Dentistry keeps advancing, the latest and the most popular dental makeover
we here of is all on 4 dental implants, a technique effective to
replace a full arch of missing teeth. Why the name all on 4? It is
because only 4 dental implants are used to support the denture, two
implants are fitted on the front and two others at the back. A bridge is
then attached to the implants to lock them in place. Its popularity is
due to the fact that even those who lack a bone there can have immediate
teeth through this technique.
Since all on 4 dental implants also use the bridges, you might think
what is the difference between the two? Though the process is similar,
there is a difference between them and that is of the healing period and
the amount of comfort they bring to patients. In standard practice, 6
implants are placed at 90 degrees into the jaw to support the full arch,
and it takes another 6 months before the bridge can be fitted. Patients
with less bone in the area, need to undergo bone grafting for this type
of dental makeover. Besides the amount of time it takes, it is also
more expensive as compared to all on 4 dental implants.
If you are planning to get immediate teeth
using all on 4 dental implants, then you would be a little doubtful
about its credibility and history. Developed in 1990, the technique is
today more than 2 decades old and has benefitted millions of people
around the world, giving them teeth which look real, are more
comfortable and can be fitted in just one day. Patients have been happy
to opt for it as it is also friendly on their pockets. Only thing to
remember here is that additional skills and technology are required to
perform it, and so all are not skilled to do it successfully.
However before all on 4 dental implants
can be performed on you, it is important to assess the condition of
your mouth, to know if it will support the treatment or not. This is
done through a series of tests like CT scan, X-rays and measurement of
bone density and impressions. Your dental makeover will be planned based
on these tests. Often you will notice that dentists use special
software and dedicated treatment planning system, to help them with the
process. Once you are through to the diagnostics, extraction and
placement of all on 4 dental implants is done, then abutment and teeth
are attached and lastly a follow up and second set of permanent teeth
takes place.