All on 4 Dental Implants

Dental implants have become one of the best ways to replace missing teeth, as they help prevent bone loss, are aesthetically attractive and are incredibly long lasting. Implants can also be utilised for the stabilisation of bridges and dentures. Now there is what has become known as All on 4 implants, with its many other names including: All on 4 dental implants, Teeth in a day, Same day smiles and Same day teeth.

The All on 4 implant method can restore a complete arch of absent teeth, using only 4 dental implants to support the fixed denture. It usually takes traditional implants between 3-6 months before a restoration is fitted, but with All on 4 the implants and prosthesis can be fitted in just one sitting. This is a technique that has been in operation for more than ten years and has a high reported success rate among physicians.

What is the All on 4 system?

The basis of the All on 4 implant treatment's success lies with the way the implants are fitted. Usually implants are fitted at a 90 degree angle – with All on 4 implants the two implants at the front of the mouth sit at a 90 degree angle while the implants at the back of the mouth sit at a 45 degree angle. When a dental bridge is fitted the implants lock together and integrate, holding the new restoration in place and providing excellent stabilisation. This leaves less chance of the treatment failing or becoming displaced, in addition to markedly improving strength and stability.

Who can have this treatment?

This treatment is also available for those who have been unable to wear dentures or have been unsuitable for traditional implants because of low bone density. The two implants at the back of the jaw, which are placed at a 45 degree angle, allow longer dental implants to be used, forming a stronger base for the new denture or bridge. It also negates the necessity for bone-grafting, saving the patient lots of time and discomfort.

Teeth in a day treatment

Another time-saving advantage of the All on 4 treatment is the fact that the dentures can be fitted the very same day as the implants. Usually a number of visits are required, as you wait for the implant to properly infuse with the bone. With All on 4, however, there is no longer the need to wait months on end for your brand new dentures to be fitted and you can leave the practice with a full set of new teeth.

What is the All on 4 procedure?

To begin you will have a consultation with your dentist to discuss the treatment and whether it is suitable for you. A full evaluation will then be compiled before any decision is made regarding the treatment. There may be bone density measurements, impressions and CT scans required so that your dentist can fully examine you and make an informed decision. After this consultation – should bone grafting or other treatment not be required – a surgical meeting will be booked for the extraction of teeth and the placement of implants.

If need be teeth will be removed before the implants are fitted into the jaw. The implants are securely fitted into the bone so they become fused, improving the strength and durability of your dental restoration. If you are having both top and lower arch treated this will involve four implants for each jaw; two fitted at the back of each jaw and two fitted at the front.

When the four implants are fully fitted your dentist will then attach the abutments to them. The abutment is the component used to fix the dentures to the implant. The teeth are then attached and altered accordingly for maximum comfort and strength.

Following treatment

Once this part of the Same day smiles procedure is completed, there will be some after-care appointments with your dentist in the 6 months that follow. After those 6 months your implants should be fully fused with the bone, and everything will be completely healed. If it is in your discussed treatment plan, your dentist will then remove the temporary teeth and take impressions to create permanent, perfectly fitted teeth that are much stronger.

What are the benefits of All on 4 implants?

There are countless benefits should you decide to opt for the All on 4 dental implant treatment instead of traditional methods.

• You can relax in the knowledge that surgery time is kept to a minimum thanks to the smaller number of implants needed and the absence of bone grafting.
• It is also less expensive, with fewer trips to the dentist, surgeon and, as stated, requires fewer implants.
• It also save a lot of time, with the treatment completed within just one appointment and no need to wait 3-6 months for the implants to settle and fuse.
• Most importantly, though, it maintains a certain level of comfort for you – making it the perfect choice if you need to replace your teeth with dentures.

What about the cost?

As with any cosmetic dental treatment the price of Teeth in a day will be based on several factors, which include:

• Diagnostic testing
• The type of implants used
• Choice and quality of restoration
• Skill and expertise of dentist
• Location of dental practice