Implant Dentistry
Are All-On-4 Implants A Good Option?
Nowadays, people have much concern about their oral health in general, which may range from simple plaque accumulation to tooth decay. Most dental problems are not so severe and do not affect the person’s normal life, but some dental conditions largely affect the person’s capacity to chew and communicate. One of these conditions is called an edentulous arch. In this condition, the person loses their teeth partially or completely and is not able to eat and enjoy their food. There are many temporary solutions available, but to live comfortably, they need a permanent solution for their struggles. What Are Dental Implants? Dental implants are prosthetic devices that are screw-like posts and are used to replace teeth that are missing or are extracted due to any dental issue or situation. Dental implants are placed into the jaw bone by surgical means. This procedure takes over three to four months to complete, including the healing phase. Nowadays, dental implants are the preferred option since they fuse with the underlying jaw bone and mimic the function of a natural tooth. Many people face tooth loss in their lifetime. Age is a major factor in tooth loss. Those over the age of 65 and above face this problem, but younger people also experience accumulated tooth loss which is mostly due to health-related problems.
All-On-4 Implants All-on-4 implants are prosthetic devices that are used to replace teeth that are missing significantly in an arch by placing four implants in the jaw bone. These all-on-4 implants, when placed, are used to provide support to removable or fixed (permanent) dentures and also retain the strength and integrity of the jaw bone. Most people are content with using the older options available, which are bridges, dental crowns, and dentures. But some people think that these dental devices are not enough to suit their needs. They prefer such dental devices that can be permanently fixed in the jaw bone and provide stability and normal masticatory function. Dental implants are the only permanent option available where metal or non-metal screws are drilled into the jaw bone, and above them, a dental crown or bridge is placed. The time taken to complete the procedure takes about two to three hours. In these all-on-4 implants, the dentures snap on and thus provide the strength and durability of that of a permanent tooth. Therefore they are the most reliable option available to treat the condition of toothlessness. Advantages Of All-On-4 Implants All-on-4 implants are a revolution in the field of dentistry and have provided many benefits to patients. Some of them are as follows: -The procedure of all-on-4 implants is short compared to other procedures, and you can get all the implants in the jaw bone on the same day. -It is a minimally invasive procedure, where the healing time after the implant placement is short. -A full arch of missing teeth is replaced with only four implants in total. -In the procedure of all-on-4 implants, bone grafting is not required. The original bone present is used. -The inserted all-on-4 implants look and function as real permanent teeth. -All-on-4 implants are cost-effective dental devices. They are cheaper options than other full-arch restorations. -All-on-4 implants improve the quality of life of the person by enhancing their normal masticatory action. -They also improve the strength of the jaw bone they are placed in it. -They improve the oral health of the patient and keep them away from chronic dental diseases like periodontitis. Materials Used For All-On-4 Implants The material most commonly used nowadays for all-on-4 implants is titanium. It is the most biocompatible material available and has excellent durability. As it is compatible with the oral cavity, it does not corrode, nor does it produce any kind of toxicity. In comparison to the other materials available to us, titanium is lightweight and is not magnetic, making it easy to use for medical purposes. Titanium is not suitable for people who are allergic to metals. The alternatives available for them are ceramic implants that are of excellent strength. Apart from this, they look and feel like natural teeth, which gives them another plus point.
The Procedure For All-On-4 Implants Many steps are involved in the placement of all-on-4 implants. They are as follows: -Step 1 (Consultation and planning) During the initial visit to the dental office, the dentist will examine the patient’s teeth, jawbone, and gums by 3D scanning, CT scan, or other radiation devices. Some people may not have sufficient bone for the all-on-4 implants. In such cases, dentists will usually provide a bone graft first and then proceed with the dental implants. -Step 2 (Tooth extraction) The dentist first gives local anesthesia to make the patient numb so that while extracting the tooth, they only feel pressure or a tugging force. After extraction, it is advised not to blow your nose, smoke, or drink through a straw, or else it could lead to pain. -Step 3 (Inserting the dental implant and bone grafting) Four implants are placed by an incision in the gum at the site of placement. Then the flap is lifted, exposing the underlying jaw bone. If the jaw bone is strong enough, no extra bone may be added. The bone is allowed to heal first if bone grafting is done. After healing, the dental implant is added by drilling it in. Healing of this process varies from person to person and may take 3 to 9 months. -Step 4 (Abutment placement) After the implants at the four sites are stable, the dentist places an abutment on each of them. This piece helps in connecting the tooth to the tooth implant. -Step 5 (Placement of the denture) The patient can choose between a permanent or removable denture. After the whole healing period is complete, the artificial denture is placed. FAQs -What Is The All On Four Treatment? The all-on-four procedure is a complete restoration of the upper and or lower arch using dental implants which are fitted to a dental prosthesis. The all-on-four treatment is a full set of permanent teeth, meaning a permanent solution that not only feels like natural teeth but looks identical to natural teeth too. -Which Is Better All-On-4 Or All-On-6 Dental Implants? The major difference between all-on-4 and all-on-6 implants is the number of implants that are placed in the jaw bone. It is believed that all-on-6 implants provide a much stronger base and provide the best results. -How Long Do All-On-Four Implants Last? If they are properly taken care of, they can last for about 20 years or longer. The implants do not wear away with time, but the denture attached to them may wear down.