All-on-4 dental implants are a fixed teeth replacement solution for those seeking to restore their smile and oral function.
With their durability, natural appearance, and numerous health benefits, they present a great alternative to traditional dentures.
What are all on 4 dental implants?
All-on-4 dental implant treatments are an innovative solution for individuals who have failing teeth or who have lost most or all of their teeth. They can also be referred to as full mouth dental implants or Smile in a Day, as often the implants and a provisional full arch resin bridge is fitted on the day of treatment.
Unlike traditional dentures, which can be uncomfortable and may require adhesives to stay in place, All-on-4 implants provide a fixed, stable and aesthetically pleasing alternative. This procedure involves the placement of four to six dental implants in the jaw, which serve as anchors for a full arch of prosthetic teeth.
The implants are strategically positioned to maximise support and minimise the need for bone grafting, making it a viable option for patients even with significant bone loss.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants are threaded titanium, screw-like fixtures, which are inserted into prepared sites in the jawbone. They may be used alone to replace a single tooth, or to support several teeth on a bridge, such as in the all-on-4 procedure.
Once placed in the jaw, the bone grows around the implant to form a living connection to the titanium surface. This is called “osseointegration” which was invented 60 years ago by an orthopaedic surgeon called Professor Per Ingvar Brånemark, who fathered the worldwide recognised implant system Nobel BioCare, and which our practice has used for the last 30 years. Many years ago, Professor Brånemark, consulted from our practice.
How many dental implants are needed for full mouth dental implants?
Fixed implant bridgework to replace all the teeth in one jaw usually requires 4-6 implants to support a single bridge replacing 10-12 teeth, spanning from one implant to another.
Choosing the best number of implants to support a bridge is a balance between increased cost and complexity, versus increased strength. Placing more than 5-6 implants is sometimes difficult, and is not necessary, except in challenging situations.
If the bone is limited in the jaw, 4 implants can be used, and has been shown to be highly successful; this technique is now frequently called the ‘all-on-4’.
Before and After All-on-4 Dental Implants
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How long do all on 4 dental implants last?
The longevity of All-on-4 dental implants is one of their most appealing features. With proper care and maintenance, these implants can last for 20 years.
The titanium posts that are used to anchor the prosthetic teeth are incredibly durable and biocompatible, allowing them to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
This fusion not only ensures stability but also may help to preserve the jaw structure over time.
Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, good health and avoiding habits such as smoking can significantly extend the lifespan of All-on-4 implants.
What are the advantages of choosing all-on-4 dental implants over dentures?
- More ‘permanent’ solution for missing teeth – they are fixed structures as opposed to removable prostheses such as dentures.
- Better eating experience. Dental implant reconstructions do not cover the palate so individuals can better enjoy a wide variety of foods and beverages.
- Can be easier to maintain than dentures, although they will require interdental cleaning and meticulous brushing as we would expect with natural teeth.
- More stability and no slipping or sore spots.
- Help avoid bone loss in the jaw – dentures will move around and press on the jaw, gradually causing bone loss.
Dental Implants at Dawood and Tanner
Dr Andrew Dawood and our Dental Implant team, have placed thousands of dental implants for patients with missing or badly restored teeth. In over 30 years we have streamlined the dental implant surgical process to make it a frictionless experience for the patient, and one in which they can be assured of having the best possible outcome and longevity.
We are proud that many of our patients who had dental implants placed over 30 years ago continue to have healthy and trouble free implants and restorations!
Our dental implant surgeries often take as little as an hour and a temporary tooth or bridge (your same day smile) is placed. The definitive tooth prosthetic restoration is then refined to beautifully match the shape and shade of your own teeth.
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