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All on 4 Dental Implants Procedure Concept

All-on-four is a dental implant surgery in which just four implants help to restore a full set of upper or lower dental arch. These four implants hold the new permanent teeth in place.

To avoid costly and sometimes life-threatening bone regeneration surgeries, "all-on-four" implants may be a good option for those with atrophied jaws and missing teeth.
demonstration of all on 4 dental implants in a 3d model
Table of Contents

How Are All-On-4 Dental Implants Made?

Implant

A screw is drilled into the jawbone and serves as the tooth's root.

Abutment

A component that connects the new tooth and the implant.

Crown

Also known as the visible prosthetic tooth manufactured from zirconium or porcelain.
The dentist and the patient may choose titanium and zirconia for the dental implant system, which is a common practice in modern dentistry.

All-on-4 Implant Materials

Titanium

Since the 1960s, these teeth-in implants have shown long-term success. This kind of implant, fabricated from titanium, is resistant to breaking. Titanium implants are easy to install because they have a base and a tooth abutment. The abutment gives your dentist additional freedom when installing artificial teeth after implant placement. Abutments link crowns to implants. By slightly changing the angle of the tooth on the abutment, you may get a bite in harmony with your teeth.

Benefits

Additional components and design choices.
97% chance of success in the long run.
Protection against breaking or cracking.
It's a better option for full-mouth restorations.

Zirconia

This material offers a metal-free option as a ceramic-based alternative to titanium implants. Studies reveal that zirconia dental implants, including posterior implants, react better to soft tissue and are more biocompatible than metal implants. With further testing, these implants might be a trustworthy and practical option, mainly as patients are more cautious about metal in the body.

Benefits

We can see no dark colors through the gums.
No chance of allergic reactions to metals.
Reduced risk of plaque buildup and infection around the implant.
Capable of withstanding corrosion.

All-on-4 Tooth Materials

Acrylic

Titanium holds acrylic implants together, creating a new smile. It was the only workable option. This is good for non-bruxer. Fixing it won't break the bank and is simple.

Porcelain

Porcelain implants are an alternative for individuals seeking proper care. They're implants that resemble crowns and bridges. Therefore, they last long and look excellent for a long time.

However, there are flaws. They may be costly and need a trained provider for the best outcomes. Damage and breaks are hard to repair. Still, they're better than replacement teeth.

Aesthetically, it just doesn't measure up to competing offerings. They last less. Over time, they might degrade and need some adhesives for upkeep.

Zirconia

Zirconia is a third choice for these implants. There are several benefits to using this innovative material. It is sturdy, long-lasting, and resistant to damage. Skill is a must for a dentist. It requires expertise to create an appealing look. Besides that, it is modifiable. They're pricey and difficult to fix if they break. Some folks dislike biting sounds.

Indications

In individuals having jaw atrophy, with or without the presence of one or more residual teeth.
People who do not want to go through regenerative procedures.

Pros

It avoids the need for invasive procedures.
Patient-friendly, less invasive technique.
There is no requirement for grafts.
Spaced implants are biomechanically sound and hygienic and provide cosmetic and functional benefits.
Minimized need for complex surgical or prosthetic procedures.
A high rate of success.

Cons

Possible transient speech problems
Sore gums
Complications related to poor hygiene
A small percentage of gum color mismatch cases and implant failures

Stepwise-Treatment Protocol

#1. Consultation

An evaluation by an implant dentist is the initial step toward having all-on-four implants. You may expect to have your mouth examined, dental x-rays taken, and maybe a CBCT scan during a consultation for dental implants. The visual examination enables your implant dentist to evaluate the condition of the gums and any remaining teeth. In contrast, dental x-rays and CBCT scans allow a thorough analysis of the bone and other supporting structures. In order to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for oral surgery, your oral surgeon will also review your medical history, existing medications, and any current health issues. Your oral surgeon will propose a treatment plan after your examination. If you are eager to get your treatment done, your oral surgeon will arrange a date for your implant surgery, taking into consideration the success rate. It may be necessary to schedule a consultation appointment before dental surgery to discuss dental sedation, steps required for the preparation, and review any necessary prescriptions.

#2 Implant Placement

Dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes for your appointment. Because of the sedation, you cannot drive following the surgery.

After sedation, your dentist will remove any remaining teeth. Then, the surgeon will create a minor cut in the gums to reach the jawbone and form a new socket for the implants. After inserting the implant screw into the jawbone, the abutment is secured. In certain situations, you may require a bone transplant procedure, which involves the placement of bone material around the implant. The last step is to suture the gums above the abutment, so it's visible above the gum margins. While the implant sites heal, these implants will hold a temporary removable denture.

#3 Recovery

After getting dental implants, the last thing to do is to give them time to heal. After your surgery, you may feel discomfort and swelling. Postoperative pain after the surgery is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, and only a minority of individuals experience it.

Dental implants require final stability from osseointegration, which takes 3 to 6 months and involves new bone accumulation and fusion around the implant site. Your oral surgeon may recommend a soft diet ‌, so you don't put too much pressure on your new implants. If you apply excessive force during the healing period, your implants will probably come loose. Your oral surgeon may make your permanent dentures after osseointegration has taken place.

Traditional Implants vs. All-On-4 Implants

The most notable distinction between All-on-Four and conventional dental implants is that fewer implants are required to restore a smile with All-on-Four. This feature of the All-on-Four dental implant procedure makes it an ideal option for patients who need the entire replacement of teeth in a full arch.
All-on-4 implants are faster than traditional dental implant treatment. Before the insertion of typical dental implants, the jawbone may require bone grafting, sinus augmentation, or other additional procedures.
These implants are helpful for patients with osteoporosis and atrophic jaws who need to replace lost teeth in the upper or lower arch.
Traditional implants need several implants and regeneration operations to replace lost teeth in the upper or lower arch.
Faster recovery time and lesser cost make all-on-4 implants a better option for partial and complete edentulous cases than traditional dental implants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many teeth do you get on All-on-4 dental implants?

All-on-four implants could replace all the teeth in the mouth. With all-on-four implants, each denture has 14 teeth: four incisors, two canines, four premolars, and four molars.

How strong are All-on-4 dental implants?

The strength of all-on-four is almost equal to that of a patient's natural teeth. Even though all-on-four implants are pretty sturdy, patients must exercise caution. Anything that might damage your natural teeth could also affect your All-on-4 implants. It would be best if you didn't use your All-on-4 implants as tools or chew on hard items like meat bones or seeds. 

How long does the All-on-4 procedure take?

The All-on-4 implant takes four to six months to complete. Those who require additional dental treatment may need another month or two.

Who is not a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants?

Patients with poor oral hygiene who are negligent in their oral health, chain smoker, and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus are not suitable candidates. However, it does not mean they could have implant surgery. All the above-mentioned issues should be dealt with before you have all-on-four implants.

Do All-on-4 dental implants look natural?

Once complete, an All-on-4 implant restoration looks and functions identically to a natural tooth.

Can you floss All-on-4 dental implants?

Yes, flossing is possible in All-on-4 implants. Oral implants require high maintenance. If you do not floss around dental implants, there is a possibility of gum disease and bone loss around dental implants, which could lead to implant failure.

What is better, All-on-4 or all-on-6 dental implants?

All-on-4 and all-on-6 dental implant treatments vary in the number of implants used. When you have several implants, your jawbone benefits from the added support. All-on-4 is a less invasive, less expensive, and faster treatment compared to All-on-6. All-on-4 technique is ideal for patients with a good amount of jawbone. To determine the best treatment option for you, a dental specialist will thoroughly examine your oral condition.


What is the alternative to All-on-4 dental implants?

Two implant techniques serve as an alternative to the All-on-4. These include removable implant dentures and fixed bridges over implants.

Conclusion

The "All-on-4" treatment appears to be a better choice for restoring edentulous jaws than sophisticated surgical techniques without removable prostheses. It is a cost-effective procedure that shortens treatment time, lowers the risk of complications, and improves the quality of life for the patient. Implants had slight effectiveness for severely resorbed maxilla and mandible. But the All-on-Four procedure offers pleasant hope and is quickly becoming the standardized treatment of choice for patients in this category.
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