch transformations. During your visit, we’ll discuss your goals, take any necessary 3D scans, and give you an honest assessment of your options. There’s no obligation and no pressure – just straight answers from a team that genuinely cares.

Imagine a life without slipping dentures or hiding your smile. All-on-4 implants could be the permanent solution you’ve been searching for to eat, laugh, and live with total confidence. Don’t spend another day missing out on the foods and moments you love. Contact Elite Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma in Tulsa today to take the first step toward your forever smile. We can’t wait to help you rediscover the joy of a strong, beautiful set of teeth!

(Call us at 918-395-8305 or use our online consultation request form to get started. We proudly serve Tulsa and surrounding communities across Oklahoma.)