For people who have lost most or all of their teeth, the All-on-4® treatment can restore their smile and the functionality of their mouth with full-arch restoration. The revolutionary procedure is becoming a popular alternative to dentures.
If you’re someone who is looking to bring their bite back and a full smile, the All-on-4® teeth can help. Research has shown that All-on-4® teeth are also effective in bringing back chewing efficiency and have a high success rate of 98%.
If you’re considering the All-on-4® treatment process, it’s natural to have questions about the procedure and the timeline for getting All-on-4® teeth. When it comes to “Will I be left without teeth during the All-on-4® process?” The answer is typically no; you will not be left without teeth. During the first stage of the All-on-4® procedure, temporary teeth (a provisional bridge) are connected when the dental implants are placed.
The All-on-4® Treatment Process
All-on-4® treatment is a dental restoration solution that offers long-term, fixed alternatives to dentures. The procedure involves removing the patient’s teeth (if required) and placing four titanium biocompatible posts in either the upper or lower jawbone to support an entire arch of teeth.
These posts will connect to abutments, which essentially function as connectors to attach the dental prosthetic. Next Smile Australia uses the Malo Protocol, distinguished by the design and method of the dental implant placement with immediate loading using a two-bridge approach.
In the first stage, the mouth is prepped, and dental implants are strategically placed in the patient’s jawbone. This is done in the same surgery as any teeth extraction required.
After the dental implants are placed, a provisional bridge is fitted. The provisional bridge is only for three to six months during recovery and during osseointegration.
After the jawbone has fused with the titanium posts, stage two occurs. In stage two, the patient returns to have the provisional bridge removed and the custom-made, final bridge attached.
The Purpose Of The Provisional Bridge
The provisional bridge plays a crucial role during the All-on-4® process. It is critical for healing and also provides immediate functionality. After the All-on-4® dental implants are placed, the purpose of the provisional bridge is to allow the patient to leave the clinic with a new set of teeth on the same day.
The provisional bridge also acts as a barrier and shield for dental implants. The titanium posts need time to integrate with the jawbone. Along with acting as a shield, the provisional bridge also ensures pressure is distributed evenly along the jaw and reduces the risk of undue pressure on the implants.
The purpose of the provisional bridge is also to allow your dentist to assess how your gum, jaw, and mouth heal after the dental implants. This gives them time to adjust and perfect the final bridge, both functionally and cosmetically.
The temporary bridge can also be helpful for patients to adjust to having dental implants and a prosthetic bridge. Undergoing the All-on-4® procedure can be a huge change and takes time to adapt.
What The Downtime Will Look Like When Getting All-on-4®
The downtime after the initial stage of All-on-4® will vary from person to person, but here is the general outline.
Day of the surgery
Immediately after surgery, you can expect discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. While you will be able to go home on the same day, it’s important to set up a carer and someone to drive you to and from the surgery.
During the first few days
It’s normal to have swelling around the gums, cheeks, and jaw. Bruising and bleeding are also common. It’s essential to stick to the aftercare routines described by the dentist, including your diet and oral hygiene routine.
During the first week
It’s important to have a carer still to look after you. While pain and discomfort usually peak in the first 2-3 days after surgery, swelling may still occur.
After the first week
Returning to normal activities is possible, but it is still important to be mindful and rest when needed. Don’t overexert yourself. The diet will still consist of (mostly) soft foods.
During the first six months
The exact time will depend on the individual healing and osseointegration will take place. After the bone has successfully fused with the implants, it’ll be time to revisit the clinic to get the provisional bridge replaced with the final one.
Tips on Setting Realistic Recovery Expectations After Getting All-on-4®
When it comes to the All-on-4® treatment, it is important to set realistic recovery expectations. While it can be helpful to read about other people’s experiences with the All-on-4® procedure, the healing time and results will be different for everyone.
Setting realistic recovery goals and expectations is important. It is critical for your mental health and the aftercare and maintenance of your All-on-4® teeth. Below, we’ve outlined some tips for setting recovery expectations.
- Don’t compare your progress or experience to anyone else. Recovery from the All-on-4® procedure will be different for every person. Some can heal as quickly as three months, while others take longer.
- Open communication with your dentist or oral surgeon is important. Speak to them about treatment timelines and recovery expectations. Voice your concerns to them and get their input.
- Mental preparation for the operation and healing process is critical. While moments of frustration will be normal, it’s important to be mindful when adjusting to your new smile.
- It’s crucial to take time to understand the healing timeline and ask questions if you’re unsure. The initial recovery process for All-on-4® teeth can take months and is gradual.
- Prepare yourself for discomfort and pain, especially after the first few days or weeks. The All-on-4® is surgical, and there will be swelling, bleeding, and pain.
- Remember, the provisional bridge is just temporary. If you’re unhappy about the aesthetic of the provisional bridge, speak to your dentist about what adjustments they can make to ensure your final bridge is comfortable.
Book In For An Obligation-Free Consultation At Next Smile Australia
At Next Smile Australia, we provide obligation-free consultations for the All-on-4® treatment. If you’re interested in learning more about the All-on-4® procedure and your eligibility as a candidate, contact us today to book an appointment and chat with one of our All-on-4®-certified dental surgeons.
During the consultation, you can expect a Next Smile Australia All-on-4® dental surgeon to assess your eligibility based on your dental and medical history. This includes scanning your jaw and ensuring it can support the All-on-4® dental implants. If you’re deemed eligible, they will tailor a treatment plan to suit your goals.
Along with the treatment plan, you will be given information on treatment timelines, pre-operation instructions, and aftercare expectations. This will ensure that you are informed about every step of the process.
At Next Smile Australia, we also believe that everyone should be able to access quality dental care. That’s why we offer various payment options and plans for our services.
Our team carries out our All-on-4® treatments in our Super Clinics, which include in-house dental labs, and most also have state-of-the-art surgical rooms. The industry-leading Nobel Biocare also manufactures our dental implants, and we follow the renowned Malo Protocol, the two-bridge system.
If you’re interested in the All-on-4® treatment and how it compares to traditional implants, or if you want to learn more, contact us today. We also have an online suitability test and webinars that you can attend for more information.