All-on-4: An Overview
With All-on-4, an oral surgeon places four dental implants in the jaw to support a denture, and those dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium. This means that the bone in the patient’s jaw is able to form a strong bond with the dental implants. As a result of that osseointegration process, dental implants function similarly to the roots of biological teeth. This aspect of All-on-4 means that the appliance supported by the dental implants is more secure and durable than conventional dentures.
Why are All-on-4 dental implants more stable than conventional dentures?
Because the four dental implants are structurally similar to biological tooth roots, they anchor the jaw bone. With conventional dentures that lack such a root-like structure, the bone atrophies. This process changes the shape of the jaw, and the denture becomes more loose over time. Eventually, it will need to be relined and may ultimately need to be replaced. Additionally, the dental implants in All-on-4 help to hold the appliance in place more reliably than the denture adhesives used with standard dentures.
Am I eligible for All-on-4?
The dental implants in All-on-4 are placed toward the front of the jaw, so many patients will be eligible for this treatment option even if they’ve already experienced some bone loss. The bone in that area is thicker and erodes more gradually than the thinner bone under the sinus floor at the rear of the jaw. Although a large number of patients will qualify for All-on-4 dental implants, there are a variety of factors that will influence your eligibility. Your oral surgeon can give you more guidance about All-on-4 after evaluating your case.
To learn more about All-on-4 and find out if the treatment option might be a good choice for you, schedule a consultation with our team at Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates.