This approach to restoring a patient’s smile involves four dental implants that support a prosthetic arch in the upper or lower jaw. An oral surgeon inserts the dental implants in the patient’s jaw in a matter of hours, and many patients can be fitted with at least a temporary appliance that same day. They can leave the office with a complete smile, although it may be necessary to return at a later date to get a permanent denture after the dental implants have osseointegrated fully.
Although bone loss can present a barrier to dental implant placement, All-on-4 overcomes this potential challenge because the oral surgeon inserts the dental implants in the thickest portion of the jaw, the front section. Bone loss develops much more slowly in this area following tooth loss, so even long-term denture wearers can be good candidates for All-on-4.
In addition to the quick treatment timeline, All-on-4 offers patients a number of other advantages over conventional dentures. The bond that forms between the jaw and the dental implants helps to stabilize the jawbone and prevent any further bone loss. This means that the denture will retain its fit over time, unlike a conventional denture, which will get looser as bone loss progresses.
Furthermore, All-on-4 dental implants preserve more of the biological teeth’s chewing function because the connection between bone and implants facilitates the dental implants’ tolerance of strong chewing forces. All-on-4 patients usually won’t have to remove any foods from their diets as a result.
Do you want to fully restore as quickly as possible? Look into All-on-4. We are happy to schedule a consultation for you so that you can learn more about this treatment option. Call our office today to set up an appointment!