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WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ALL ON FOUR IMPLANTS

"All on Four" implants refer to a dental procedure designed to provide a full-arch prosthesis (replacement teeth) supported by only four dental implants. This technique is primarily used for patients who are edentulous (without teeth) or have failing teeth and need a full upper or lower arch restoration. Here’s an overview of the procedure and its benefits:

Overview

1. Implant Placement: Four implants are strategically placed in the jawbone, usually two near the front of the mouth and two at the back. The posterior implants are typically placed at an angle to maximize the use of available bone and provide better support.
2. Immediate Loading: Unlike traditional implants, which may require several months of healing before attaching a prosthesis, the All on Four technique often allows for the placement of a temporary prosthesis on the same day as the implants.
3. Prosthesis Attachment: After a healing period, a custom-made, permanent prosthesis is attached to the implants, providing a natural-looking and functional set of teeth.

Benefits

• Fewer Implants: Only four implants are needed to support an entire arch of teeth, making the procedure less invasive and potentially more cost-effective.
• Immediate Results: Patients can leave the dental office with a new set of teeth on the same day as the implant surgery.
• Bone Preservation: Angled placement of the posterior implants can reduce the need for bone grafting by utilizing the available bone more effectively.
• Improved Function and Aesthetics: The prosthesis is securely attached, providing stability for chewing and speaking, as well as a natural appearance.

Ideal Candidates

• Patients with significant tooth loss or decay.
• Individuals with sufficient bone density to support the implants.
• Patients seeking a long-term solution for missing teeth.

Overall, the All on Four implant procedure offers a reliable and efficient solution for full-arch dental restoration, improving both oral function and aesthetics.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE ALL ON 4 IMPLANT AND DENTAL IMPLANT

The main difference between All on 4 implants and traditional dental implants lies in the scope and method of the procedures. Here’s a detailed comparison:

All on 4 Implants

1. Purpose: Designed for full-arch restoration, replacing an entire upper or lower set of teeth.
2. Number of Implants: Only four implants per arch are used to support a full set of teeth.
3. Implant Placement: The implants are strategically placed, with two near the front of the mouth and two at an angle in the back to maximize bone use.
4. Procedure Time: Often allows for immediate loading, meaning a temporary prosthesis can be placed on the same day as the implant surgery.
5. Bone Grafting: Usually avoids the need for extensive bone grafting due to the angled placement of the posterior implants.
6. Cost: Typically more cost-effective for full-arch restorations compared to placing multiple individual implants.

Traditional Dental Implants

1. Purpose: Used to replace individual teeth or several teeth in various locations within the mouth.
2. Number of Implants: One implant per missing tooth; multiple implants are used if several teeth are missing.
3. Implant Placement: Each implant is placed where a tooth is missing, without the strategic angling used in the All on 4 method.
4. Procedure Time: Requires a healing period after implant placement (usually several months) before attaching the final prosthesis. Bone grafting may be needed if there isn’t sufficient bone.
5. Bone Grafting: More commonly needed to ensure there is enough bone to support each individual implant.
6. Cost: The cost can be higher when replacing multiple teeth because each implant and crown are priced individually.

Key Differences

• Scope: All on 4 is specifically for full-arch restoration, while traditional implants can replace single or multiple teeth.
• Number of Implants: All on 4 uses only four implants per arch, whereas traditional methods use one implant per missing tooth.
• Procedure Duration: All on 4 can often provide same-day temporary teeth, while traditional implants require a longer healing period before final teeth are placed.
• Bone Requirements: All on 4 can often avoid bone grafting due to the strategic angling of implants, while traditional implants might require grafting for adequate support.

In summary, All on 4 implants offer a streamlined and often more cost-effective solution for patients needing full-arch restoration, whereas traditional dental implants provide versatility for replacing individual or multiple teeth in different areas of the mouth.

HOW LONG DO ALL FOUR IMPLANTS LAST?

The longevity of All on Four implants can vary based on several factors, but they are designed to be a long-term solution for tooth replacement. Here are some considerations regarding their lifespan:

Longevity of All on Four Implants

1. Implants: The titanium implants themselves are highly durable and, with proper care, can last a lifetime. Studies have shown that the success rate for All on Four implants is quite high, often exceeding 95% over a 10- to 15-year period.
2. Prosthesis: The prosthetic teeth (denture) attached to the implants typically last around 10-15 years before they might need to be replaced due to wear and tear. Materials like acrylic or porcelain can wear down over time, similar to natural teeth.

Factors Influencing Longevity

• Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings help prevent gum disease and other issues that could compromise the implants.
• Lifestyle: Avoiding habits like smoking, which can affect healing and bone health, will improve the longevity of the implants. A healthy diet and avoiding excessive stress on the prosthesis (e.g., avoiding hard or sticky foods) also contribute to their longevity.
• Regular Check-Ups: Regular dental visits for check-ups and maintenance are essential. Dentists can monitor the condition of the implants and prosthesis, addressing any issues early on.
• Bone Health: The initial bone quality and the patient’s bone health over time can affect the implants' stability and longevity. Bone loss or other changes in the jawbone can impact the implants.

Maintenance and Replacement

• Maintenance: Routine care involves professional cleanings and inspections to ensure the implants and prosthesis remain in good condition.
• Replacement: While the implants themselves may not need replacement, the prosthetic teeth might. Replacement of the prosthesis involves creating a new set of teeth to attach to the existing implants.

With proper care and maintenance, All on Four implants can last many years. The implants themselves can last a lifetime, while the prosthetic teeth may need replacement every 10-15 years. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are key to maximizing the lifespan of All on Four implants.

HOW MANY TEETH DO YOU GET ON ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS?

All-on-4 dental implants typically support a full arch of teeth, providing a complete set of teeth for either the upper or lower jaw. Here’s what this entails:

Number of Teeth

• Full Arch Restoration: Each All-on-4 dental implant system is designed to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. This generally means 12 to 14 teeth per arch, depending on individual needs and the specific design of the prosthesis.

Prosthesis Design

• Fixed Bridge: The most common prosthesis used with All-on-4 implants is a fixed bridge. This bridge spans the entire arch and is securely attached to the four implants.
• Aesthetic and Functional Design: The prosthetic teeth are designed to look and function like natural teeth, providing an aesthetic and practical solution for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth in an arch.

Placement

• Strategic Implant Placement: The four implants are strategically placed in the jaw to maximize stability and support for the prosthetic teeth. The posterior implants are usually angled to provide better anchorage and reduce the need for bone grafting.
• Even Distribution: The prosthetic teeth are evenly distributed along the arch, ensuring proper bite function and a natural appearance.

Benefits

• Complete Restoration: By providing a full set of teeth, All-on-4 implants restore not only the function of chewing and speaking but also the appearance of a full smile.
• Stability and Comfort: The fixed nature of the prosthesis offers greater stability and comfort compared to removable dentures.

All-on-4 dental implants typically support 12 to 14 teeth per arch, providing a complete and functional set of teeth for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth in the upper or lower jaw. This approach offers a stable, aesthetic, and practical solution for full-arch restoration.

Dr. Taner CAKMAK and his professional team would be happy to solve your All-on-4 implant treatment in Kanata. Please call 613-519-1400 or email us at [email protected] to book an appointment.

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Dentist Kanata