All-On-Four
The development of dental implants has brought about enormous change in restorative dentistry. These prosthetic roots, in the form of titanium posts, make it possible for a person to enjoy the same stability and confidence inherent in natural teeth. There are several advantages to dental implant treatment, and they have been expanded upon with the development of innovative techniques like All-On-Four. We are proud to offer All-On-Four dental implant treatment in our Pembroke Pines and Miami offices.
What is All-On-Four dental implant treatment?
The All-On-Four dental implant technique offers an alternative to standard implant protocol for individuals who need full-arch tooth replacement. This technique can be used to support a full-arch denture on the upper or lower jaw, avoiding both the downsides of floating dentures and the cost of individual tooth replacement.
All-On-Four dental implant treatment is characterized by the insertion of only four implant posts per arch, so four posts on the upper arch and four on the lower, if stabilization is needed for both. These posts are inserted at an angle to expand their capacity to hold a broader bridge fixture.
What is the treatment process like?
The dental implant procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure. Even if you need extractions, it may be possible to complete the entirety of your treatment in the same appointment. The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. Mild sedation may also be administered to put you at ease and make your procedure seem to go by more quickly. The use of sedation can be discussed before the procedure day.
Once the nerve-endings in your gums have been numbed, we use the gentle technique to insert four screws into the jawbone of the appropriate arch (or both). This process takes approximately 2 hours per arch. After all, posts have been inserted, a temporary set of teeth can usually be affixed to them. These temporary artificial teeth will be worn until implant posts have fully healed into the jawbone. Then, the final affixed bridge can be inserted.
Does the procedure hurt?
Getting dental implants, even with extractions, is not painful. We administer appropriate anesthetic medication to the gums to prevent discomfort. Some patients feel pressure as implants are inserted, but this is not painful. Comfort may be further improved when sedative medication, such as nitrous oxide, is also administered. This is because sedation relaxes the central nervous system as well as the muscles of the body.
Following All-On-Four implant treatment, soreness or tenderness may occur. As dental implants begin to heal in the jawbone, it is beneficial to consume a diet of softer foods such as eggs, oatmeal, soup, yogurt, cooked vegetables, and other nutritious products. Over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen may also alleviate soreness. Speak with your doctor or dentist about the appropriate use of medication for pain management.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two after their dental treatment.
What does healing involve?
Healing is an integral aspect of the success of dental implants. We have inserted foreign objects into the jaw to replace natural roots. These objects are made of a biologically-friendly material that invites bone cells to grow around them. This process is called osseointegration. It takes approximately four months. After this point, implant posts are situated in the jaw in the same way natural roots once were.
How does this treatment differ from dentures?
Traditional dentures sit on top of the gums. The All-On-Four dental implant technique provides a sense of permanence to the denture model because this technique combines dental implants with a full-arch bridge. By securing the full bridge to a few dental implants, patients gain benefits such as:
- Permanent, fixed teeth.
- Chewing and biting stability, increasing the variety of foods that can be enjoyed.
- No denture pressing or rubbing on the gums.
- No palate coverage, which means better speech and sense of taste.
- Easy care.
- Natural feel and appearance.
How successful is the All-On-Four Procedure?
According to studies, lower-jaw treatment has shown a success rate of 98.2%. When used on the upper jaw, the All-On-Four technique has a success rate of 97 to 98%.
What if I have bone loss?
All-On-Four dental implants are routinely used to help patients who have previously been told they do not have sufficient bone tissue for successful treatment. If you have worn traditional dentures and have lost some bone structure, schedule a consultation with us to see how we can help you.
Kravitz Dental offers professional care with proven techniques in a friendly office environment. Call our Miami or Pembroke Pines office for more information.
