With the dental advancements made with recent technology, losing a tooth or even all your teeth isn’t the end of having a full smile. Restorative dentistry has come a long way in recent years.
For patients who are seeking full-arch restoration, the All-on-4® dental implant treatment is an option for bringing back full functionality and aesthetics. The procedure uses four strategically placed biocompatible implants to support a full set of dental prosthetics.
If you haven’t heard of the All-on-4® treatment process before, we understand wanting to learn more information. For instance, on topics like how it differs from traditional implants, and tooth extraction before All-on-4® treatment requirements.
In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about the All-on-4® treatment process. This includes existing teeth removal when getting All-on-4®, the impact pre-existing oral health conditions may have, and how to properly take care of your All-on-4® teeth after the procedure.
All-on-4® Treatment Process
The All-on-4® treatment process involves placing biocompatible titanium posts into the patient’s upper or lower jawbone. It differs from traditional implants in that only four titanium posts are required for an arch of teeth.
These four implants are strategically placed into the jawline for maximum support and strength. The placement of the All-on-4® titanium implants is decided using state-of-the-art technology that scans the patient’s jaw, calculates bone density, and determines the optimal position for the implants.
Along with the insertion of the dental implants, all of the patient’s teeth will need to be removed at the same time. Patients will also need to follow the necessary pre-operation steps, like cutting out alcohol, hard foods, and smoking.
At Next Smile Australia, the All-on-4® treatment process is typically split into two stages. In stage one, the dental implants are surgically placed, and the patient receives a “provisional bridge” worn for three to six months while the bone fuses with the implants.
After osseointegration takes place, stage two occurs. During this stage, the “final bridge” is fitted and the provisional bridge is removed. The final bridge consists of artificial teeth that are custom-made and tailored to your mouth.
Understanding The Teeth Extraction Process For All-on-4®
The first step in the surgery for the All-on-4® procedure is to prepare the mouth for the dental implants. Tooth extraction when getting All-on-4® occurs in the same surgery as when the dental implants are placed.
The All-on-4® procedure is designed to replace an entire arch, so any prior existing teeth are always removed. If you still want to keep your natural teeth, the All-on-4® procedure may not be for you.
The Impact of Pre-Existing Periodontal Disease
Pre-existing periodontal disease and other conditions, like diabetes or other oral health diseases, can significantly impact the success and outcome of All-on-4® dental implants.
Periodontal disease, without treatment, can lead to bone loss in the jaw, where the implants need to be placed. This can compromise the stability of the dental implants and cause long-term problems.
Conditions like periodontal disease can also increase the risk of infection and cause troubles during the healing and osseointegration process. Any active gum disease or other oral health disease creates an environment where inflammation and infection can thrive.
It is always best to consult with a professional before undergoing any form of dental implant. If possible, oral health conditions like periodontal disease should be managed before the implant procedure is undertaken.
Patients with a history of pre-existing periodontal disease or conditions like diabetes may face slower healing times. This is because those conditions can compromise a person’s healing factor.
While a history of periodontal disease or other oral health conditions doesn’t exclude you from All-on-4® suitability, these conditions must be treated before the implant process. Management and treatment are crucial for successful healing and the integration of All-on-4® dental implants.
Ensure The Longevity of Your All-on-4® Teeth
After undergoing the All-on-4® treatment and getting your final teeth fitted, aftercare is crucial for ensuring the longevity of your All-on-4® teeth. Below, we’ve outlined general care tips for All-on-4® teeth.
- Brush your All-on-4® teeth as if they were your real teeth. While they aren’t susceptible to tooth decay, any bacteria or food particle build-up can still irritate and cause damage to your gums.
- Just like with natural teeth, flossing and cleaning the bridge of teeth with a Waterpik is important for caring for your gums and ensuring the longevity of your All-on-4® teeth.
- Most clinics offering All-on-4® treatment recommend check-ups and professional cleans every six months. This ensures the All-on-4® teeth stay in top condition, and if there are any issues, the dentist can catch them early.
How To Know If You’re Suitable For All-on-4®
The best way to determine if you’re a candidate for the All-on-4® treatment is to speak with a dentist or dental implant surgeon who offers the procedure. They will assess your eligibility based on your oral health, overall well-being, and treatment goals.
All-on-4® treatment eligibility is granted case by case. However, there are a few general suitability criteria. These include:
- Missing multiple teeth or have failing teeth. The ideal All-on-4® candidate is a person who is looking to replace a full arch of their teeth, whether it’s due to severe decay, damage, or something else.
- The candidate must also have good overall health. Poor health can impact the success of the surgery. Conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and blood clotting disorders can also impact eligibility.
- Lifestyle habits may also impact eligibility or need to be stopped before surgery. These include drinking alcohol, smoking, and vaping.
- To be eligible for All-on-4® treatment, the patient will also need to have adequate jawbone density to support the implants.
These are just a few general suitability criteria for All-on-4® treatment. The treatment is approved on a case-by-case basis and will be different for every individual. It’s always best to book a consultation and talk to a dentist.
Find Out If You’re Suitable at Next Smile Australia
If you’re missing all or most of your teeth, you may be eligible for All on 4 dental implants. We have an online suitability test, or you can contact Next Smile Australia today for a consultation. One of our team members will speak with you to determine eligibility.
Our industry-leading Super Clinics feature in-house dental labs, and most also have state-of-the-art surgical rooms. Most of our Super Clinics are designed to cover every facet of the All-on-4® treatment so you can get everything done in one place.
When you book a consultation with Next Smile Australia, you can expect one of our All-on-4®-certified dental surgeons to assess your eligibility by taking a comprehensive look at your mouth and reviewing your past dental and medical history. If you have any questions about the All-on-4® treatment and how it compares to traditional dental implants, you can speak to them about it or watch one of our webinars.
At Next Smile Australia, we believe that everyone should be able to access quality dental care and restorative dental treatment. That’s why we also offer a range of pricing options and payment plans.
The All-on-4® treatment at Next Smile Australia also uses genuine Nobel Biocare dental implants and the Malo Protocol. If you’re interested in the All-on-4® treatment and want to find out if you’re eligible, contact us today.