All on 4 Dental Implants

Most adults over the age of 60 lose all of their teeth and are desperately looking for a fast and effective dental solution. The All on 4 implant technique is the only dental procedure that can make total oral repair in just one to two sittings. The All on 4 implant procedure is a long-term, fixed, aesthetic and immediately functional solution. It’s true that there are many other traditional dental solutions available, but due to the challenges that they bring dental science has come up with a far superior and permanent solution.

The All on 4 dental implant technique, otherwise known as Same day teeth, Same day smiles and Teeth in a day, is used to restore the maxilla and mandible with the help of fixed prostheses. In this procedure, 4 implants are placed in the anterior of the jaw, which contains the maximum density of bone. Due to the high rate of success with the all on 4 technique, the prosthesis is fitted on the very same day as the implant surgery.

Using this technique, both dental and aesthetic functions can be restored. Due to the fewer numbers of implants used in this technique, both prosthetic and surgical processes are simpler and faster, but provide the same excellent, long-lasting results as traditional implants.

The Procedure

In the Teeth in a day dental implant technique, a full arch can support a tooth restoration through the use of just 4 dental implants. Of the 4 implants two are off centre, placed at an angle of forty five degrees, and it is this that is the key ingredient in the success of the Teeth in a day technique. The angle at which they are placed facilitates maximum support from the bone. With traditional dental implants, patients who have lower bone levels would have to go through painful bone grafting surgery before implants can be fitted, but with the All on 4 dental implant technique, the doctor can treat patients who have poor bone levels without the need for bone grafting.

During this procedure, the flap of the gum is lifted and a tiny hole is made in the jaw with the help of a drill. The width and the length of the hole would perfectly match the size of the implants. The adjustment of the implants should be accurate and must be decided prior to the surgery.

With the use of the Same day smiles implant technique a dentist can fully reconstruct the mouth of a patient by fixing a dental prosthesis on the implants placed in the jaw.

How soon can I have my new teeth?

The process of All on 4 dental implants immediately allows the patient to use the mandible and maxilla, which is done in 2 phases:

In the first phase, which takes three to four days, the patient undergoes surgery in which a temporary acrylic prosthesis is placed on the mandible and maxilla, in place of the remaining teeth. The temporary prosthesis can be used for 5-10 years.

In the second phase, which normally takes place after four to six months of the first phase, the final prosthesis will be placed. This can be made up of titanium, ceramic or acrylic. Generally, a ceramic prosthesis is applied to the maxilla and titanium or acrylic prosthesis is applied to the mandible.

The patient can decide whether he or she wants the permanent prosthesis to be made of ceramic, titanium or acrylic or wants to apply the prosthesis of titanium or acrylic to both mandible and maxilla. The patient can also choose to completely skip the second phase and keep using the temporary acrylic prosthesis, which can be used for up to 5-10 years.

Benefits of all on 4 dental implants

One of the main benefits of this technique is that it allows patients with inadequate bone structure to receive implants. It is also cost effective in comparison to traditional implant techniques. The traditional implant technique needs more time for both the procedure and recovery, sometimes as long as 12 to 18 months, whereas with the All on 4 dental implant technique, the procedure can be completed in 2 to 3 sittings and the recovery period is generally 5 to 10 days. The teeth are permanent and the look and function are very much like the natural teeth.

Risks

There are no risks associated with the Same day teeth dental implant technique apart from those that are involved with any kind of dental surgery. If the instructions given before and after the surgery are properly followed, then complications are unlikely to happen.

However, it is very important to avoid any kind of infection to prevent dental health problems. Anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics must be taken. The doctor will select the drugs, as per the general health and allergies (if any) of the patient. If the patient is under any other prescription, the doctor will take that into consideration as well.

The main side effects of the All on 4 dental implant technique include swelling and bruising, which will disappear within 5 to 10 days. In case the patient requires anti-clotting medication, the recovery time may be slightly longer and very rarely temporary numbness may be felt.

After Surgery Care

The after surgery care of All on 4 implants does not affect normal life, although some precautionary steps can be taken. Applying ice on the affected area and eating cold and soft food for the first two days after the surgery is highly recommended. The patient can also benefit from staying away from sunlight and by keeping the head higher than the body while sleeping. These steps will facilitate faster recovery and will reduce pain.

The time required for recovery is generally between 5 to 10 days. This also depends on the general health condition of the patient. Theoretically, only one day is required for the recovery from surgery. However, due to the swelling and bruises, the complete recovery may take anywhere between 5 to 10 days.

The loss of teeth can greatly impact the way you speak, look, eat and feel about yourself. The negative effects can even cause clinical depression. Due to the limitations of the traditional dental implants many patients were not able to get dental implants. However, the All on 4 dental implant technique has created an opportunity where anyone who needs an implant can get it, regardless of inadequate bone levels.

What is the cost?

The cost of the All on 4 technique / Same day smiles / Same day teeth / Teeth in a day will be affected by various factors, though you can expect to pay around £8500 per arch or higher. Factors that will affect the price include:

  • Skill and experience of dentist
  • Location of dental practice
  • Model of implants used and diagnostic tests
  • Restoration tooth chosen