Losing multiple teeth not only affects one’s appearance but also poses significant challenges to daily life. Traditional dentures, while common, come with their set of limitations. This is where the revolutionary All-on-4 dental implant procedure steps in, offering a transformative solution to restore full mouth function. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the entire journey of All-on-4 dental implants, unraveling the intricacies and shedding light on what patients can expect.
What Sets All-on-4 Apart?
Before delving into the procedure, let’s understand what makes All-on-4 different. Unlike traditional dentures that sit atop the gums, All-on-4 directly embeds anchoring dental implants into the jawbone. This not only provides secure adhesion but also stimulates bone density, preventing the gradual loss of jawbone strength experienced with conventional dentures. With the strength of this innovative approach, patients can enjoy a diverse range of foods without worrying about adhesive issues or unexpected separations.
The All-on-4 Procedure Overview
1. Initial Consultation & Examination
The journey begins with a thorough examination and consultation with one of Sloan’s Lake Dental’s professionals. This includes a comprehensive review of the patient’s dental health, past medical history, x-rays, digital 3D scans, and a detailed physical examination. The dentist aims to gain a complete understanding of the patient’s dental health and identify any underlying issues that need addressing before commencing the All-on-4 procedure. This stage also involves a discussion about the patient’s goals, ensuring alignment on expected outcomes.
2. Pre-Procedure & Patient Prep
Once the consultation concludes and the decision is made to proceed with the treatment, the pre-procedure stage begins. Precise measurements are taken to plan the placement of dental implants and design the shape and orientation of the replacement teeth prosthesis. This ensures a perfect fit, optimum comfort, and stability between the implants and the prosthesis. Measurements include the height of the natural gum lines, assessment of overbite or under-bite, and planning for ridge reduction to achieve the desired final outcome.
3. The All-on-4 Procedure, Step By Step
Sedation and Tooth Extraction
On the day of the surgery, the patient is sedated for comfort. The surgical process commences with the extraction of existing teeth and removal of excess or damaged gum tissue.
Ridge Reduction and Implant Placement
An incision is made along the length of the ridge on both the top and bottom jaws to expose the jawbone for ridge reduction. The ridge reduction involves removing a predetermined amount of bone to accommodate the replacement tooth prosthesis. Dental implants are then precisely placed in the jawbone, avoiding contact with other facial anatomy.
Abutment Attachment and Temporary Prosthesis
Abutments, serving as mounting posts for the replacement tooth prosthesis, are attached to the implants. The contact points between the abutments and the temporary prosthesis are marked, drilled, and tested for a secure fit. The temporary prosthesis is secured in place using mechanical fasteners, ensuring stability.
Checking Bite Pattern and Occlusion
Holes in the temporary prosthesis are filled and sealed, and the bite pattern is checked and verified. Any irregular contact points are corrected to ensure the proper occlusion of the top and bottom jaws.
4. Recovery Stage & Final Prosthesis Fitting
Post-surgery, the patient follows standard guidelines for oral care. Pain relievers are prescribed as needed, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress. During the initial months, a soft-food diet is recommended to allow the implants to integrate fully with the surrounding bone. After approximately 3-4 months, when the bonding process is complete, the patient can broaden their diet.
Once the healing process concludes, the patient returns for another set of impressions. These impressions are used to craft the final prosthesis, customized to match the contours of fully healed gums and implants. The final prosthesis is attached, completing the procedure.
Regain Full Mouth Function & Confidence
The impact of the All-on-4 dental implant procedure extends beyond aesthetics. Imagine the profound change in the life of someone dealing with the challenges of lost and missing teeth. Suddenly, their smile is rejuvenated, a wider world of food options reopens, and their self-confidence is restored. All-on-4 provides not just replacement teeth but an opportunity for patients to regain full mouth function and embrace life with renewed confidence.
Is All-on-4 Right for You?
To explore if All-on-4 is the right solution for you or someone you love, contacting Sloan’s Lake Dental for an initial consultation is the first step. The comprehensive examination, detailed planning, and transformative outcomes make All-on-4 a life-changing procedure for those dealing with missing teeth.
