Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones throughout the body to become weak and brittle. It can affect bone health so severely that even a small fall or mild stress, like bending over, causes a break.
Osteoporosis-related breaks most commonly affect the hips, wrist, or spine. Unfortunately, because the disease weakens bones throughout the body, this can also result in the weakening of the jawbone and impact jawbone density.
This can lead to an increased risk of oral health-related concerns, like jaw pain, loose teeth, and receding gums. In some cases, osteoporosis and dental implants may need special consideration to ensure eligibility.
If jawbone density is too low, performing a restorative dentistry procedure or requiring additional procedures, like bone grafting, may increase risks. Fortunately, revolutionary advancements like the All-on-4® treatment have made treatment accessible for many people with osteoporosis and low jawbone density. Once a patient has been cleared for treatment by their GP and dentist they can then commence their journey to a renewed smile.
What Is All-on-4®?
All-on-4® is a revolutionary dental implant technique that allows for a full arch of teeth to be supported on just four implants in either the upper or lower jawbone. Professor Paulo Malo developed the All-on-4® treatment concept alongside leading plant manufacturer Nobel Biocare.
All-on-4® is a treatment concept that is designed for people who have lost most or all of their teeth. It can restore full functionality by using four biocompatible titanium implants surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone to secure a bridge of artificial teeth.
What is so unique about the All-on-4® treatment is the titanium implant placement. The front two implants are placed straight down, while the two posterior implants are placed at a strategic 45-degree angle.
This angled placement allows for more support and maximises the use of bone. It also ensures dental implants avoid important anatomical structures like nerves and sinuses.
This placement also makes it possible for the All-on-4® treatment to be used in cases where a patient may have low bone density, like a person with osteoporosis. In most cases, it also eliminates the need for them to get bone grafting.
Another factor that sets the All-on-4® treatment apart from traditional dental implants is that temporary teeth (a provisional bridge) can be attached within 24 hours of surgery. After osseointegration and the recovery process are complete, the provisional bridge is removed and replaced with a custom-made bridge tailored to the patient’s mouth.
Osteoporosis and All-on-4®
The All-on-4® treatment was specifically designed to address challenges posed by bone loss and how it impacts restorative dentistry suitability. By angling the implants and maximising stability, treatment solutions exist for those living with bone loss and bone diseases to get a full set of new teeth.
It’s natural to be concerned about the impact of osteoporosis on suitability for treatment and success. The All-on-4® has a proven high success rate of 98% and is suitable for those with mild to moderate bone loss. Here’s why:
Advanced diagnostics
During the preoperative planning phase of the All-on-4® treatment, the dental surgeon will conduct a thorough examination, including 3D imaging, to assess your bone density and structure. This will enable the dental surgeon to determine the most optimal plant placement, ensuring long-term stability and increasing the risk of success, even in those with bone loss.
Strategic implant placement
The angled placement of the posterior dental implants often allows for the utilisation of denser bone areas, which isn’t possible through traditional dental implant methods. It also eliminates the need for bone grafting in most cases.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces missing or damaged bone in the jaw. The procedure is most commonly used before dental implant surgery or when bone loss negatively affects oral health.
How To Know If You’re A Suitable Candidate
If you have osteoporosis and are missing all or most of your teeth, looking into the All-on-4® treatment is worthwhile. The first step to finding out if you’re a suitable candidate is scheduling an appointment with your GP. Your GP and your dentist will be able to confirm if it is an appropriate treatment option for you and then refer you to an All-on-4® clinic.
The next step is booking a consultation with a qualified dentist or dental surgeon at a clinic offering All-on-4®. During this consultation, they will evaluate your overall well-being, oral health, and medical history to determine eligibility. They will also use dental imaging techniques to scan your jaw to calculate bone density.
It’s also important as part of this process to discuss your concerns about osteoporosis and the All-on-4® treatment. The dental surgeon will be able to explain the risks and benefits of the All-on-4® treatment for your specific situation and recommend the best course of action.
Besides osteoporosis and bone loss, other factors can affect the suitability of All-on-4®. These include:
Oral health
Maintaining good oral health and practising healthy oral hygiene habits isn’t only critical for the suitability but also the success of All-on-4®. If you have any existing oral health conditions, like gum disease, this can impact eligibility for treatment and will need to be addressed before the procedure.
Medications
Some medications may interfere with osseointegration, the process of the jawbone fusing with the implants, or increase the risk of bleeding. It’s important to inform the dental surgeon of all your medications so they can recommend changes if needed.
Smoking and alcohol
Any nicotine/tobacco products, like smoking cigarettes and vaping, can impair the recovery process of All-on-4® and increase the risk of implant failure and infections. Similarly, alcohol can also increase the risk of failure and infection. Your dentist may advise you to quit these lifestyle choices before undergoing the procedure or for eligibility.
While it won’t impact suitability, diet also plays a massive role in the recovery process of All-on-4® treatment. Nutrition, like vitamins and protein, and staying hydrated can help increase the chance of successful treatment and osseointegration.
Renew Your Smile With All-on-4® At Next Smile Australia
Next Smile Australia is a leading provider of the All-on-4® treatment, with a team of experienced dental surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities. If you’re considering All-on-4® and have concerns about osteoporosis or other health conditions, we encourage you to schedule an obligation-free consultation with one of our dental surgeons.
During this consultation, they will conduct a comprehensive assessment and discuss the best options for you so you can make an informed decision. We also have an online suitability assessment on our website if you’re interested in the procedure.
Based on the assessment and consultation, the Next Smile Australia dental surgeon will develop an individualised treatment plan for All-on-4®. For example, this may include modifications to address specific bone loss challenges, like those caused by osteoporosis.
During this time, the dental surgeon will also provide you with information on what to expect and treatment timelines. They will also provide aftercare tips, oral hygiene guidance, and dietary recommendations to follow for the best chance of success.
If you’d like to learn more about the procedure before booking in, we have various articles detailing the All-on-4® treatment and common questions. We also host regular webinars and patient events providing a wealth of information about All-on-4® dental implants and Next Smile Australia.
If you have any questions or want to book a consultation, contact us today. Here at Next Smile Australia, we believe everyone deserves a healthy smile.