Tooth loss can be a distressing experience that impacts a person’s oral health as well as their general confidence and emotional well-being. The good news is that modern dentistry has come a long way in recent decades to offer a number of fantastic solutions that won’t just restore a person’s smile, but can improve it and their overall oral function. Dental implants are one such fantastic solution as they provide a permanent and natural-looking replacement for a lost tooth or series of teeth.
Dental implants in themselves come in a wide variety of styles and have different ways of being inserted. The All-On-4 dental implant procedure is a type of technique that is greatly growing in popularity thanks to its affordability, effectiveness, and quick dental implant recovery time. We are going to look at these benefits, how All-On-4 dental implants work, and more in the following guide to better help you understand the process and make the right decision for your smile.
Understanding All-On-4 Dental Implants
History of the All-On-4 Dental Implant Procedure
The All-On-4 dental implant technique is a state-of-the-art dental impact procedure that replaces an entire arch of teeth with four strategically placed implants. This is an innovative approach that offers critical benefits compared to traditional methods.
Dr. Paulo Malo first developed the All-On-4 technique in the 1990s after significant research and trials. His goal was to simplify the dental implant process. He wanted to provide his patients with a quick and cost-effective solution to tooth loss and by working alongside leading implant manufacturer Nobel Biocare, he was able to do just that with the groundbreaking All-On-4 procedure.
Comparison With Traditional Dental Implants
Comparing All-On-4 dental implants with traditional implant procedures is the best way to understand their significance. A traditional implant procedure requires the dentist to physically place and strategically position each and every one of the patient’s missing teeth. This traditional approach requires a minimum of two surgeries for patients needing to replace most or all of their teeth with dental implants. These added surgeries equate to higher labor costs and extended recovery time. In contrast, an All-On-4 procedure can replace the patient’s entire mouth in just one visit!
The Procedure: Step by Step
Initial Consultation and Planning
As with all medical procedures, patients will need to complete a thorough consultation with a dentist skilled in dental implants. Your chosen dentist will evaluate your overall oral health and medical history and discuss any concerns you might have about tooth loss solutions like full mouth reconstruction. This consultation will help to ensure that All-On-4 is the right option for you.
Once you’ve been approved for All-On-4 with a personalized patient care plan, the next step is preparing for your specific implant procedure. Your dentist will use advanced diagnostic tools like 3D imaging and scans to determine how best to place the four implants for best success.
Surgical Procedure Details
One of the big benefits of All-On-4 is that you can have your entire dental implant surgery done in one go. Your dent