As dental implants are becoming more and more popular, here at the Oatlands Referral Centre we are exploring more options within this category to offer to patients including the All-on-4 Dental Implant system.
What is the All-On-4?
The All-On-4 system is a type of implant that provides patients with a permanently positioned set of teeth using 4 implants that hold the rest of the teeth in the arch together. As they are fixed in position, the patient can clean, eat, bite and carry on using their teeth as usual. Unlike dentures, the patient doesn’t have to use adhesives or take them out at night, and eating isn’t difficult or unpleasant. Food particles aren’t trapped in the mouth, bone deterioration is reduced and the patient’s smile looks complete and natural.
How does the All-On-4 system work?
This unique system comprises of four implants and one bridge-like arch. The implants are placed at an angle so that there is additional contact with the jawbone and it can also help prevent bone grafting. If a patient is a suitable candidate for this system, it can restore their smile whilst saving time, money and discomfort.
It takes approximately 2 and a half hours to fit each arch and it has a fairly high success rate.
Are All-On-4’S suitable for everyone?
This system is ideal for patients how have recently lost a lot of teeth or have removable dentures that they want to get rid of. There needs to be a gap of 4 missing teeth but they don’t necessarily need to be next to each other. Our dental surgeon will conduct a full consultation process to determine if it is a suitable option and will report our findings back to you. The new teeth that are created are natural looking and perform just like real teeth. We fully explain every step of the treatment to the patient and they are welcome to ask us questions at any time.
How does the process work?
The ‘bridge’ made of artificial crowns is anchored into the gum using the titanium implant components. This is following osseointegration and healing to make sure that the foundations are strong enough to accept the All-On-4 system. They can be fitted on the upper, lower or both the upper and lower teeth and the patient is given a temporary set of teeth to cover the implant base until the permanent teeth can be fixed. This usually takes around six months during which time we perform transitionary restorations as needed.
If you think you would benefit from the All-On-4 system, get in touch with us today and we can arrange a consultation with one of our implant surgeons in Weybridge.
Traditionally it has been necessary to support a full arch of implants on 6 implants. A new technique can sometimes be employed where only 4 are used. Two of the implants are placed at an angle providing a cantilever and also avoiding the nerve running through the jaw.
