All-on-4 is an innovative tooth replacement method that involves full arch restoration with only four dental implants. This procedure gets its name from the fact that all teeth are supported by four implants.
Tooth loss is a common affliction among aging adults. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, over 40 million people in the United States are missing all of their natural upper and lower teeth. Rather than opting for traditional dentures, which can be difficult to maintain, patients are choosing All-on-4.
To understand how All-on-4 works, it is important to first recognize how implants themselves work. Dental implants have been in use for ages, with millions of satisfied patients worldwide. Implants are mainly used when patients have lost one tooth, at most a few teeth. Implants are traditionally topped with a crown for replacement of one tooth. Bridges and other appliances can be attached to the implant as well to extend its use, but a full row of teeth being attached to just four implants is a revolutionary technique.
The treatment concept for All-on-4 provides a permanent, screw-retained replacement for all teeth in just one day. Unlike traditional dental implants, All-on-4 implants do not require as much bone to be successfully inserted. This is due to the fact that conventional implants are placed at a vertical (90 degree) angle, while All-on-4 implants are angled at 45 degrees in the jawbone to provide better support and stability.
Before the implants can be placed, the dentist will first need to determine whether the bone volume in the jaw is adequate. The initial examination of the bone is completed by using imaging aides such as X-rays and CBCT scanners in combination with a visual analysis of the oral cavity.
The procedure takes advantage of the dense bone that remains in the front of the jaw, even when it has begun to deteriorate in the back. All-on-4 works best for people who have significant tooth loss or decay, but generally good oral health otherwise.
After administering sedation, the oral surgeon will place four implants into the top jaw and four in the bottom (if the patient opts for a full smile replacement). The procedure can also be done on either the top or bottom if this is what the patient prefers. These four implants support a fixed prosthesis with 10 to 14 teeth, which is placed immediately after surgery. Keep in mind, this is only the temporary bridge.
The implants will need time to fully fuse with the jawbone to support a permanent prosthesis. Once the implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, the bone heals around the titanium posts in a period of about four to six months, after which the implants are now a permanent part of the jaw.
By now, the custom-created arch of teeth has been completed in the dental laboratory. The permanent prosthesis is fixed to the implants, and you walk out with a brand new, enduring set of teeth.
If you are missing all or several teeth and are looking at your restoration options, we invite you to contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation to determine whether All-on-4 is the right fit for your needs.
Request an appointment here: https://smilesonmichigan.com or call Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 for an appointment in our Chicago office.
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