Wisdom Teeth
www.pbhs.com
When you’re facing the loss of an entire arch of teeth, you’re probably hearing conflicting information about your options. Some dentists might suggest traditional dentures. Others mention implants but refer you elsewhere for the surgery. You don’t need to navigate this alone or bounce between multiple providers.
At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, Dr. Douglas L. Johnson handles your complete transformation from consultation through final teeth, all in our AAAHC-accredited facility. Full-arch replacement using the all-on-four methodology offers a permanent solution. You can walk into our office with dental problems and leave the same day with a complete set of functional teeth performed under IV sedation for your comfort.
The all-on-four concept revolutionized how oral surgeons restore complete arches of teeth. Instead of placing an implant for each missing tooth, Dr. Johnson strategically positions four to six dental implants per arch to support a full prosthesis. The posterior implants are angled to maximize contact with existing bone, often eliminating the need for extensive bone grafting.
This approach works because of how forces distribute across your jaw. When you bite down, the angled implants transfer pressure along the length of your jawbone rather than straight down. This distribution provides exceptional stability while using fewer implants than traditional methods required. Dental implants have a success rate of 95% when performed by trained oral surgeons in accredited facilities.
For many patients, this means we can complete your surgery in one appointment. Dr. Johnson, who is board certified by both the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology, removes any remaining problematic teeth, places your implants, and attaches your temporary teeth the same day. You leave with a complete smile that functions immediately.
Single tooth replacements follow a fairly standard process. Full-mouth transformations require advanced surgical planning and experience with complex cases.
Dr. Johnson completed specialized training in facial cosmetics and reconstruction following his residency at the University of Florida. He focuses on cases involving multiple implants, extensive extractions, and full-arch rehabilitation. The difference shows in how we approach your care.
We use 3D imaging technology to map your jawbone density and plan precise implant placement before surgery. If you need bone grafting to support your implants, we can often perform this during the same appointment as your implant placement. Our team of certified surgical assistants and registered APRN work alongside Dr. Johnson throughout your procedure, ensuring you receive focused attention from start to finish.
Your journey starts with a comprehensive consultation where Dr. Johnson evaluates your oral health, discusses your goals, and creates a treatment plan specific to your needs.
We’ll be transparent about what affects your success. If you smoke, we’ll have an honest conversation about how tobacco use impacts healing and implant integration. Smoking restricts blood flow to your gums and bone, which can compromise osseointegration. We’re not here to lecture you, but we won’t downplay risks either. You deserve accurate information to make informed decisions.
During your consultation, we’ll also discuss costs and financing options. We work with most PPO dental plans and can help you understand your benefits. Our team will provide a detailed treatment estimate so you know exactly what to expect financially. Call (904) 460-0505 to schedule your consultation. Once you’re ready to proceed, we schedule your surgical appointment. On the day of your procedure, you’ll receive IV sedation for your comfort throughout the surgery. The process involves:
The temporary teeth look natural and function well enough for you to return to normal activities quickly, though you’ll follow specific dietary guidelines during initial healing. Most patients manage their recovery with prescribed pain medication and return to work within a few days.
Here’s where our approach differs from traditional dental implant workflows. Most oral surgeons depend on dentist referrals for implant cases. They place the implants surgically, then send you back to your dentist for the restorative work. Single tooth replacements work fine this way.
Full-arch cases are different. When you come to us with failing teeth and the need for complete arch replacement, we can work in reverse. Dr. Johnson handles the surgical phase completely, from extractions through implant placement and temporary teeth. Then we connect you with a restorative dentist for your final prosthesis.
You’re not dependent on your current dentist being willing or able to coordinate this level of treatment. We drive the process forward. This matters because many people discover their general dentist isn’t equipped to handle full-mouth reconstruction. The dentist might be excellent at cleanings and fillings but lacks experience coordinating complex implant cases. Or they might quote you a price for implants without explaining you’ll need to see an oral surgeon anyway.
When you start your journey with us, we eliminate that confusion. You know from day one who’s handling what, and you know we have the training and facility to complete the surgical work properly.
Over the three to six months following your surgery, your implants integrate with your jawbone through osseointegration. During this time, you’ll have periodic checkups at our office so Dr. Johnson can monitor your healing. You’ll wear your temporary teeth throughout this period, which means you never have to go without teeth.
Once we confirm your implants have fully integrated, you’ll work with your restorative dentist to create your permanent prosthesis. These final teeth look and function remarkably like natural teeth. You’ll brush and care for them similarly to natural teeth. With proper maintenance, dental implants can last for decades.
The key factors that influence your outcome include following post-operative instructions, maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular checkups, and managing health conditions that can affect healing. Approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and full-arch replacement offers a proven solution for those dealing with extensive tooth loss.
If you’re dealing with failing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, or the prospect of losing your remaining teeth, full-arch replacement using the all-on-four methodology offers a permanent solution. The transformation happens in our St. Augustine office with a team that handles these complex cases regularly.
The consultation process is straightforward. We’ll take detailed images of your mouth, evaluate your bone density, discuss your medical history, and explain your treatment options. Dr. Johnson will answer your questions about the procedure, recovery, and realistic expectations for your specific case. When you are ready to take the next step for your oral health, contact us online to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a complete, functional smile.