If you need to replace multiple teeth due to injury or gum disease, choosing the right option is key. You may want a solution that gives you the best smile and happiness. There are several options for replacing teeth. Traditional implants and All on 4 implants offer more permanent replacements.
Dentists surgically implant dental implants, also known as fixtures, to support various dental prostheses like arches, crowns, or bridges. These implants function as a foundation for a house or an anchor for a ship. They are essentially a prosthetic replacement for missing teeth. However, these medical devices don’t only offer support for artificial teeth, they also help to restore the function of the jaw and aesthetics of your smile.
What are All on 4 Dental Implants?
The main purpose of these fixtures is to support permanent arches. This removes the need for an implant for each missing tooth. All-on-4 implants get their name from the four fixtures inserted into the jawbone. This differs from traditional fixtures, which require one per missing tooth. Traditional implants may need up to ten fixtures per jaw. All-on-4 uses only four per jaw.This prosthesis is also known by technical terms such as fixed-detachable prosthesis or hybrid prosthesis.
The first documentation of implants on just four teeth per jaw was in 1977. It has since evolved to become more durable, stable, and quicker to insert. For many years, dentists have inserted the implants at a 45-degree tilt towards the rear of the mouth, rather than straight down into the jaw.
Doctors place the fixtures in areas of the jaw with the greatest bone density. This helps secure them in place. By choosing the strongest bone and angling the implants, doctors can insert the fixtures precisely. This helps resist bone atrophy and increases longevity and durability. All-on-4 is an optimal procedure for patients lacking jaw bone. It avoids the need for bone grafting required for other implant methods.
Bone grafting is a procedure that replaces missing bone. It uses small fragments from another area of the patient’s jaw, or an artificial or natural substitute. With no need for bone grafting, dentists can consider patients with osteoporosis for these implants.
Dental Implant Components
All on 4 dental implants consist of the same components: The implant, abutment, and bridge or arch. The implant, or fixture, also called an implant post, acts as an artificial tooth root. It functions as a screw implanted into the jawbone. It has a cylindrical design that becomes narrower towards the base much like a natural tooth root. To ensure proper fitting, the dentist uses posts in different sizes to match the size of the natural teeth being replaced.
The post is made of titanium because titanium is very compatible to the human body. Titanium posts are also hypoallergenic, durable, strong, and can last up to twenty to thirty years or longer. Through a process called osseointegration the posts bond with surrounding bone tissue to provide a solid foundation for the implants. After this fusion process is complete and healed, the post will function like a natural tooth.
The abutment is a double-sided metal connector that joins the post, or dental implant, to the prosthesis, or artificial tooth. One side of the connector fits into the implant post. The other side holds the prosthesis in place. Abutments may look different depending on whether a crown or arch is used. The doctor may angle the abutments to create a natural appearance and improve durability. Most abutments are placed with the post. However, they can also be inserted after osseointegration and healing are complete.
The visible portion of the dental prosthetic can be a crown, arch, or bridge. To determine which prosthetic will best fit your needs, it is best to consult with your doctor. When multiple teeth are missing in different areas of the mouth, a crown is often the best replacement option. Dentists typically use bridges when multiple adjacent teeth are missing. They reserve arches for replacing all natural teeth or a single arch of teeth.
What are the Main Benefits?
The evolution of this full-arch teeth replacement has led to many benefits for patients. Some of the main benefits include:
- Done in a day, no need to space out multiple surgeries
- A permanent attachment that is designed to eliminate a need for removal
- Durability, may last several years with proper care
- Bone grafting is rarely required because the doctor is able to insert the posts in the bulkiest areas of the jaw
- Quicker recovery than with other implant methods
- With fewer follow-up appointments and scheduled surgeries, fewer costs are involved
- Appearance, they look and feel like natural teeth
- Greater ability to chew and speak than with traditional implants
General Treatment Process
All-on-4 implants are a great choice for those missing multiple teeth. They are also ideal for individuals with chronic dental pain, insufficient jawbone, or problems with ill-fitting dentures. This option helps with facial sagging caused by bone deterioration.
Before the treatment process can begin, you will first need to find a doctor that specializes in All on 4 dental implants. This may be an oral surgeon or prosthodontist. The next step in the process is to meet with them for a consultation. During this consultation your doctor will help you determine the best plan for your dental implants.
Once you decide on your dental plan and surgery, you will prepare for the upcoming procedure, such as removing any remaining damaged teeth. After completing the preparations, the dentist will position and place the implants within the jawbone. A temporary set of teeth will attach to the implants to keep everything in place during osseointegration and healing. Recovery usually happens over several months as the osseointegration process occurs. After healing and recovery, the dentist will replace the temporary teeth with custom-fit permanent teeth, leaving you with better-functioning teeth and a confident smile.
Risks
As with any surgical procedure, All in 4 dental implants can come with certain risks. Infection is the most common risk and usually happens due to poor oral hygiene, lack of following post-surgery instructions, or a compromised immune system. Some patients may also experience the following complications:
- Implant Failure. On average, about 5% of implants do not fuse to the bone. However, it is possible to place a new implant after one has failed.
- Broken Material. Dentists commonly use a material called Zirconia for All-on-4 dental implant cases, which is an industry standard. While widely used, Zirconia is very hard and brittle, and it can break in the patient’s mouth. The patient may need to return to the doctor to have the arch removed and wait for a new set. To prevent this, the U.S. is introducing new FDA-approved materials and procedures, like G-CAM or the G-ARCH system.
- Bone Loss. Four implants pose less risk for bone loss than ten traditional implants. However, bone loss is still a concern. It can occur due to poor oral hygiene after surgery or inflammation like peri-implantitis. Excessive force, such as tooth grinding, can also contribute to bone loss. Bone health issues, like osteoporosis or diabetes, may increase the risk.
- Nerve Damage. This can occur when posts are too long and can cause the face to tingle or go numb.
- Sinus Complications. The risk of this is rare, but can happen if the implants in the upper jaw extend into the sinus cavities.
Fortunately, the procedure has a very high success rate. When weighing the options and considering if this option is the best for you, it is important to consult with your doctor.
How to Make the Right Decision
First, make sure you are a good candidate for All on 4 dental implants. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to make sure you fit all the criteria for the surgical procedure. They will view your medical history, determine how many teeth are missing or need removal, and check the health of your bones and gums.
While you are consulting with your doctor, be sure to ask about pre-treatment procedures and ask any questions you may have about the surgery to help you make a more informed decision.
Next, continue to learn more and research. The more you know about implant options the more confident you will feel in the decision you make. Research the procedure, the cost, and evaluate the reason you are wanting tooth replacement. Is it for appearance? Are you hoping for improvement with chewing? Improved speech? Other reasons? Your doctor will be able to help you with all these factors and consult you on the best course to take.
All on 4 dental implants can drastically change your life and boost your confidence. This surgical procedure has evolved over time to provide for more benefits, durability, and success. If you think this option may be the best fit for you, contact your doctor today for a consultation.