All-on-4 procedure –
No More Dentures
At one time, tooth replacement meant false teeth – partial or full dentures.
In the early 2000s, implant manufacturer Nobel Biocare collaborated with noted European implant dentist Paulo Malo to determine the optimal use of implants for restoring a full upper or lower arch of teeth. Using computer simulations, bio-mechanics, and clinical research they developed a denture alternative that uses the fewest implants possible, avoids bone graft surgery and provides high-quality restorative results in the shortest time possible.
Several years ago Dr Gen Russo went to Portugal to undertake training at the Paulo Malo clinic in this revolutionary new technique.
It is called the All-on-4 procedure and is a trusted alternative to a full denture.
The technique uses four implants, with the back implants angulated to take maximum advantage of existing bone. Special implants also were developed that could support the immediate fitting of replacement teeth. This treatment is ideal for almost anyone with dentures or in need of full upper and/or lower restorations.
More on All-on-4
Traditional approaches to restoring a full arch of teeth usually involved bone grafts. It also meant six or more implants and as many as 18 months of treatment. A patient would often be without any teeth (or with ill-fitting temporary dentures) for more than a year.
With the All-on-4 procedure, qualified patients receive just four implants and a full set of new replacement teeth in just one appointment – without bone grafts. The real appeal is how quickly permanent implants can be placed so that patients can leave the same day with fixed, non-removable replacement teeth.
How it works
With the All-on-4 Procedure, the patient has one or two visits to allow us to gather information for a treatment plan (eg CAT Scan, X-rays, impressions, photos). The patient is then scheduled for implantation and the new teeth are fitted and adjusted – all in one appointment (even when extractions are necessary).
You arrive in morning with unhealthy (or no) teeth and leave in the afternoon with a beautiful set of fixed, functional teeth.
The procedure requires occasional check-ups over the next several weeks and months. After around six months, when the gums have fully healed and the implants are fused to the natural bone Gentle Dental Care will take new impressions of the mouth and prepare a final, stronger, permanent set of teeth adjusted to a perfect fit.
The new teeth will last for decades and look and feel like natural teeth.
How does All-on-4 differ from a denture?
The All-on-4 Procedure provides patients with new teeth that are firmly fixed in place and look and function as close to natural teeth as possible.
The main differences include:
- A denture or partial denture is a removable appliance and should be taken out each night for cleaning.
- Dentures often slip (or sometimes fall out) even under normal use. Even with adhesives many people find that eating, laughing, being active and sometimes just talking can be a challenge with dentures.
- Many foods are off-limits due to the risk of dentures slipping or falling out.
All-on-4 teeth are connected to the implants and solidly fixed in place (what we call an implant-supported fixed bridge). They are bushed and cleaned like normal teeth (though flossing is different) and are the closest thing possible to natural teeth in terms of look, feel and function.
The All-on-4 bridge also allows you to bite with much more force than dentures since the stresses are transferred directly to the bone rather than to gum tissue. You can eat almost any of your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth.
For more information on All-On-4 call Gentle Dental Care and we will arrange your FREE initial consultation.
Easy payment plans are also available.