Oral health is an integral part of our overall well-being, and a beautiful smile can boost our confidence, positively impacting our social relationships. However, tooth loss is a common issue many people face, and traditional dentures can often be uncomfortable. In such cases, the revolutionary All-On-Four treatment in modern dentistry comes into play.
What is All-On-Four?
All-On-Four is an innovative treatment method offering an excellent solution for individuals experiencing tooth loss. This technique allows for a full dental prosthesis using only four implants. Unlike traditional implant treatments that require a separate implant for each tooth, All-On-Four requires only four implants for either the upper or lower jaw. This approach shortens the treatment time and reduces costs.
Why Choose All-On-Four?
All-On-Four treatment has many advantages, making it a preferred choice for many patients:
- Financial: Since it does not require an implant for each tooth, the costs are lower. Additionally, the shortened treatment time reduces extra expenses.
- Natural Look and Feel: The prostheses achieved with All-On-Four look and feel like natural teeth. This allows you to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: With proper care, All-On-Four prostheses can be used without issues for many years.
How Does the Treatment Process Work?
The All-On-Four treatment follows a phased approach similar to traditional implant treatments. The treatment stages are as follows:
- A thorough clinical examination is conducted before treatment. During this examination, the patient is informed in detail about the treatment process. Factors such as the patient’s suitability for the treatment and whether any teeth need extraction are assessed.
- If any teeth need to be extracted, local anesthesia is applied, and the teeth are removed. Then, implants are placed.
- Impressions are taken from the implants to prepare temporary prostheses, ensuring the patient does not remain toothless during the treatment period. This is one of the advantageous aspects of the treatment.
- After the necessary waiting period, permanent implants are placed, which the patient can use permanently. The implants used in this treatment are the same as those used in traditional implant treatments.
- Temporary prostheses are placed and secured immediately after the implant application, allowing the patient to start using their prosthetic teeth the same day.
- A specific period, usually between 3 to 6 months, is required for the placed implants to integrate with the jawbone.
Who is Suitable for All-On-Four?
All-On-Four treatment is ideal for individuals who have lost all or most of their teeth. It also provides an excellent solution for those who experience issues with traditional dentures or have difficulty chewing and speaking due to missing teeth. However, a detailed evaluation with your dentist before treatment is essential to determine the best treatment option for you.
Post-Treatment Care and Precautions
Factors to consider after treatment include:
- Use prescribed medications regularly.
- Avoid hot foods for a few days and consume a diet of soft foods.
- Avoid hard foods to prevent stress on the new implants.
Your dentist will provide detailed information on post-treatment care. Contact your dentist to learn more about this innovative treatment for a healthy and beautiful smile.
