All-on-4 dental restoration and mouth rehabilitation in just three weeks
Introduction – What is an All-on-4 dental restoration? – What are the advantages of All-on-4 dentures? – What are the disadvantages of an All-on-4 denture? – How does the All-on-4 oral restoration occur? – What are the tasks after All-on-4 oral rehabilitation? – The period of getting used to it – How long-lasting is it, and how do we take care of the All-on-4 denture? – Summary
Introduction
All-on-4 dental restoration is an innovative and effective solution for treating complete tooth loss. We were among the first to recommend the All-on-4 and All-on-6 oral rehabilitation denture solutions to our patients. Dr. Paulo Malo, a Portuguese implantologist, developed this dental replacement option. The first successful intervention occurred in Lisbon in 1998. Nobel Biocare, one of the world’s best-known dental implant manufacturing companies, later joined the research. The All-on-4 technique is applicable when the patient has significant tooth loss, and the remaining teeth are unsuitable for further dental care.
What is an All-on-4 oral restoration?
The foundation of All-on-4 dental restoration consists of four implants we implant into the jawbone. This approach allows for a stable and durable attachment of dental prosthetics without needing 8 to 10 implants. The denture built on these implants provides both natural chewing force and significantly contributes to preserving bone quality and quantity. This solution is for those who are toothless or with existing teeth
This dental replacement solution is for those who are entirely toothless or, more often, still have teeth but, for some reason, are unsuitable for further dental treatment.
What are the advantages of All-on-4 dental restoration?
All-on-4 dentures have many advantages compared to implant-based dentures, but it is important to note that there are conditions for the solution’s applicability.
– Fewer implants – The most crucial advantage is that fewer implants are necessary! Traditional implant-based dentures usually require 8-12 implants per jaw, while All-on-4 oral restoration only needs four.
– Smaller surgical intervention – It is clear that the implantation of a smaller number of implants means roughly half as much burden for the patient as traditional implant implantation.
– Cheaper – Fewer implants generally mean lower costs, although the complexity of the treatment can affect the final price.
– Potential bone preservation – In some cases, the thoughtful, strategic placement of the four implants can optimize bone utilization, reducing the need for bone replacement.
– Faster – The implant placement, as does the final denture, takes a shorter time. During traditional implant-based oral rehabilitation, the patient receives temporary dentures, and it is only possible to prepare the permanent denture after six months. In the case of the All-on-4 dental restoration, after three weeks, the patient receives permanent dentures. That in itself is a significant difference!
– Stability and safety – The correct choice of placement angle for the two posterior implants of the All-on-4 ensures more excellent stability, creating the effect of having more than two implants implanted.
What are the disadvantages of an All-on-4 oral rehabilitation?
Above, we listed only the most essential advantages of the All-on-4 implant-based oral rehabilitation prosthesis. Fairness requires that we also mention the possible disadvantages.
– Not suitable for everyone – In this implant-based dental restoration, the quality and quantity of the teeth and jaw bone are of decisive importance. The solution is only for those with adequate bones or in case bone replacement is possible.
– Requires adequate professional knowledge and practice – Implanting the two posterior, obliquely implanted implants at the correct angle requires much knowledge and expertise in oral surgery. The precise implantation of these two slightly larger implants is more challenging than the traditional implant placement.
– Limited long-term data – Although success rates are promising, All-on-4 dental restoration is a relatively new technology compared to traditional implant-based dentures. As mentioned above, the first All-on-4 procedure occurred in 1998, so there is relatively little experience regarding long-term effectiveness.
In Hungary, the All-on-4 dental replacement solution began to be used in the middle of the 2000s, and our institution was among the first to make such dental replacements. The procedure has been continuously developing since then, and dentists have more and more experience in its successful application.
Ultimately, the best way to decide if All-on-4 is correct is to see a qualified dentist or oral surgeon. They assess your needs and recommend the most suitable implant-based tooth replacement option.
How does the All-on-4 oral restoration occur?
All-on-4 dental restoration is an effective and innovative solution for those who are missing many or all teeth and want to regain their chewing ability and aesthetic appearance. We insert four implants in the jawbone during the procedure, which are stable and durable for dental prostheses.
The course of treatment consists of the following steps:
1. Consultation and planning
The first step for patients interested in All-on-4 dentures is consultation and planning. In this phase, we carry out a thorough oral cavity examination, with the help of X-rays and CT scans, to determine whether All-on-4 dentures are possible for the patient. If so, an experienced implant specialist will explain the procedure in detail.
2. Insertion of the implants
The second step is the implantation of the implants in the jawbone. That means a surgical intervention performed under general or local anesthesia, according to the patient’s wishes. We insert the implants using a unique technique to achieve the most possible stability and integration in the jawbone. An All-on-4 denture requires four implants, which may vary due to bone structure. It may be that only the All-on-6 solution is possible due to the patient’s skeletal condition.
3. Suture removal, sampling for the final denture
We usually remove sutures within a week after the implantation, and if everything is in order with the implanted implants, we take a sample for the final set of teeth.
4. Preparation and fixation of the permanent denture
The final dentures will be ready in about two weeks. If the primary healing is smooth and all is well with the implants, the fixation of the permanent denture(s) will begin. The permanent dental prosthesis looks and functions like natural teeth, and the patient regains their ability to bite and chew, aesthetic appearance, and self-confidence.
All-on-4 dental restoration takes 2-3 appearances and approximately 21 days.
What are the tasks after All-on-4 oral rehabilitation?
After a successful All-on-4 dental restoration, patients must follow specific recommendations to make their dentures last as long as possible. Below is a list of the tasks you should consider after the treatment.
1. Use of anti-inflammatory drugs
After dental replacement, the gums may be slightly swollen and sensitive. After surgery, we may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers to help relieve discomfort.
2. Regular oral hygiene
You must maintain a high level of oral hygiene for All-on-4 dentures to function perfectly in the long term. It is essential to have a regular and effective cleaning routine, which includes using the correct toothbrush, dental floss, and mouthwash.
3. Regular check-ups
It is also important to have the condition of our teeth and gums checked by our dentist at least every six months. Periodic examinations enable early detection and treatment of potential problems.
4. Adequate nutrition
Immediately after All-on-4 dental restoration, we recommend eating softer foods during the primary healing. Avoiding hard or chewy foods, as well as hot and cold drinks, helps prevent possible complications.
5. Avoiding smoking
Smoking and alcohol consumption can negatively affect the healing of the tissues around the denture. Therefore, we strongly recommend avoiding these habits, at least during the primary healing period.
6. Ask a specialist for help
Always consult a specialist if you have any questions or concerns about All-on-4 dentures. They are the ones who can provide proper guidance and advice.
The All-on-4 denture technology is one of the highlights of modern dental solutions, which allows us to regain our previous quality of life.
The period of getting used to it
All-on-4 dental restoration allows the patient to regain full chewing function in about three weeks, but like any other denture, the patient needs to get used to it, which means different times for everyone.
A significant advantage over traditional removable dentures is that they are fixed, not removable by the patient, giving the feeling of having our teeth back. The advanced technology allows the denture fixed on four implants to be perfectly stable and safe. The patient regains his natural masticatory function and self-confidence without facing the challenges of traditional dentures.
During the initial period of All-on-4 dental restoration, patients need time to get used to their new set of teeth. Any discomfort or foreign feeling in the mouth may be possible for the first few days or weeks, but these will pass over time. However, following your doctor’s instructions and regularly attending check-ups is vital to ensure smooth healing.
While getting used to it, you must also pay attention to eating. For the first few weeks after the intervention, eat softer foods so as not to put too much stress on the new denture. As the healing progresses, you can gradually return to a normal diet. However, regular dental care and dental check-ups are still vital.
All-on-4 dental restoration and the period of getting used to them can be unique for each patient. While some people get used to the new dentures immediately, others may need a little longer to become completely comfortable. Each person requires individualized treatment and has a unique healing process.
Our specialists are always at the disposal of our patients during the habituation process and provide all the help they need to make them feel safe and comfortable.
How long-lasting is it, and how do we care for the All-on-4 denture?
All-on-4 dentures are a lifelong solution when properly maintained and cared for. In the case of All-on-4 oral rehabilitation, the prostheses are ceramic or zirconium oxide. Both materials are highly durable and resistant, working reliably for decades.
Proper care is necessary for All-on-4 dental restoration to maintain their durability and functionality for as long as possible. The following tips will help you keep the quality of your dentures:
Oral hygiene. Keep implants and dentures clean and healthy with regular brushing and oral care. Use implant and prosthesis cleaning tools that help remove deposits and harmful bacteria.
Regular dental check-up
It is essential to attend regular dental examinations. Hence, your dentist can check the condition of the implants and dentures and carry out repairs or maintenance promptly.
Avoid exceptionally high loads on the dentures
All-on-4 dentures are durable but avoid excessive chewing forces. Avoid hard food, biting into large pieces, and not constantly chew on a hard object (e.g., pencil or toothpick).
Avoid aggressive habits
For example, teeth grinding and nail-biting, which can damage the teeth. If you experience such habits, ask your dentist for help.
Tooth loss poses severe challenges to those affected in terms of health and quality of life. In addition to aesthetic problems, missing teeth affect eating abilities, speech, and self-confidence. All-on-4 dentures are an extremely effective and long-lasting solution that significantly improves the quality of life.
Summary
In our institution, All-on-4 dental restoration is performed with high-quality implants by an implantologist with great expertise and decades of experience. That guarantees an excellent result and minimizes the risk of complications. If you have any questions about the topic, please contact us.
In our Articles section, you can find more information about dental implantation with one-phase implants and dentures with implants. If you have an opinion about this article, let us know in the comment section below. If you have any questions, please contact us, or ask iliDent AI Virtual Assistant.
iliDent Patient Coordination Center © Copyright 2024 iliDent.com