Many people today have lost hope for their teeth. Years of gum disease, decay, or failed treatments have left them with missing teeth, broken teeth, or uncomfortable dentures. But that doesn’t mean your days of having a healthy smile are over. The All-on-4 dental implant procedure has proven to be life-changing for several people over the years.
For individuals who are missing several teeth or simply searching for an alternative to dentures, the All-on-4 implants might just be the ultimate solution you have been looking for. Not only does having a healthy smile boost your confidence; it also impacts your regular activities like eating and talking, and makes them a more enjoyable experience.
In case you have been considering opting for the All-on-4 dental implants in Liverpool, this is all you need to know about the dental restorative procedure.
What Is An All-On-4 Dental Implant?
All-on-4 dental implants work just the same way as traditional implants. But here, instead of having one titanium post for each tooth, patients can receive an entire row of replacement teeth on just 4 titanium posts. About 10 to 14 teeth can be positioned on the 4 implants, and they are typically placed immediately after the implants have been installed successfully.
What to Know About the Procedure
The ultimate goal of the All-on-4 dental implant procedure is to get missing, unsatisfactory, and damaged teeth replaced with implant-supported dental prosthetics. This could involve either the bottom or top arch, or even both at the same time.
The procedure begins with some initial step that includes an initial consultation with one of our professional prosthodontists at Pall Mall Dental Practice. Here, you will have the chance to ask some questions bothering you about the procedure and learn about how you can benefit from the treatment option.
After the initial consultation, we will be able to tell if you are the right candidate for All-on-4 dental implants and you will be required to take some diagnostic imaging tests like x-rays and 3D CT scan.
After having the result of the test, then the next steps in the procedure can be done, which are the core steps of the surgical portion of the procedure. And that will lead us to the next 4 distinct phases of All-on-4 dental procedure.
- Site work & extraction
This is the first step in the surgical portion and involves the preparation of the mouth to receive the implants. Here, you will be sedated while the remaining teeth are extracted – if that is necessary. Also, the soft tissues of the gums are cleaned and disease debris is removed.
- Implant insertion
Here, 4 dental implants are embedded into the jaw at strategic locations in each arch. If it’s for a complete mouth restoration, 8 implants are going to be needed. Four will be positioned at the upper arch, and the other four at the lower arch. The locations and angles at which these implants are positioned are heavily influenced by the data collected during the initial consultation session.
- Abutment affixment
After the implants have been positioned, the next thing is to affix some multi-unit abutments to the implants in order to provide a mounting point for the visible dental prosthetics.
- Attachment of dental bridge
When abutments and implants are now in place, a temporary load-bearing bridge is the next thing to happen. The bridge is held in place using some tiny screws. These bridges provide an aesthetic, yet functional prosthetic placeholder until a beautiful, final set of teeth can be fabricated.
- Adjustments
This is also often referred to as the “touch-up” and this may include recontouring the gum to provide better visual aesthetics. It can also include making modifications to the fit and bite of the prosthetics themselves.
Unique Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants Treatment
The unique characteristics of the All-on-4 treatment have made it popular for individuals looking to restore their smile and give their life a boost. Below are some of the characteristic benefits of All-on-4 dental implants:
#1: Compared to Conventional Dental Implants, All-On-4 Is Cost-Efficient
Unlike traditional dental implants that may require a separate implant for each prosthetic, AO4 replaces an entire arch (up to 16 teeth) with just 4 implants. This makes the treatment two or three times more cost-effective.
#2: It Is a Graftless Solution
A bone grafting procedure may be necessary, especially in a situation where there is inadequate bone depth required for a conventional implantation procedure. But since the posterior implants in an All-on-4 treatment are installed at a 45-degree angle, there may not be any need for grafting.
#3: Smile in a Day
Because of the shorter treatment time AO4 offers, you can receive a brand-new smile in just a single day. This means you don’t have to wait up to 3 months for your graft to heal. You can leave the surgery with a full set of new teeth that same day!
#5: It Can Last a Lifetime
The treatment can often last a lifetime. They look completely natural and won’t fall out accidentally. Additionally, the All-on-4 treatment option contributes to improved health as it prevents underlying bone absorption and jaw bone loss.
#6: It Provides Flawless Aesthetics
The treatment option some of the best cosmetic aesthetics in dentistry. The visible replacement teeth are color-matched, custom-crafted, and fitted to the mouth of each patient. That way, it provides a unique, personalized solution for every customer.
#7: Eliminates Health Issues Associated With Failing and Missing Teeth
The All-on-4 dental implant procedure helps in reducing the chances of periodontal diseases. Thus, creating a healthier mouth and a healthier body. Recently, periodontal diseases which are mostly caused by bacterial infection have been linked to diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and other chronic diseases.
Because dental implants help in restoring your mouth to its natural state, they may help to check periodontal diseases. By taking good care of your mouth with regular brushing and flossing, dental implants will enhance your overall health.
How Much Does It Cost to Have All-On-4 Dental Implants and What Influences the Cost?
There is no price fits all for all-on-4 dental implants since not all AO4 implants are created equal. There are many factors that may influence the final price of the procedure. Some such factors include:
- The number of teeth that requires extraction
- Sufficient bone for implant – if not, additional bone grafting might be required
- On how many jaws implants are needed – is it only the upper, the lower, or both
- If a CT Scan is recommended – that can increase the final cost
- The type of sedation you prefer – while oral is the least expensive, intravenous (IV) and general anesthesia are very expensive
If you have been looking for the perfect option to reinvent your smile, then All-On-4 dental implants might just be for you.
So, schedule a consultation with us now to help determine if you are the right candidate for the procedure. Call us now at 0151 258 1968 or use the Contact form to schedule an appointment.
The smile you have always desired is now right at your fingertip!