Finding the right method for dental problems is usually determined by the technician. That way, they can understand what they can expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Some of these methods include surgeries, and their invasiveness depends on the case’s complexity.
One method that has gained much attention in the industry is all-on-4. It is a complex procedure that helps set up the whole set of teeth on the upper and lower jaw. Today, we want to address this concept and share everything potential patients should know about it.
The Basics
Most people have heard about basic dental implants since this is the most widespread option. Therefore, many tend to mistake these for more advanced methods, like All-on-4 dental implants. All-on-4 consists of a couple of elements.
- The four implants are placed in the way, whose task is to be anchoring points for the dental crown and other elements.
- The abutments where the replacement teeth are mounted.
- Depending on the patient’s needs, one or two rows of replacement teeth.
- Screws that connect the abutments and implants to the denture.
Unlike most methods, which are either permanent or removable, all-on-4 is a semi-permanent replacement. If the patient tends to it properly through maintenance, these can last for a lifetime. However, it is much lengthier than in the case of those who are not permanent, which lasts five years on average.
How is it Performed?
Setting up the all-on-4 installation is a lengthy procedure comprised of two main stages. The first addresses the installation process, and the second refers to the attachment.
The Installation Stage
During the installation stage, as the name of the stage shows, the technician will install the implants in the jaw bone.
Then, the technician will insert small incisions in the gum tissue to do it properly. Since this is the beginning of the process, it doesn’t require too much time. On average, it lasts between 15 and 20 minutes.
Of course, the gum needs some time to heal after this part is over.
The question of how long it would take for the healing process doesn’t have the right answer. It depends on the patient’s case’s particularities and the technician’s opinion about how long it should last.
The healing process usually lasts between a few weeks and a few months. It is essential to be precise regarding this element since the situation can vary from time to time, depending on the conditions.
When the gums are properly healed, it is safe to proceed with the next part of the procedure, the attachment stage.
The Attachment Stage
After the healing process is passed, you can continue with the attachment stage. Once again, this part of the procedure doesn’t require too much time. Thankfully, it also doesn’t require any anesthesia involved.
The attachment process is practically painless, even though it can be slightly uncomfortable.
During this stage, the dentist will put the dental posts in the patient’s mouth. These posts will ensure that the replacement teeth are in the proper place. They need to be in the right place and to be firm.
Even the slightest movement can cause discomfort, requiring the patient to visit the dentist’s office.
Of course, the technician will ensure that the attachment is firm. The way this is possible is by using unique dental adhesive. Being successful with this procedure mainly depends on bone density.
If the patient doesn’t have enough of it, the technician must invest additional effort to address it. After it’s complete, visiting the dentist’s office for maintenance is advisable.
The Benefits of All-on-4
Now that we have addressed the whole process, we want to highlight the benefits of all-on-4.
Eat and Drink Normally
After the installment of all-on-4, you can return to eating normally again. Sure, there are some foods you should avoid, mainly crunchy and hard.
While there are chances of the installment getting damaged due to that, it is still possible that some damage will occur, especially if you are not careful.
However, you can dine as you used to without fearing discomfort or potential damage to your new set of teeth. The most important thing is that nobody will notice you have undergone the procedure.
Also, your chin will make no noises, which is characteristic in moments when the job is not properly done.
Restored Appearance
After the restoration, you will not miss any teeth no longer. Unfortunately, people who are about to undergo this procedure have lost all their teeth, so smiling for them can be embarrassing, ultimately harming their self-esteem.
But when it is all over, an individual can smile and not worry about these issues.
At the same time, the jaw structure is preserved, and deterioration is no longer ongoing. In cases when dentures are not fixed properly, moving chins tend to make strange and uncomfortable sounds.
But when done properly, you will not need to worry about these sounds or comfort.
Prevents Future Health Problems
Missing a tooth is far more than just an aesthetic problem. It can cause a wide array of different dental problems as well. The one that immediately comes to mind is the deterioration of the jawbone.
Since there is no tooth, there is no root, which immediately causes the jawbone to deteriorate.
Besides that, dental problems can cause conditions such as strokes or heart attacks, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Of course, this happens mostly in severe cases when these problems are not addressed immediately.
Nevertheless, you can prevent a string of overall health problems by tending the dental problems.
Easy Maintenance
Maintaining all-on-4 dental implants is not complex. Besides paying attention not to eating hard and crunchy food, as we’ve already said, your habits will not be much different.
You can prevent almost all the problems by regular flossing and brushing, which is not too different from the habits with natural teeth.
Besides that, regular checkups are a must. The technician should follow your case as closely as possible to prevent any problems in the future. Even though most problems are predictable, sometimes, you cannot know when they will happen.
So, consulting a professional who understands these signs is an important thing to do.
Summary
As you can see, all-on-4 is a complex yet highly precise method. However, people who have lost teeth will find this method suits them. The most important thing is to find an experienced technician whose portfolio is filled with these surgeries.
Sometimes, this search might be long. Therefore, it would help to arm yourself with patience before starting.