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The All-on-4 dental implant is designed for patients who have limited amount of bone in the jaw. All-on-4 or Teeth-in-a-day procedure is an alternate dental implant solution that maximizes the use of available bone for immediate use using just four implants! The All-on-4 technique has a 98.5% success rate at the four-year follow-up and has been provided to patients for over ten years.
All-on-4 Implant Technique
The All-on-4 technique is specifically designed to use only four implants that are available for immediate function. All-on-4 implants do not usually require any bone grafting, so they are an great solution for patients with patches of low bone volume or density.
Prior to the surgery beginning, you will be comfortably numbed so that you will feel no discomfort or pain during the surgery. Four (or more) dental implants are then placed according to where the bone volume is best. Once the implants have been secured, your existing or new denture is utilized as the framework for a temporary set of teeth that will be attached the same day.
Once the bone has fully integrated with the implant (3-6 months), the temporary teeth are removed and the new, final set of teeth are made and anchored into place permanently.
Benefits of All-on-4
There are many benefits to the All-on-4 technique, including:
- Minimal recovery time
- No need for bone grafting, in most cases
- Easy oral hygiene and home care
- Ability to eat and enjoy all foods
- No more frustrating removable appliances
- Long-term results
- Bone level stabilization
- Greater self-confidence and overall quality of life
- A brand new smile in just one day!
Dentures vs Dental Implants in San Diego
Patients with missing teeth often wonder about the benefits of tooth replacement procedures like dentures or dental implants, and if they need them. We may recommend dentures, dental implants, or a combination procedure depending upon how much bone structure is available to support an implant, and how many teeth are missing. While dentures can be a cheaper solution for replacing missing teeth in the short term, many patients report problems with dentures within the first year.
Should I Get Dentures or Dental Implants?
San Diego Dental Implant Center will recommend a tooth replacement procedure based on your short term and long term goals. You can educate yourself about the benefits and drawbacks associated with these procedures, as well.
Since dentures are removable, they can rub against your gums when you are talking and eating, and eventually irritate your gum tissues. Since the jaw bone is not stimulated in areas where teeth are missing, you may experience bone loss and bone regression in the areas where the dentures rest. Other problems with dentures include limited range of motion, clicking sounds, and gum discomfort. Some patients also experience changes in facial structure because the muscles in the face are not fully engaged. Since dentures are made with incompatible materials like plastic and cast metal, they can often cause inflammation to the gums and surrounding areas of the mouth.
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution and can actually stimulate bone loss because they function just like natural teeth. Patients with implants generally do not experience discomfort and find that the implant looks and feels just like their real teeth. The titanium screw of the implant stimulates the jaw bone, so there is less risk of jaw bone loss. Implants are made of a titanium screw and a durable porcelain crown that is resistant to stains as well as general wear and tear.
Sequence of Events During All on 4 in Lexington, MA
Using regular dental anesthetic, the surgeon lifts the gum tissue away and performs a precise and gentle technique to place the dental implant fixture into the jawbone. The gum is repositioned and sutured. Most patients experience no major discomfort after the procedure.STEP 2: OSSEOINTEGRATION PERIOD
The dental implant fixture will be left undisturbed in the jawbone for a period of four to six months. During this time, the bone attaches to the implant and OSSEOINTEGRATION takes place. Depending on the case type, a temporary removable denture may be worn to preserve cosmetics, as shown at right.
STEP 3: ABUTMENT CONNECTION
Once osseointegration of the implant is complete, the surgeon exposes the top of the implant and attaches a post or abutment. This abutment passes through the gum and ultimately supports the new tooth.
STEP 4: FINAL PROSTHETIC RESTORATION
Your dentist will take an impression of the implant and will work with the lab technician to make the new implant-supported tooth, as per the original treatment plan. The final prosthetic tooth can be screwed to place or cemented. The new tooth is firmly anchored into the bone and gums, and will look and feel just like a natural tooth.