Curious about dental implants? While you might be familiar with the single implant treatment to restore a single tooth, there are now revolutionary treatments that can restore an entire arch of teeth in a single visit. This treatment paves the way for patients to say goodbye to dentures for good, or to never have to struggle with this treatment plan in the first place.
In this guide, we’re looking at the process of placing All On 4 dental implants and how this treatment can upgrade the lives of patients. Read on to learn essential information you will need to know prior to going ahead with treatment.
What is All-On-4 dental implant treatment?
To understand the All On 4 dental implant treatment, we first need to understand the traditional dental implant treatment. With traditional dental implants, a small titanium implant is placed in the jaw bone and the bone heals around it. As it fuses with the bone, it creates a solid anchor for a dental restoration that is remarkably similar to a natural tooth root.
With the All On 4 dental implant treatment, slightly longer and angled implants are used to secure a full arch restoration. The angle of the implant means that load-bearing implants can be placed on the same day without having to wait for the implants to heal.
This is the perfect treatment if you would like to replace your dentures with secure-fitting dental implant dentures. While dentures rely on denture adhesive and suction to remain in place, dental implants offer a much more secure foundation for the denture.
Who is a good candidate for All On 4 dental implants?
To be a suitable candidate for All On 4 implants, you would need to require a full arch restoration. If you have lost most of your teeth on an arch, you may consider extracting the remaining natural teeth and restoring your smile with dental implants.
You will need to have enough bone density in the jaw to be able to support the implants. Your dentist can check your bone density using X-rays and CT scans. This is often the first step in the dental implant consultation.
If you do not have sufficient bone density, your dentist could recommend bone grafting as a way to increase the density. This is a separate procedure that will either bone from a doner, bone from elsewhere in your body, or artificial bone to help increase the density in your jaw.
Other factors may influence your ability to have dental implants. This includes lifestyle factors such as smoking. Smoking and vaping will increase your risk of implant failure, so you will need to quit smoking before the procedure and be committed to not starting again.
What are the main benefits of All On 4 implants?
The main obvious advantage of this treatment is that it offers a complete restoration for your smile. The results will look, feel and function just like natural teeth. In short, it’s like having a second chance with your natural teeth. There are other benefits to consider:
- All On 4 dental implants are incredibly secure, so you can eat whatever you want without worrying about pain or slipping dentures. This can help to improve your diet and ensure that you get enough fibre. Fibre is often more difficult to chew, so you might avoid high fibre choices, which can have an impact on heart health as you get older.
- This treatment plan also helps to maintain your facial structure. Tooth loss can lead to a change in your facial structure as you get older as the bone shrinks if it is not in use. This can lead to a sunken appearance that will make you appear older. All On 4 dental implants help to keep the jaw bone active, as the force of your bite is absorbed by the bone rather than your gums.
- This is a highly cost-effective treatment plan when you think about the life-long benefits. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, and your denture could last for more than 10 years with good care. When compared with a denture, there is far less ongoing maintenance, as you would need to adjust and adapt your traditional denture over time to adapt to your changing jaw shape.
- Results are immediate. With traditional dental implants, you would have to wait months between procedures as the bone needs time to heal. This is very different with All On 4, as it is possible to place a load bearing implant during the first procedure. This is made possible by the longer, angled implants.
Final thoughts on All On 4 dental implants
This is a powerful and life-changing treatment for many patients who are dealing with tooth loss. If you’re curious to know more about this treatment and how it can help you, get in touch with our team to arrange your initial consultation.