In the past few years, several advancements in dentistry have made treatment options more precise and adaptable for patients with not-so-perfect oral health. One example is All on 4® dental implants, a cost-efficient, graft-less solution that provides patients with a fixed full-arch prosthesis on the day.
By strategically placing four implants, oral surgeons can offer full-mouth restorations to patients who lack sufficient jawbone density, allowing them to recover a complete smile. Here’s what you need to know about All on 4® dental implants.
What Are All on 4® Dental Implants?
All on 4® dental implants are a cutting-edge, contemporary method of dental restoration intended to replace an entire arch of lost teeth, usually in the upper or lower jaw. Ten to 14 teeth make up each All on 4® arch, sufficient for a full set of teeth on either the upper or lower jaw.
Their name comes from the fact that only four dental implants are needed to support a complete dental bridge or denture.
In the past, individuals who had lost a whole row of teeth had to get a separate implant to replace each lost tooth. The All on 4® technique, on the other hand, supports an entire tooth arch with just four carefully positioned implants.
This novel method enables a more effective and economical solution by lowering the number of implants needed.
The Process of Getting All on 4® Dental Implants
All on 4® implants are an effective treatment that can help restore your complete smile. However, it involves surgery, which is why the process for getting the treatment involves several steps, such as:
Evaluation and Treatment Planning
Getting All on 4® dental implants starts with a thorough examination performed by an oral surgeon or dentist. This evaluation includes a detailed review of your dental history, oral health, and diagnostic imaging, including CT and X-rays.
The dentist will analyze your bone density, gum health, and general oral health to determine whether you are a good candidate for All on 4® dental implants.
Implant Placement
To guarantee your comfort throughout the procedure, you will be given sedation or local anesthesia on the day of the procedure. Then, four dental implants will be carefully positioned in your jawbone.
In the future, these implants will act as anchors for dental prostheses. For optimal support and long-term stability, the implants must be positioned precisely.
Attachment of Temporary Prosthesis
A temporary dental prosthesis is frequently affixed on the same day that the implants are placed.
This enables you to leave the dentist's office immediately after the procedure with a working set of teeth while the implants heal and fuse with the jawbone over the following few months.
Healing and Integration
Osteointegration is the natural process by which the dental implants will eventually fuse with the surrounding bone. The implants' long-term stability depends on this integration. Your dentist will carefully monitor the implants' development during the several months it usually takes for them to integrate fully.
Attachment of Permanent Prosthesis
After the implants have completely fused, a permanent dental prosthesis is made to replace the temporary one. The permanent prosthesis is carefully made to fit well, appear natural, and fully restore chewing ability.
Post-Treatment Care
You will be instructed on how to maintain proper oral hygiene and take care of your new teeth after the procedure is finished. Routine dental examinations and cleanings are essential to guarantee the long-term success of your new smile!
The Benefits of All on 4® Dental Implants
All on 4® implants are a life-changing procedure that completely restores oral health. Other benefits include:
- Immediate Results: A noticeable benefit of All on-4® implants is that patients leave the dental office with a full set of functional teeth. This involves a noticeable quality of life improvement for patients with extensive tooth loss or ill-fitting dentures.
- Minimally Invasive: Because the implants are positioned at a precise angle, bone grafts are frequently unnecessary, making the process easier and more comfortable for patients. This means an overall less invasive procedure.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to using separate implants to replace each lost tooth, All on 4® dental implants are a more affordable option. Fewer implants translate into lower overall treatment costs, allowing a wider range of patients to afford this option.
- Prevents Bone Loss: Dental implants promote bone formation and stop additional bone loss, which is a common problem when teeth are lost. This helps preserve the integrity of the facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance frequently linked to tooth loss.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: All on 4® dental implants are made to resemble real teeth in both appearance and feel. Patients frequently report feeling more confident and self-assured with a restored smile and better oral function.
Frequently Asked Questions About All on 4® Implants
Are you unsure about this treatment? Here are some All on 4® implant FAQs to help you determine whether this method is the solution you need.
Who’s a Bad Candidate for All on 4® Implants?
While implants are an option for patients who lack enough jawbone density, good oral health is necessary. This means no gum disease or tooth decay that can affect the healing and osseointegration of your implants.
Who’s a Good Candidate for All on 4® Implants?
All on 4® dental implants are an excellent option for a wide range of people who have experienced extensive tooth loss or are facing the prospect of complete tooth loss.
Denture wearers who experience the pain and inconvenience of removable prosthetics, patients with multiple failing or damaged teeth, and edentulous people—those who have lost all of their teeth in either the upper or lower jaw—can all benefit from all on 4® dental implants.
How Long Do All on 4® Dental Implants Last?
With careful care and maintenance, All on 4® implants can last anywhere from five years to over 40 years, but the average lifespan is twenty years. This entails brushing and flossing them regularly, just like you would with your natural teeth, and making sure you visit a trustworthy provider for routine dental care and cleanings.
Learn About the Uniqueness of All on 4® Implants
If you have lost most or all your teeth, All on 4® dental implants are the best solution over ill-fitting dentures. Depending on your unique dental circumstances, as few as two to four dental implants can significantly improve your denture's stability and provide you with a complete set of fixed teeth.
If you’d like to learn more about this treatment, the team at Butura Oral and Dental Implant Surgery is here to answer all of your questions. Contact us today to learn more!
"Nobel Biocare, NobelProcera, NobelGuide and All-on-4 are trademarks of the Nobel Biocare group."
