The All on 4 method is a solution that provides excellent results in both aesthetic and functional terms for toothless individuals. While giving patients the closest experience to natural teeth, it also improves the quality of life.

All on 4 dental implants are a popular fixed prosthetic solution for patients who are edentulous or have suffered severe tooth loss. This method is based on the principle of fixing prosthetic teeth using 4 implants to replace all teeth in one jaw. Here are the highlights of ‘All on 4’ dental implants:

Advantages:

1. Minimal Number of Implants: While traditional full mouth implant treatments require separate implants for each tooth, ‘All on 4’ supports all jaw teeth using only 4 implants. This significantly reduces treatment time and cost.
2. Emergency Tooth Prosthesis: In the ‘All on 4’ method, patients can wear their temporary dentures the same day after implant placement. This minimises the time without teeth and gives patients aesthetics and function faster.
3. Less Bone Graft Requirement: The ‘All on 4’ technique uses a special angled implant placement strategy that generally reduces the need for bone grafting. It can be applied even in patients with missing bone volume in the posterior region.
4. Long Lasting Solution: A well-planned and executed ‘All on 4’ treatment provides a solid solution that will last for many years. This provides patients with a stable and reliable prosthesis.
5. Aesthetic and Functional: ‘All on 4’ dentures give aesthetic results that are very similar to natural teeth and greatly improve functions such as chewing and speaking.

Treatment Process:

1. Assessment and Planning: The thickness and density of the jawbone and general oral health are evaluated. The treatment process is planned in detail with digital imaging techniques.
2. Surgical Placement: 4 dental implants are placed in the jawbone. The posterior implants are placed at an angle to provide stabilisation.
3. Temporary Prosthesis: After the implants have been placed, a temporary fixed prosthesis can be fitted on the same day. This allows the patient to gain function and aesthetics immediately.
4. Permanent Prosthesis: After the implants are completely fused to the bone, usually after 3-6 months, permanent prostheses are inserted.

Who is it suitable for?

• Toothless patients or patients with severe tooth loss.
• Individuals with sufficient jawbone and good general oral health.
• Those looking for a faster and more convenient solution in terms of time and cost.

2. Preparation

• Tooth Extraction (if necessary): Any remaining teeth in the treatment area that cannot be saved are extracted to make space for the implants.
• Oral Health Optimization: Pre-surgery care may include cleaning or treatment for gum disease to ensure a healthy oral environment.

3. Implant Placement Surgery

• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or sedation is used to keep the patient comfortable during surgery.
• Implant Placement: Four dental implants are strategically placed into the jawbone. Two are placed at the front of the jaw, while the other two are placed at an angle in the back to maximize contact with the bone. This positioning provides enhanced support for the entire prosthesis.
• Temporary Prosthesis: A provisional (temporary) fixed prosthesis is attached to the implants on the same day as surgery, allowing the patient to leave the office with functional teeth. This is often called “Teeth in a Day” or “Same-Day Teeth.”

4. Healing and Osseointegration

• Healing Process: Over the next 3-6 months, the implants undergo a process called osseointegration, where the titanium implants fuse with the natural jawbone. During this period, patients must follow specific guidelines regarding diet and oral hygiene to protect the healing implants.
• Follow-Up Visits: Periodic check-ups are scheduled to monitor healing, ensure the implants are integrating well, and address any concerns.

5. Final Prosthesis Placement

• Design of Final Prosthesis: After osseointegration is complete, impressions or digital scans are taken to create the final custom-made prosthesis. This permanent denture is designed to closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function.
• Final Prosthesis Attachment: The custom prosthesis is securely attached to the implants. This provides a long-term, stable solution for the patient.

6. Post-Procedure Care and Maintenance

• Oral Hygiene: Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent infections or other complications. The dentist provides specific instructions on how to clean around the implants and prosthetics.
• Regular Check-Ups: Regular dental visits ensure the implants and prosthesis remain in good condition. The dentist will monitor the health of the surrounding gum tissue and the stability of the implants.

Key Benefits of This Process:

• Immediate Function: The patient walks out of surgery with temporary teeth that restore basic function.
• Faster Healing: With fewer implants and less invasive techniques, recovery time tends to be quicker compared to traditional full-arch implant treatments.
• Fewer Implants, Greater Stability: The strategic placement of just four implants is often sufficient for a full set of teeth, even in patients with lower bone density.

The All-on-4 dental implant process offers a streamlined and effective solution for patients who need full-arch restoration, providing long-lasting results with minimal recovery time.