Westcoast International Dental Clinic Vietnam

All ON 4 Dental Implants

All You Need To Know About the Benefits, Procedure, and Considerations of All on 4 Dental Implants

All on 4 Dental Implants have become a popular solution for those facing significant tooth loss. At Westcoast, we offer you this treatment as an efficient and effective option to replace missing teeth. This treatment enhances both appearance and function. Fees for the treatment can often be a third of countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. However, not all procedures, techniques and outcomes are the same. Understanding what each procedure entails is essential when choosing the right dental provider. This is because treatments can face various short- and long-term complications in as high as 80 percent of cases.

What Are All on 4 Dental Implants?

All on 4 Dental Implants provide the foundation for a full arch of replacement teeth using four strategically placed implants. They are unlike traditional implant methods, which require one implant for each missing tooth. This method not only reduces the number of implants needed but also minimizes the surgical process. It bypasses the need for extensive bone grafting and can provide replacement teeth on the same day of placement.

The implants themselves are titanium or titanium-zirconium, which integrates with the jawbone. This process of fusion, known as osseointegration, establishes a durable and lasting foundation for the replacement teeth. By placing the implants at specific angles, dentists maximize existing bone structure and often avoid the need for bone grafting.

Procedure

It is usually completed within a short time frame compared to traditional implant techniques. The process begins with an evaluation of the patient's oral health, including the density and quality of their jawbone. For patients with adequate bone density, the implant placement can begin without additional procedures. However, it is important to know that some patients may have lower-than-adequate bone density. Such cases are less than 7 mm wide, and/or less than 10 mm in length. These patients should not undergo an All on 4 procedure. The fundamental rule is, “sufficient bone for each implant taking the load of an upper arch.” The doctor will perform grafting if the bone is insufficient. Dr Andrew of Westcoast, “I have seen many cases where not enough bone was present for the 4 implants. This results in bone resorption, leading to failure of the entire case over time.”

Once the dentist places the implants, they can sometimes attach temporary replacement teeth immediately. We call this “Teeth in a Day.” It allows patients to leave the clinic with a complete smile on the same day of treatment. In the following months, the implants will bond with the bone. This creates a solid base for the permanent set of replacement teeth. Importantly, you must be extremely cautious when eating if you are going to have immediate teeth on newly placed implants.

Experts consider the procedure to be minimally invasive, thanks to newer modern techniques and technology. Experience and planning matter the most when doing this procedure. You only have one chance to get this procedure done right. This has helped reduce recovery times, allowing patients to return to their daily lives more quickly.

Benefits and Disadvantages of All on 4 Dental Implants

One of the major benefits of these implants is the stability they provide. Unlike traditional dentures, which can shift or loosen over time, All on 4 implants offer a secure and comfortable fit. This stability improves both chewing function and speech clarity.

Another advantage is the natural appearance of the replacement teeth. With advancements in dental materials, All on 4 Dental Implants closely mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. This enhances aesthetics, contributing to improved self-confidence for many patients.

Additionally, the All on 4 system is a more cost-effective solution compared to individual implants for each missing tooth. With only four implants needed per arch, the procedure is more affordable and requires less time than traditional implant methods.

However, there are some disadvantages after you have All on 4 Dental implants. The first is that you will find food getting into gaps around the bridge and gums where the implants are. No matter how well the laboratory makes the bridge, there are always some areas where food will collect. You need to maintain excellent oral hygiene to avoid leaving food stuck between the gum and bridge. This is because we don’t want inflammation of the gums where the implants are.

Another disadvantage is that people who have All-on-4 sometimes can only have 8 to 10 teeth. This is instead of a full mouth of 12 to 14. The disadvantage occurs when the back teeth limit the position of the last implant. For more teeth, All on 6 or 8, use of pterygoid implants (a special technique) would be necessary.

Finally, you need to know that this procedure depends on perfect planning and execution. If one implant fails out of four, the whole bridge will fail like a table that loses one table leg.

Improved Materials and Techniques

Dental implant technology has seen significant improvements in recent years, particularly in the materials used for implants. Titanium remains the standard material due to its biocompatibility. Newer designs and surface treatments have enhanced the overall performance of the implants. These advancements lead to better osseointegration, ensuring the implants fuse more effectively with the bone.

Digital technology also plays a crucial role in the success of the implants. Dentists can now use digital impressions and guided surgery techniques, offering precise implant placement and reducing the chances of complications. This technology results in less discomfort during the procedure and ensures the dentists accurately position the implants for long-term success.

Minimally invasive techniques have made the implant procedure more accessible for a wider range of patients. With reduced surgical time and fewer complications, patients experience quicker recovery periods and a more comfortable overall experience.

Immediate Loading Option: Teeth in a Day

In some cases, patients may benefit from immediate loading, where dentists place temporary restorations on the implants directly after surgery. Patients do not have to wait for months before receiving their new teeth. They can walk out with a complete set of functional teeth on the same day. This option isn’t available for every patient, however. Those who meet specific criteria, such as adequate bone density, may be eligible for immediate loading.

Factors to Consider

You should consider several factors when deciding whether All on 4 Dental Implants are the right solution for you. First, the cost of the procedure is a significant consideration. While they can be more affordable than traditional implant options, the price can still vary from US$8000 to 50,000. This depends on the place, the expertise of the surgeon, your individual circumstances and the chosen materials. Not all cases are the same due to the differences in people’s bite, dental history and how much bone remains. Cheaper implants and bridge materials have more issues. These include ceramic fractures, implant fractures, screw loosening of the bridge, bone loss and overall failure.

Good oral hygiene is essential for the long-term success of the implants. Regular dental check-ups, daily brushing, and flossing are necessary to ensure the health of the implants and surrounding gums. You will need to work with a clinic to receive a good follow-up.

Bone density is another crucial factor. While experts have designed the technique to maximize the use of existing bone, some patients may require bone grafting. This occurs if there is insufficient bone available to support the implants. At Westcoast, we will evaluate this and use methods to mitigate this issue.

Lastly, lifestyle factors such as smoking, high glucose intake and dietary habits can affect the success of the implants. Patients who smoke or have certain medical conditions may experience a slower healing process or complications. It’s important to discuss these factors with your dentist to determine the best course of action.

In Conclusion

All on 4 Dental Implants offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for individuals with missing teeth. With advancements in technology and materials, the procedure has become more accessible and effective. Whether you're seeking improved oral function, a natural smile or a long-lasting solution, this technique is worth considering. Always consult with your dentist to understand whether this treatment is the right fit for your needs.