What is an All-on-4^® implant-supported prosthesis?

Tooth loss is a distressing problem with numerous potential causes. There are several causes, including trauma to the mouth or teeth, severe tooth decay, and other issues with the oral cavity. The loss of teeth can have a variety of causes, but it is always a problem that needs to be fixed so that the patient's mouth can function normally again. All-on-4^® is one of the most exciting and cutting-edge dental implant procedures that can help you achieve this.

Complex procedures, such as nerve transposition and grafting, make implant-supported prosthesis treatment nearly impossible for some patients. The All-on-4^® concept provides a remedy for these kinds of problems. This technique promotes tilting distal implants in edentulous arches, which allows for more extended implant placement, better prosthetic support with a shorter cantilever arm, better inter-implant distance, and better anchorage in the bone. The All-on-4^® treatment concept eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming bone grafting procedures while simultaneously providing patients with a fully functional, permanent prosthesis on the day of surgery. When a patient is missing multiple teeth, All-on-4^® can be used to reconstruct their mouth and restore full function. Paulo Malo created the All-on-4^® treatment concept, using straight and angled multi-unit abutments to restore a full arch of teeth for edentulous patients immediately.

The anchoring dental implants in an All-on-4^® dental implant solution are surgically implanted into the jawbone, providing a strong bond. This method is effective because it mimics the action of natural teeth, stimulating the jawbone in the same way and thus preventing its density from diminishing and thereby preserving the health of the jaw. Implants provide a strong and stable foundation for replacement teeth. This means patients can eat whatever they want without worrying about their teeth coming loose or falling out.

 The All-on-4^® procedure

An extensive oral examination and consultation is the first step toward a full-mouth restoration. Dental X-rays, digital 3D scans, and a comprehensive oral examination will be part of this process. These procedures help Dr Patel get a complete picture of the patient's dental health and reveal any problems that should be fixed before the All-on-4^® procedure begins. Dr Patel will consult with the patient about their expectations for the procedure.

Before beginning surgery, Dr Patel will precisely measure the space between the patient's upper and lower teeth and make a mark on the gums to serve as a guide. Existing teeth and any remaining pieces of teeth that have been lost will be extracted, and any excess or damaged gum tissue will be surgically removed. When an incision is made along the length of the ridge of the upper and lower jaws, the jawbone is exposed. The remaining bone will be levelled and shaped in preparation for the dental implant placement procedure.

Drilling the pilot holes of the implant at an angle ensures the maximum strength and stability of the implant without compromising adjacent structures like the sinuses or nerves. Dr Patel will then suture the gums back into place around the implants. Once the implants have been positioned, abutments (the posts on which the prosthetic tooth will rest) can be attached to the implants. Abutments will be marked, drilled, and tested for a snug fit with the temporary prosthesis at their contact points. The final step involves using mechanical fasteners to keep the temporary prosthesis in place.

FAQ