all-on-4 Dental Implants
What Is “All on 4 Dental Implant”?
All on Four Dental Implants: Permanent Solution to Replace Missing Teeth
Several factors can cause people to lose their natural teeth, including gum disease, tooth decay, trauma, or accident.
While missing teeth is unfortunate and can easily compromise a person’s self-confidence, advances in dentistry have enabled dentists to offer various treatment options as replacement teeth solutions.
Dental implants in Brisbane have been popular permanent solutions to replace teeth and improve your oral health and beautiful smile.
But do not worry if your dentist has told you that the conventional dental implant procedure is not a suitable treatment option for you, probably because of some underlying health conditions.
In dentistry, the sky’s the limit! Your dentist can still offer you ways to have a complete smile.
All on 4: Full-Arch Rehabilitation
Replace Multiple Teeth and Improve Your Smile In One Visit
If you have lost an entire row of your natural teeth, are fed up with your ill-fitting dentures, and are unwilling to try the lengthy conventional dental implants, all-on-four dental implants may be the right solution for your missing teeth.
“All on four dental implants” refers to a dental procedure that replaces the upper and lower set of teeth with only four implants. Four titanium implants act as a foundation for the bridge and support the placement of a whole set of new teeth (a fixed prosthesis with 10 to 14 teeth).
The treatment can be used in either the upper or lower jaw.
Benefits of All on 4 Dental Implants
All on Four Dental Implants vs Conventional Implants
Same Day Implant
“All on four implants” is popular because it is a cost-effective and minimally invasive procedure and restores aesthetics and functionality within 24 hours of surgery.
The Simplicity of the Design
Designing and fitting the perfect replacement teeth would be easier because of the reduced number of implant fixtures.
A Full-Arch Restoration with 4 Dental Implants
Previously, 6 or 8 dental implants were required to support a full fixed bridge for traditional implants.
However, with all-on-4 dental implants, you can expect a full-arch rehabilitation using just four implants; two implants at the front of the mouth and two angled implants at the back.
Due to the 45° angulated implant, the areas with reduced bone density can be avoided.
No Bone Grafting
Patients who have experienced bone loss and do not have enough bone to support implants are not typically great candidates for traditional implants. These patients must undergo a costly surgical procedure called “bone grafting” to encourage bone growth.
“All on four implants” does not require the bone grafting procedure; therefore, patients can expect a relatively faster healing process.
Bone grafting: a surgical procedure done to widen the jawbone so it can support dental implants well. Bone grafting is a costly and time-consuming procedure.
Natural Looking Teeth
The final result of the procedure will be a set of teeth that look and function just like your natural teeth.
Won’t Shift or Move
Unlike removable dentures, “all on four dental implants” are fixed appliances and will not move inside your mouth. So, you do not need to tolerate the embarrassment caused by the slippage of your ill-fitting denture anymore.
Easy Maintenance
You do not need to remove these permanent dentures to clean them. Feel free to consider them as your normal teeth and practise proper oral hygiene as before. Proper care, brushing twice a day, and flossing daily is necessary to keep your new fixed teeth healthy and clean. Make sure you visit your dental specialist every six months to ensure dental health.
Who Would Benefit From All on 4 Dental Implants
If you need one single tooth replaced or still have a lot of remaining teeth in your mouth, “all on four implants” will not be the best option for you.
“All on four implants” can be an excellent option for those unwilling to wear removable dentures and would like to replace their entire upper or lower teeth with a full arch of fixed teeth. “All on four dental implants” benefit patients with several badly decayed teeth, worn down teeth, or teeth severely impacted by gum disease.
Patients who were not considered good candidates for conventional dental implant surgery due to osteoporosis which is a lack of jaw bone, will benefit from this procedure.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Treatment Planning
“All on four dental implants” is a relatively straightforward and minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate for many patients. During your visit, your dental health will be assessed. Your dentist will use screening tools such as 3D imaging and CT scans to evaluate your gums, teeth, jaw, and jaw bone density.
The dentist will assess the quality of your jaw bone structure and precisely determine where your permanent set of false teeth should be located. Your fixed bridge will be fabricated before your surgery to ensure quality and precision.
All on 4 Dental Implants
The dentist will surgically insert the four titanium screws into the jawbone to act as a solid anchor. Your permanent denture will be attached to the titanium screws.
Does All-On-4 Implants Hurt?
The procedure will be performed under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic to minimize pain or discomfort for the patient. If the patient is extremely scared or anxious about surgery, the dentist may suggest sleep dentistry to reduce their fear and anxiety. IV sedation can be used for patients who are too nervous about surgery. It involves receiving the sedative drugs intravenously.
How Long Do All-on-4 Implants Last?
As “all on four implants” is a permanent solution for your compromised smile, it is designed to be long lasting and durable. With proper dental care, you can expect your new set of teeth to last around 20 years.
Any Drawbacks to All on 4 Implants?
While the treatment has many advantages like improved dental health, increased confidence, and self-esteem, it has its shortcomings. All-on-4 implants can not replace your entire set of teeth because they cannot be done in your molar areas. Once you decide you would like to opt for the surgery, that will be it, meaning you cannot test the feel or look of your fixed dentures before the procedure.
Is CBCT 3D scan necessary for implant?
You may need a 3D scan of your mouth also called CBCT if you are being assessed for a dental implant. CBCT 3D scanning is a type of radiograph that has been used for the successful placement of dental implants. It helps the dentist study the jaw and determine if enough bone is left in the jaw to accept and support a dental implant. The CBCT scan also can help the dentist detect infections or malocclusions.
Pure Dentistry
We all know a surgical or invasive procedure carries risks; receiving a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner is crucial. Our Professional Dental Clinic in Brisbane provides patients with various dental services, a professional consultation, and flexible payment plans. Please call us today on 07 3343 4869 to book an appointment or receive a consultation.
