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The rev­o­lu­tion­ary All on 4 den­tal implants procedure

There are few den­tal advance­ments that have changed the way we treat patients quite like den­tal implants. In many ways, den­tal implants offer a sec­ond chance at hav­ing your nat­ur­al teeth. Whether you have lost teeth to injury, decay or age­ing, you can have a sec­ond chance at hav­ing a full smile with the help of den­tal implants.

While a single dental implant can be used to replace one tooth, there is also the option to use multiple implants to support a full arch restoration. The main downside to this is the long recovery time when the patient needs to wear a temporary denture or go without teeth while they wait for the implants to heal. Thankfully, another dental advancement is paving the way for faster restorations.

What is the All On 4 dental implant procedure?

While traditional dental implants are shorter and placed straight into the jaw bone like a natural tooth root, All On 4 dental implants use longer implants placed at an angle. Although the treatment is called All On 4, sometimes more implants are needed to support the arch. It would typically be between 4-6 implants per arch.

The benefit of this simple adjustment is that there is less waiting between stages in the procedure. The dentist does not need to wait for the implants to heal and fully integrate before placing a load-bearing denture. The patient can often walk out the same day with a full arch restoration. This is a popular treatment plan as it means less time waiting for your smile restoration.

In cases where there is insufficient bone density, the dentist could also opt for zygomatic implants which are much longer. These use the cheek bones to anchor the restoration, offering a stable foundation.

How long does All On 4 take?

The treatment plan is overall much faster, but the procedure will be about the same as for traditional dental implants. Placing multiple implants in the jaw makes this a lengthy procedure, particularly if you are restoring both the upper and lower arches.

The surgery will typically take around 2 hours per arch, which is why many patients opt for dental sedation. Oral conscious sedation can help you to relax while also making the procedure appear to pass by much more quickly.

You will need to take it easy for around 10-14 days after your treatment. The total healing time is typically around 3-6 months. During this time, you might need to make adjustments to your diet by eating softer foods while you get used to your implants.

You’ll need to avoid very hard and crunchy foods while your implants heal. Thankfully, we can give you advice on support on how to make sure you are getting a varied and healthy diet while avoiding harder foods.

Can I have fixed or removable dentures?

You will often be given a choice between fixed and removable dentures. A removable denture will be similar to one that you might wear without implants, but it will have a much smaller base plate than a denture. This can make it much more comfortable to wear.

You can also choose fixed implants that only your dentist can remove. These are a popular choice if you want to be able to brush your teeth as if they were your natural teeth. Often, your dentist will ask you to wear a permanent denture until your implants are completely healed. This will ensure the mechanism of removing and replacing your dentures doesn’t disturb the healing process.

What is the success rate of All On 4?

All On 4 treatment has a very high success rate, typically around 97%. Factors that could influence whether your implants fail are usually down to patient aftercare. Patients who resume smoking after getting implants put themselves at significant risk of implant failure.

Another common reason that implants fail is down to poor oral hygiene. If you forget to care for your teeth or neglect to attend follow up appointments, this could impact the healing process and the success rate of implants.

What is the alternative to All On 4 implants?

If you are not a suitable candidate for All On 4 implants for any reason, we can look at other ways to restore your smile. A denture is often the next best alternative to implants if you are missing an entire arch. For just a few missing teeth, you could explore a partial denture or even a bridge.

If you’re ready to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for All On 4 implants, get in touch with our team today. We can arrange a consultation where you’ll have a chance to ask questions about this innovative treatment process. We can also determine if you are a good candidate for treatment.