Like other dental implants, All-on-4 dental implants are non-removable artificial tooth replacements. That differentiates them from dentures, which can be taken out and put back in, often with the use of an adhesive.
All-on-4 implants look like natural teeth and can be cleaned in the same way, by brushing and flossing. They tend to be more comfortable than dentures because they don’t press down on or rub the gums.
Thes specially designed dental implants differ from other tooth implants because of the number of supports they employ. One style of dental implant restoration uses six to eight titanium screws to replace the roots of the teeth in an arch. As the name implies, All-on-4 implants only use four such screws.
All-on-4 implants provide up to 70% more biting strength, which may allow individuals to eat foods they could not have managed with dentures. They allow people to feel the temperature of their food and to enjoy the taste. They also prevent bone deterioration and restore the appearance of the face by replacing lip support that was lost after tooth loss.
All-on-4 implants produce a strong attachment because they are implanted at an angle. This provides more contact by taking advantage of the natural structure of the bone. An added benefit is that there may be no need for bone grafting common in traditional dental implant surgery. This saves time and money.
Good candidates for All-on-4 dental implants are patients who have lost most or all of their teeth and are in good overall health.
THE ALL ON FOUR DENTAL IMPLANTS PROCEDURE
The first step in providing All-on-4 implants is to administer local anesthesia.
The dental professional prepares the mouth for the implants, a process that requires removing any teeth that are failing as well as any infected or diseased tissue from the gums and jaw.
Next is the implantation process. The dental professional inserts titanium screws into the jawbone. In most cases, two implants go toward the front of the mouth because that is where the most bone tissue can be found. The other two go toward the back of the mouth. This arrangement distributes the force of the denture evenly.
Next, the dental professional places the sutures, and the patient receives a temporary set of teeth that attach to the implants. They are temporary because the surgery needs time to heal before the permanent teeth can be attached with maximum precision. This final procedure typically takes place about six months later.
All-on-4 implant surgery typically takes about 2.5 hours per arch.
ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS: POST-SURGICAL CARE AND CONCERNS
For the first 24 hours after returning home, patients should avoid doing anything that would disturb the surgical areas. They should avoid touching the areas except for gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush. They should also refrain from smoking as this too will impede the healing process.
Once 24 hours have passed, if there is still some bleeding, patients can gently rinse their mouths with saltwater. One tablespoon of salt and eight ounces of water is an effective mixture and can be used two or three times a day. Instead of spitting vigorously, patients should let the water drip from their mouths into the sink.
For the next three or four days, patients should take it easy. They should avoid bending over, lifting heavy objects, and suspend their normal exercise routines to avoid bleeding and swelling. They should also rise from lying down to standing up slowly to keep from getting lightheaded.
If bleeding persists, it can be stopped with gauze and pressure. If it does not stop, patients should sit upright, change the gauze, avoid physical activity, and apply ice packs to the outside of the mouth.
Swelling is a natural consequence of the All-on-4 dental implants surgery. It generally is at its most extreme two to three days after the procedure. Patients can minimize it by applying a cold pack or ice to the cheek within the first 24 hours following the surgery. With 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off working best. It’s also possible that the dental professional will prescribe medication to control the swelling.
Some pain is likewise a natural result of All-on-4 implants surgery, and the dental professional will prescribe medication to address it. Patients should take the medicine as directed.
Patients need to be on a soft diet for a few weeks. It is important to avoid hard foods, candies, and very hot foods. Patients also should avoid chewing until the sensation in their tongues returns.
It is important to get proper nutrition as this facilitates the healing process.
All-on-4 implants surgery can produce discoloration or bruising around the surgical areas. Typically, this shows up as yellow, black, or blue and is not cause for concern. Starting 36 hours after the procedure, patients can apply moist heat to their cheeks to minimize the discoloration.
Patients should contact their dental professionals if bleeding, pain, or any other concern persists.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS
The success rate with All-on-4 dental implants is relatively high. Still, in certain cases, problems can arise. Surgical procedures can cause complications. your dental professional will endeavour to prevent them.
In the case of All-on-4 implants surgery, complications can include infection, profuse bleeding, and poor healing. Patients should keep an eye out for these problems and let the professional know about them promptly.
It is also possible that the dental implants fail to bond properly with the bone, a problem more likely to occur if the patient is a smoker or has low bone density and poor nutrition. Should this prove to be the case, the dental professional can remove the implant that is not working and, once healing occurs, replace it with another.
Gum disease can also cause an implant to fail. Patients should be able to avoid this by taking care of their implants, observing good oral hygiene in general, and getting regular checkups, but if worst comes to worst, the answer is once again to replace the implant.
THE COST OF ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS
The cost of All-on-4 implants to the patient varies depending on how many prosthetic teeth are required, any insurance payments, and the materials used.
Acrylic dentures built on a titanium framework are the standard and less expensive option. Porcelain All-on-4 dental implants tend to last longer and look more even more realistic, but their cost is greater.