All on 4
Honolulu & Oahu
All on 4 provided by Dr. Haruki
and Dr. Oishi
in Honolulu & Waipi'o, HI at Pacific Maxillofacial Center
 Oral surgeons and researchers are constantly working on better ways to restore missing teeth. Due to the widespread issue of tooth loss globally, there is a need for more effective and natural treatment options. As a result, All-on-4 dental implants have been developed. These types of implants are popular and flexible choices for patients who visit us at Pacific Maxillofacial Center. Our oral surgeons recommend this option for patients whose jawbone may not be in optimal condition in terms of quantity. This treatment entails adding a fixed bridge on four dental implants strategically positioned in the front jaw.
What Are All-on-4 Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are an advanced way to replace missing teeth. Unlike regular dentures or bridges, All-on-4 implants do not need adhesives and are cared for like natural teeth. They use titanium implants in the jawbone with custom-made teeth attached to them. The All-on-4 process usually happens in one day. After the implants are placed, temporary dentures are used until the implants fuse with the jawbone. This fusion, called osseointegration, usually takes about six to eight weeks. Then, your oral surgeon adds permanent dentures.
All-on-4 Implant Procedure
Millions of Americans are living with the absence of at least one tooth, and 36 million are experiencing total tooth loss. This critical lack of teeth calls for oral rehabilitation solutions such as All-on-4 implants. Dental implant surgery offers a reliable solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. Contrary to what many might initially believe, the process of receiving All-on-4 implants is straightforward. Below are all the steps you will have to undergo during the treatment period.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
The initial stage involves a comprehensive examination of your oral health. This includes dental X-rays and, in some cases, a CBCT scan to assess the jawbone and other underlying structures. Your medical history, current health status, and medications will also be discussed to determine your suitability for the procedure. Your oral surgeon will suggest an implant-supported prosthesis, and treatment will commence once you agree.
Tooth Extraction
Following the diagnosis, the next step entails the removal of any existing teeth that require replacement. This may involve healthy teeth as well if they obstruct the placement of All-on-4 implants. Do not worry about the extractions since the process is relatively pain-free.
Implant Placement
As the procedure involves sedation, it is essential to arrange for transportation home. Once you are sedated, the oral surgeon will extract any remaining teeth and create small incisions in the gums to prepare the four upper and four lower arch sockets for implant placement. Implant screws are then secured into the jawbone, followed by the attachment of connectors. In some cases, a bone graft may be necessary. Finally, the gums are sutured, and temporary dentures are fitted while the implant sites heal.
Final Adjustments and Follow-Up
As the treatment nears completion, abutments will be installed, connecting a new set of custom-made teeth. This process may occur during the same visit as the implant placement or at a later appointment. In the case of immediate load implants, your oral surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to care for your teeth.
After the implants are in place, it is crucial to allow for proper healing. The post-surgery recovery period generally involves 72 hours of rest and the application of ice packs to reduce swelling. The oral surgeon may also prescribe pain medications and preventive antibiotics. Osseointegration takes approximately three to six months for new bone growth to merge with the implants. During this period, a soft-food diet is recommended to minimize pressure on the implants and reduce discomfort. Upon the completion of osseointegration, the temporary dentures will be replaced with your permanent fixed implant dentures.
Who Can Undergo All-on-4 Implants?
Before you can undergo a full-arch restoration, your oral surgeon must review some facts about your health. This process is recommended for those who are healthy. If you suffer from a chronic condition, you may not be a good fit. Here are a few factors that matter.
Patients Medical History
Oral surgeons must thoroughly assess the medical background of the patient before recommending dental implant surgery. This step is pivotal in determining the safety of proceeding with surgery. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes are not suitable candidates due to its interference with the healing process, potentially resulting in treatment failure. Additionally, those with uncontrolled hypertension should not undergo dental surgery due to the heightened risk of health complications during the procedure. Lastly, smoking is also a contraindication as it hampers the healing process.
Number of Missing Teeth
The All-on-4 procedure aims to restore an entire dental arch, meaning there will be no natural teeth left. All-on-4 is an edentulous treatment suitable for patients who have lost all their teeth, but those with a few remaining teeth can also be considered. The key is to remain optimistic, as almost all oral health issues can be resolved with patience, flexibility, and diligence. It is crucial to note that tooth extraction is always a last resort. In cases of severe tooth loss, where only a few weakened teeth remain, extracting them to restore the mouth with implant-supported dentures might be considered. Patients with several or most of their teeth intact and in good condition are not suitable for All-on-4 dental implants. In such cases, alternative treatments like fixed single-unit dental implants, bridges, or partial removable dentures can be explored.
Bone and Gum Health
For dental implants to be safely supported, the jaw bone must meet specific criteria. Although All-on-4 was developed for individuals with insufficient bone, there are still minimum requirements. Typically, the bone undergoes a resorption process after tooth loss, causing it to shrink. If this bone loss is significant and the maxillary bone lacks adequate volume, placing implants safely may not be feasible. Bone grafting can sometimes address this issue.
What Is the Lifespan of All-on-4 Implants?
Individuals with these dental implants can anticipate minimal complications or failures associated with the implants and prosthetics. Full arch implants are expected to last from ten years to a lifetime. Sustaining the longevity of your implant is achieved through routine dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene. It is advised to refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption, as these substances can cause harm to the implant site, thereby reducing its lifespan.
Contact Us Today!
An All-on-4 implant is a dental procedure that seeks to restore full dental function to edentulous patients. It is widely accepted and boasts of a very high success rate. Our experts at Pacific Maxillofacial Center recommend All-on-4 implants for full arch restoration. If you have lost a significant number of teeth, get in touch with us. Call our office at 808-585-8455 to discuss your options. |
