Tooth loss is a very common problem, especially in older people. In fact, it is considered that more than 35 million Americans lose most of their teeth when they get older. It is important because losing the teeth is not only an aesthetic problem, but also functional.

When a person loses most of his/her teeth, properly eating and chewing food can be very difficult. In fact, the normal function of all the stomatognathic (mouth and jaw) and gastrointestinal system, depends on a proper bite.

This explains why, dental experts have developed a lot of options to replace the missing teeth and ensure a proper bite in most people.

The traditional treatments or prosthesis, like the dentures, can produce a lot of discomfort for the patient, so the professional dentists worked hard to develop a new implant that allows replacing all the teeth in both the upper and the lower jaw just by placing 4 implants.

What are traditional dental prostheses?

Traditional dentures can be defined as removable replacements for missing teeth and gums. They can be made of acrylic plastic (the mostly used material), porcelain or metal. They can be classified as “total” or “partial”, according to the missing teeth that they replace, and “immediate” or “conventional” according to the time between the teeth extraction and the moment when they are used.

On the other hand, a dental implant is a small screw, usually made of titanium, that is inserted and adjusted in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. This technique is usually used when the patient is missing 1 or 2 teeth because it is required an invasive minor surgery to insert each screw in the site where the implant must be placed.

What is the innovative of All-on-4® dental implant?

The All-on-4® dental implant is so successful because it allows replacing many missing teeth without the need of a dental implant or screw for each one of them. This innovative technique consists in placing 4 implants in the top of the mouth and/or 4 on the bottom, according to the patient needs, and replace all the teeth and gums.

The All-on-4® dental bridge also has a fixed full-arch prosthesis which binds to the 4 implants. This fixed full-arch prosthesis can provide a better load distribution of the new teeth and decreases the stress levels in the implants and maxillary bone.

How was invented the All-on-4® dental implant?

It is important to know that before All-on-4® dental implant was performed, experts used other very similar procedures to treat this kind of dental conditions, like using 4 dental implants to support a full fixed bridge, or angulated implants in the back of the palate as individual treatments.

So, some experts decided to combine these techniques and called the result All-on-4®.

What are the advantages of using All-on-4®dental implant?

An important advantage of the All-on-4® dental implant is that, as it is made of titanium, it has the great ability to fuse with the maxillary bone, which means that the foundation for the implanted teeth is stronger and long-lasting than traditional implants.

Another important benefit of this fusion between the implant and the jawbone is that, as the jaw loses bone with the aging process, the fusion of the titanium implant with the jaw allows bringing support to some facial structures, like cheeks and lips, which helps to maintain a young and fresh facial structure and a better oral health.

Likewise, using the affordable All-on-4® dental implant, the patients who meet the criteria for immediate loading of implants can recover all their missing teeth in one day and with a perfectly natural aspect. So, the patient can get into the center with some or many missing teeth, and leave it with a completely natural smile and a totally functional jaw.

Among the huge benefits of the All-on-4® dental treatment, the improvement of patient’s mood and self-esteem can also be included because he/she will recover a beautiful smile. Likewise, this type of implants does not need special hygiene cares, so the patient must only brush and floss their teeth as he/she usually does.

In fact, many experts agree that one of the main reasons why the All-on-4® implants are so successful is that the patient feels that he/she has his/her natural teeth and it is so easy to take care of that it is not uncomfortable or annoying.

How is the previous preparation to undergo an All-on-4® dental bridge?

Although the procedure is performed in one day, the patient must have a first consultation with the experts to determine if he/she needs the All-on-4® dental bridge and if it is the most adequate kind of implant for him/her.

For this, some laboratory tests and image techniques (like the 3D CT Scan) are required. Once the patient and the surgeon have decided that this kind of dental implant is the most adequate for the patient, they select the day when the procedure will be performed.

How is performed the procedure to use an All-on-4® dental bridge?

The procedure basically consists on the placement of the 4 implants and arches by the dental surgeon in the patient’s jawbone while he/she is fully sedated, so he/she doesn’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

As it was said before, as it is an outpatient surgery, the patient is maintained in a recovery room after the procedure to check that all his/her vital signs and the manipulated area are ok and then, he/she can go home with some companion.

Where can I undergo this technique?

It is important to remember that this technique is so innovative and delicate, that it must only be performed by an expert being properly qualified in the area. There are some centers, also called All-on-4® dental clinic, destined to this kind of procedures, so they adapt their attention, staff and equipment to the patient’s need.

How much does an All-on-4® dental implant costs?

Although its price can widely vary, it is more affordable than other types of dental implants. So, if you think that the All-on-4® dental implant can be ideal for you and you want to know more about it, contact with www.123.clinic and we will help you.