How All-on-4 Dental Implants Can Benefit A Variety Of Patients

Osseointegration, the process in which bone tissue in the jaw fuses with a dental implant, is instrumental to the longevity and durability of dental implants. Unfortunately, many patients who want to get dental implants, such as long-term denture wearers who want to upgrade their appliance, may have already experienced bone loss that can present a barrier to dental implant placement. The All-on-4 approach can overcome this obstacle and allow a larger pool of patients to access this valuable treatment.

All-on-4 Technique: Maximizing Available Bone Tissue

With All-on-4, an oral surgeon places four dental implants near the front of the jaw. The outer two implants are angled underneath the jaw, which helps them to support the weight of the entire rear portion of the appliance. This technique benefits patients who have experienced bone loss because the bone tissue at the front of the mouth tends to erode more gradually than the thinner bone at the back.

By eliminating the need for dental implants at the back of the jaw, more patients can proceed with All-on-4 dental implant placement without needing to undergo a preliminary bone graft. In fact, the oral surgeon typically inserts the four dental implants in a single appointment lasting just a few hours. Many patients can be fitted with a temporary appliance immediately after the implants are placed.

Maintaining Your Dental Implants After Placement

All-on-4 dental implants can last for decades, but it’s imperative for the patient to be conscientious about maintaining good oral health habits and seek professional care in a timely fashion. Much of the recommendations for taking care of All-on-4 dental implants are the same as those for optimizing your biological teeth. You must take care to clean your gumline on a daily basis to prevent the accumulation of bacteria that can attack the gum tissue and the underlying bone and cause premature dental implant failure. You will also still need to see your dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings.

If you have considered dental implants to restore your smile but are worried that bone loss may stand in your way, consider All-on-4 dental implants. Schedule a consultation at Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates to learn if this treatment can benefit you.