all on 4 dental implants
The term ALL ON 4 dental implants or “all on four” refers to the replacement of ALL teeth ON FOUR dental implants, which support them. It is a modern technique where the back implants are tilted 45º to provide the required support for total rehabilitation. The tilting the back of implants helps overcome bone deficiencies often found in the back of the jaws and most often avoids the need for bone grafting.
Since less implants are used by comparison to older methods, there is less in the way of achieving optimal results. It also allows for simpler long-term maintenance and uncomplicated cleaning.
The All On Four concept involves the immediate fitting of the prosthesis to the fixtures, also known as Immediate Loading. It sounds simple, and this is exactly what we aim for our patients to experience …a process that appears
to be simple and seamless. But this is not to be confused with it being a simple procedure. This is a highly advanced surgical procedure which offers many advantages to older methods of teeth replacement, and which has a remarkable success when performed by experienced professionals who have received special training.
The procedure to fit the implants involves placing the implants at specific angles, with the back two implants positioned at a 45 degree angle and the front implants positioned at a 90 degree angle. The placement of the implants is designed to provide better support and anchorage and facilitate the healing process.
When the implants are positioned abutments will then be attached. Abutments are small devices that connect the implants to the new restorations. When the abutments are secure, the restorations will be attached and your dentist will examine the look of your new smile and the fit of the implants.
How are All on 4 implants different to normal dental implants?
All on 4 dental implants are unlike traditional implants because 4 implants are used to sustain a whole arch, when usually between 6 and 10 implants are needed to maintain an arch. All on 4 dental implants are able to sustain an arch because of the angles the implants are positioned at, with the back implants positioned at a 45 degree angle rather than a 90 degree angle, which helps to lock the implants together. As only 4 implants are needed the procedure is quicker and less invasive.
Benefits of All on 4 dental implants
All on 4 implants have many benefits. As just 4 implants are required to sustain a whole arch the procedure is quicker and less invasive and fewer visits to the dentist are required. All on 4 implants are also beneficial because new teeth are fitted during the same appointment as the implants, meaning that you can show off your new smile straightaway. There is also rarely any need for bone grafting and All on 4 implants create an attractive aesthetic, as well as restoring optimum function to the mouth.