All-on-4 Dental Implants

All on 4: What Is It?

All on 4″ is a type of full-mouth implant restoration, simply defined as the placement of fixed teeth on four implants. Four implants are placed in the jaw, and after healing, a hybrid prosthesis (arch-like) or metal-supported porcelain can be crafted. It is considered one of the most cost-effective methods for full-mouth implants, suitable for individuals who have been toothless for an extended period or have very few remaining teeth.

Who Can Undergo All on 4?

Anyone with sufficient bone condition and no contraindications for implants can undergo All on 4. It is a preferred method for patients with bone loss. If there has been long-term tooth loss in the back regions, All on 4 may offer a more comfortable treatment approach, as it typically does not require sinus lifting operations. Implants are usually placed in the front parts of the jaw for prosthetic use.

How Is All on 4 Done?

All on 4 can be applied to a toothless mouth. If there are existing teeth, the process begins with their extraction. After tooth extraction, four implants are placed into the jaw. The healing process starts after implant placement. This healing process can vary depending on your bone condition and overall health. Temporary dentures are created for you to use during the healing process, ensuring that your social life is not negatively affected. After the healing process, at your second visit, permanent teeth are made according to your preference and attached to the implants.

Does All on 4 Cause Pain?

No, contrary to common belief, implant treatments are generally not painful. Since they are performed under local anesthesia, patients do not feel any pain. The treatment process may be described as uncomfortable. During the healing process, you will need to eat soft foods and use temporary prosthetics, which can be removed.

 

Why Is All on 4 Performed? Who Is the Ideal Candidate for All on 4 Dental Implants?

All on 4 is not typically the first choice for healthy individuals. It is preferred in cases where there is significant bone loss, determined through X-rays and 3D tomography images. If a patient’s teeth are loose due to gum disease or bone loss, or if the patient has lost teeth, this type of restoration may be considered. For a patient with healthy teeth, the priority should be to preserve their own teeth. All on 4 may be a sensible and economical option if solving the issue with implants in missing areas is not possible.

 

How Long Does All on 4 Treatment Take, and When Does It Conclude?

All on 4 requires patience but is a treatment that ultimately satisfies patients. The treatment consists of two parts. The first part is the surgical phase, where implants are placed in the jawbone. Impressions are taken from the patient’s mouth, and temporary teeth are made. This process takes a total of 3 days. During this time, you will use these temporary teeth while healing. It is crucial not to bite with these temporary dentures, as any pressure on the healing implants should be avoided. Soft foods should be consumed during the healing process. The healing process can take 3-6 months. In the second visit, permanent teeth are made, and this process usually takes around 7 days. Patients interested in this treatment must visit Turkey twice, and the total completion time of the treatment can range from 3 to 6 months.

 

How Long Does All on 4 Last? What Is Its Lifespan?

All on 4 prosthetics can last between 7 and 15 years. The lifespan depends on the material of the prosthesis. Implants, on the other hand, can last around 20-25 years. In some cases, individuals use implants throughout their lives. Oral hygiene is the most crucial factor affecting the lifespan.

How Is the Maintenance of All on 4 Done?

Hygiene of both implants and prosthetics is crucial in All on 4 restoration. Therefore, besides brushing three times a day, using water floss and special dental floss is essential. Food particles trapped between prosthetics and implants can lead to serious infections and implant losses.