Restorative dentistry has been one of the most life-changing fields in human history. The mouth, jaw, and teeth play a massive role in overall well-being, and missing teeth can have a huge effect on physical and mental health.
Restorative dentistry covers a range of procedures, including dental fillings, dental crowns, and dentures, but one of the most popular is dental implants. Dental implants have become a popular, long-lasting solution for replacing a missing tooth.
When it comes to the world of dental implants, there are several procedures available. There are traditional dental implants, which can replace a single tooth or entire arches using overdentures, and the All-on-4® treatment.
In this article, we’ll cover information on individual dental implants, the benefits of All-on-4® implants, and the number of dental implants a person can get. Modern dental implants are based on the discoveries of Swedish physician and researcher Per-Ingvar Brånemark.
His discovery and research on osseointegration, which allowed for dental implants, have made him a pioneer in this field. Osseointegration is the biological process where a biocompatible material, usually titanium, fuses with bone.
Is It Possible To Get An Entire Arch of Dental Implants?
Theoretically, a patient can replace an entire set of teeth using individual dental implants. They could have one implant replace every single tooth in their mouth, up to 32 implants (adults typically only have 32 natural teeth).
However, using individual dental implants to replace entire sets of teeth would be very expensive and require many hours in the dental chair. When single dental implants are placed, you need to wait three to six months for healing and the osseointegration to take place before a crown or a small bridge can be put on top.
Instead, some techniques exist that cater to individuals who need full-arch restoration. These include the All-on-4® treatment, which offers full-arch restoration using only just four implants in the upper or lower jawbone. The upper and lower jawbone implant placement can be completed in one, with each bridge of teeth placed within 24 hours of the dental implant surgery.
The Downside of Individual Implants As An Entire Arch
While a person could theoretically use individual dental implants to replace an entire arch of teeth, there are significant downsides to this. First of all, replacing an entire arch of teeth using individual implants would be extremely expensive, and it would cost more than full-arch restoration treatments like All-on-4®.
Individual implants would also require more surgeries and potentially more healing time. The patient would need to undergo surgery several times, whereas alternatives like All-on-4® can restore a full set of teeth with just one surgery.
Individual dental implants also require higher bone density requirements. Each traditional singular dental implant requires adequate density and volume of bone. A full arch of individual implants could require other invasive procedures, like bone grafting, which would also increase the treatment times and cost.
Using individual dental implants is also considered excessive. Modern techniques like the All-on-4® treatment can allow most patients to achieve more predictable results with fewer surgeries, a faster recovery process, and fewer dental implants.
So, while replacing an entire arch with individual dental implants is possible, it is impractical for many reasons. Modern alternatives like the All-on-4® treatment and overdentures are more suitable, affordable, and carry fewer risks.
The Benefits of All-on-4®
Unlike traditional, individual dental implants, the All-on-4® treatment is designed for full-arch tooth replacement. It carries multiple benefits, making it the go-to choice for individuals with most or all of their teeth missing and looking to restore functionality.
First, the All-on-4® procedure provides immediate results. In most cases, patients can leave the clinic on the day of surgery with a fully functional set of teeth. Until the osseointegration process is complete, some dental surgeons, like Next Smile Australia, will attach a provisional (temporary) bridge until the recovery process is complete and the final, tailor-made set of teeth is ready.
Unlike traditional, individual implants, even patients with low bone density/bone loss can be suitable for All-on-4® without bone grafting. Because the posterior titanium implants in the All-on-4® treatment are placed at an angle, they maximise contact with the available bone for full stability and structure.
The All-on-4® treatment concept was designed to address the challenges faced by patients who need dental implants but have limited bone density. It was created in the 1990s by Dr Paulo Malo, a Portuguese dentist and businessman in partnership with Nobel Biocare, a company that specialises in dental implants and prosthetics. The All-on-4® procedure was performed successfully for the first time in 1998 by Dr Malo.
The fixed nature of All-on-4® teeth also allows for better biting force and stability than traditional dentures and implant-retained overdentures. This allows patients to eat a wider variety of food without the teeth moving, providing better biting and chewing ability. You also don’t need to remove All-on-4® teeth like you would dentures for cleaning.
The All-on-4® process
The All-on-4® process consists of two stages. In the first stage, any remaining teeth the patient has is removed, and the titanium dental implants are placed in the jawbone. The posterior implants are placed at a 45-degree angle for maximum stability and structure.
During the first stage, after the dental implants are placed, a provisional bridge of teeth is also fitted. The patient will wear these temporary teeth for three to six months as their jawbone fuses with the implants and osseointegration occurs. This helps the patient get used to the appearance of the teeth, and the feedback also helps when designing the final set of teeth.
The second stage of the All-on-4® process involves removing the provisional bridge and attaching the final set of teeth. These teeth are custom-made and tailored to each individual.
Renew Your Smile at Next Smile Australia
Start your journey to renew your smile with the All-on-4® treatment today with Next Smile Australia. We offer obligation-free consults, during which you can sit down and chat one-on-one with one of our All-on-4®-certified dental surgeons to learn more about the treatment, determine eligibility, and learn how it differs from traditional dental implants.
During the consultation with our All-on-4® dental surgeon, they’ll determine your candidacy for the treatment based on your previous dental and medical history and take scans of your jaw. These scans are critical in determining whether your jaw can support the implants.
If you’re deemed eligible, they will tailor a treatment plan for you and provide information on treatment timelines and pricing. At Next Smile Australia, we believe everyone deserves to access quality dental care. So, we offer various payment options and plans for our services.
The All-on-4® procedure is carried out in our Super Clinics. These Next Smile Australia Super Clinics have in-house dental labs, and most have state-of-the-art surgical rooms. The industry leader, Nobel Biocare, also manufactures the dental implants used in our All-on-4® procedure. We also follow the renowned Malo Protocol.
If you’re interested in the All-on-4® treatment concept and want to learn more, contact us today to book a consultation. We also have online suitability tests and webinars you can attend for more information.