This two-part article series provides explanations for dentistry terms that may be interesting for patients facing the need for teeth replacement to learn.
Welcome back to our two-part article series on decoding those seemingly complicated (but really quite straight-forward) dentistry terms. In our previous article post, we discussed edentulism (not having a single original adult tooth left), periodontitis (gum disease), removable dentures (false teeth) and dental implants. In this article, we shall delve a little further into the dental implant technique that has created waves in the field of fixed oral rehabilitation: the “All on Four TM.”
About All on Four TM Dental Implants
The All on 4 TM procedure provides patients with full arch restoration typically with only one surgical procedure. The prosthetic dental bridge, which looks like a full set of teeth, is then immediately attached to four titanium implants per jaw (see diagram above) and is expertly fabricated to look and function just as natural teeth do.
The procedure essentially consists of the placement of two anterior (front) titanium screws into regions of the jaw bone that naturally contain a greater volume of atrophy-resistant bone tissue. Two posterior (back) implants are inserted into the jaw at a precise angle, which make the most effective use of healthy bone towards the back of the jaw. The prosthodontist then takes over from the oral surgeon to attach a temporary custom made prosthetic arch (bridge) to the implants. You will then be free to return home to recover!
All on 4 Implants: Fixed Oral Rehabilitation
Clinical studies have shown that the All on 4 TM has an equivalent or higher success rate than conventional bone grafting and implant techniques and is a much less traumatic procedure for patients to undergo owing to the lesser number of dental implants and fewer surgeries required. The All on 4 TM typically eliminates the need for bone grafting surgery; a procedure frequently required by patients who present with advanced jaw bone atrophy as a result of edentulism and denture-wearing. Bypassing this invasive surgery makes the All on 4 TM altogether more cost-effective and less painful, with a much shorter recovery period and more immediate results. So immediate, in fact, that you could walk out of the dentist’s office with a fully functioning mouth of teeth on the afternoon of having the procedure done!
Osseointegration is what makes dental implants successful as a tooth replacement solution. It is the end point of your procedure and what your jaw will be undergoing in the weeks following your surgery. Osseointegration is the process whereby your new implants truly begin to become part of the new you.
Here, bone growth begins to fuse to the titanium surface of the dental implants (see image above). Once the biological bonds between your jaw and the implants have become sufficiently strong, a patient will be required to return to the implant dentist to have their temporary prosthetic arch replaced by a permanent bridge. This is generally composed of prosthetic material mounted on a rigid metal framework for durability.
With proper dental care and maintenance, along with regular check-ups, the All on 4 TM bridge and implants can last several decades or longer. And you can use them as you would your natural teeth!
A Final Note from Implant Experts
Many of the terms you hear from implant experts or even your dentist may sound fairly intimidating, but upon closer examination they really are quite straight-forward. With only your very best interests and oral health at heart, you have nothing to be afraid of and if ever you have any questions or doubts, never hesitate to ask your dental health care professional!