The core differentiator when it comes to All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants is how these two types of implants function. All-on-4s are a type of implant that only needs 4 teeth to be replaced to support an artificial tooth. Traditional dentures, on the other hand, require jawbone removal and full reconstructive surgery before they can be fitted for use. The all-on-4 implant process provides a much easier treatment plan with a quicker recovery time – at better value for money.
When discussing both types of implants side by side, it is important to note that traditional dental implants use full jawbone removal and reconstructive surgery (e.g. bone grafting and cementing), while the all-on-4 dental implant did not require this. This may lead to a faster recovery time and better results since no bone would be left over after the procedure.
It is also worth highlighting that the all-on-4 dental implant offers a much cheaper treatment plan than traditional implants. However, this does not take into consideration the fact that there is fewer tooth being replaced and that the cost of both treatment plans is likely going to be more expensive overall for the patient.
The two treatment plans above can also be compared by looking at how long each takes, to provide a better idea of value for money when choosing which implant to have. Let us go into depth on the topic:
All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants; Recovery Time
The average recovery time when having traditional dental implants is a minimum of 4–6 weeks, with the average being 8–12 weeks. When looking at all-on-4s, the recovery time is reduced to a minimum of 3–4 weeks. This means that patients may need to wait longer for treatment when compared to traditional dental implants.
Reiki 1, 2, and 3 are three different treatment levels that a dentist can use to explain the benefits of the All-on-4 system and how it differs from traditional implants.
Reiki 1 is a general introduction to the implant. It describes the benefits of all-on-4 implants and how they differ from traditional implants. Reiki 2 talks about bone quality and bone grafting, explaining past issues with bone grafting in general, as well as problems patients may have after suffering tooth loss. Reiki 3 discusses the specific steps needed to perform all-on-4 dental implants, and how they differ from traditional implants. Reiki 4 is an advanced level that is designed for dentists who have already been trained in the Reiki 1, 2, and 3 levels. However, it can be beneficial to anyone who wishes to learn more about the al-on-4 system and its potential benefits.
Because of the removal process, the treatment plan is likely to be more expensive than traditional dental implants. Nonetheless, if a patient is interested in having all-on-4s fitted, they will appreciate knowing that their treatment is likely to be shorter and cheaper, due to the short recovery time and reduced bone removal required.
All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants; Post treatment
When traditional dental implants are used, patients will have to wait an average of 1 year for their bodies to adjust to the implant. This can be frustrating for some people who wish to enjoy their new teeth as soon as possible. All-on-4s do not require this level of patient patience. The patient can enjoy their replacement teeth immediately after having them fitted.
All-on-4 dental implants can be used after a tooth extraction or tooth replacement surgery. For example, if a patient has had their wisdom teeth removed and is now looking to replace their teeth in the same mouth, they will have to wait several months to heal. However, if All-on-4 dental implants are used as opposed to traditional implants, they can begin enjoying their new teeth immediately after having them fitted without any complications.
Bone grafting vs no bone grafting
After the procedures have been completed and the jawbone has healed, traditional dental implants are a good option for replacing missing teeth. However, when all-on-4 dental implants are used, the bone grafting option is not required to replace a missing tooth. This means that fewer teeth have to be replaced at once and that a patient’s recovery time is likely to be shortened. Furthermore, because the tooth replacement will not require bone grafting, there is less chance of complications occurring.
All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants: Cost and Value
Traditional dental implants come with a price tag of approximately £18,000. This is likely to increase if further treatment is required after the initial procedure. Conversely, all-on-4 dental implants are an affordable option and will also be cheaper than traditional systems over time. However, patients should consider the fact that there will probably be more requirements in terms of visit frequency. Look up Best periodontist near me in Los Angeles or dental implants near me and you will find Southland Dental Care and enquire about their prices.
Traditional Dental Implants; More teeth treated at once
Traditional dental implants can only help to replace a single tooth at a time but can also be used for full mouth dental implants. Patients who wish to replace multiple teeth, must pay more money and also undergo multiple lengthy treatments. All-on-4 dental implants, on the other hand, are designed to be used on patients who want to replace 4 or more teeth at once. This means that the cost and time spent are likely to be lower overall, meaning more value for money.
Implant placement
Due to the short recovery time and use of fewer implants, the placement procedures are easier when all-on-4s are used. They do not require as many treatments as traditional dental implants tend to do. Therefore, the overall procedure is simpler since there is less bone removal required, and bone grafting is also not an issue.
The use of all-on-4 dental implants may be appropriate for the following patients:
Patients who have undergone a surgical procedure such as tooth extraction, tooth replacement, or bone reconstruction in the past are looking to bolster their dental health.
Patients who have suffered from periodontal disease and side effects of missing tooth and are looking to replace their teeth in a simple, yet effective way.
Patients who know that they have weak jawbones after undergoing previous surgery can opt for all-on-4 dental implants.
Patients who are interested in receiving a shorter treatment plan must go for all-on-4 dental implants.
Patients who are not keen on bone grafting surgery should choose all-on-4 dental implants.
The overall procedure for all-on-4 dental implants is as follows:
• Patients must have their jawbone softened through the use of massages and physiotherapy sessions to reduce any pain to a minimum level.
• Patients may also require medication for their pain.
• Patients are likely to have their teeth removed before the procedure. This means that they can undergo straight surgery without any invasive procedures such as bone grafting.
• The jawbone that is inside the mouth will then be cut open and shaped by a special tool. It is because of this treatment that it will not take as long to fit all-on-4 dental implants as compared to traditional implants or tooth replacements.
• The all-on-4s are then fitted. This is the final step of the procedure.
The overall procedure for traditional dental implants is as follows:
• 1 to 4 teeth are removed.
• The jawbone is then cut open and shaped by a special tool.
• A tooth replacement can be installed afterward.
All-on-4 systems are also used as a bridge system to treat patients who have lost their teeth and are suffering from side effects of missing tooth or have had dental implants before, if they are experiencing some issues with the latter or if they have lost all of their teeth due to bone loss.
Advantages of All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants
Because of their non-invasive nature and use of smaller implants, all-on-4 dental implants are a practical option that can be fitted quickly after surgery or tooth extraction. They are less invasive and easier to fit than traditional dental implants.
The patient can enjoy their replacement teeth immediately after having them fitted. When comparing All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants, all-on-4s offer patients a shorter treatment plan and quicker recovery time compared with traditional implants, which may be required for several months.
Furthermore, the fact that all-on-4s are used on patients who are not keen on bone grafts, allows for quicker and less invasive procedures as compared to traditional implants even when conducting full mouth dental implants. As such, all-on-4s are a suitable option in terms of cost and value.
Disadvantages of all-on-4 dental implants
Although all 4 dental implants are a better option for most patients who wish to replace teeth, it is important to be aware of some complications that can occur before one can opt for this particular system. There are four main disadvantages that can occur: bone breakage, excessive bone growth, jaw dislocation, and inferior bone quality.
• Bone breakage – problem of bone breakage is the most common issue that occurs when using all-on-4 implants. The effect of this problem is that the jawbone breaks down, and the patient must undergo a bone graft or use another dental implant-based technique.
• Excessive bone growth – sometimes, as a result of using all on 4 implants, there will be excessive growth in the jawbone.
• Jaw dislocations – this is a serious issue that can occur and is not very common. In such cases, the jawbone is displaced from the sockets of the skull, which means that there will be constant movements in the mouth.
• Inferior bone quality – All on-4 implants cannot be used for patients with inferior bone quality. This means that those who have undergone surgery must wait until their bodies have healed enough so that they can undergo an all-on-4 treatment without any complications.
A good example of how all-on-4 dental implants are used is in the case of patients who have just had their teeth extracted. If the sockets left by their old teeth are still healthy and in good shape, all-on-4 dental implants can be fitted immediately, and the patient can start to enjoy their new teeth immediately.
It is also important to be aware that patients who have undergone surgery may also be given medications for pain control. It is because of this that some patients may experience adverse effects when using all-on-4 dental implants.
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