Sitting in the dentist’s chair and not understanding what the professional and their assistant are talking about is nothing new. Over the years, dentists have developed their own vernacular to quickly communicate with others regarding your teeth. More recently, a solution called All-On-4 has arisen in Australia, and it’s another one not widely understood by patients (even those due to have it!).
With this in mind, let’s learn everything you need to know!
What’s All-On-4?
Essentially, this is a method of replacing all teeth in either the upper or lower row. If you have severe problems with your teeth or most have fallen out, the dentist will replace the whole row with an acrylic denture. The reason it has the name All-On-4 is that the entire row sits on four dental implants.
Rather than fitting a whole row of individual teeth, dentists can replace it with just four dental implants. Developed in the 1990s, it’s now a popular option worldwide and a solution that helps patients feel confident with their smile once again.
According to an ABC News report in Australia, just over 15% of all Australians have fewer than 21 teeth (compared to the healthy 32). Therefore, this percentage has experienced severe tooth loss, and All-On-4 surgery is a respected solution. Leading the way with this innovative approach is a dentist in Bondi Junction, that specialises in this treatment specifically. Continue reading to learn more about the all-on-4 process.
All-On-4 Process
Naturally, the process starts with an appointment with your dentist. If you’ve experienced severe tooth loss, they may recommend a consultation with an expert for further inspection. Trained in All-On-4 surgery, these specialists will assess the viability of the solution for your own mouth. At this stage, the specialist is likely to take x-rays to determine again whether or not All-On-4 surgery would work; these are called CBCT (cone-beam CT) scans.
After looking at your x-rays and assessing the condition of your teeth, your specialist will come together with your dentist to decide on a treatment plan. Here, you’ll learn all about the various stages and the costs involved in the surgery.
Benefits of All-On-4 Surgery
Why has All-On-4 surgery gained in popularity so much around the planet? Well, it’s often referred to as ‘teeth in a day’ surgery because, as you’ve probably guessed, everything is done in one go. Rather than repeat appointments and having to keep revisiting the professional, specialists can do everything in just one day.
Furthermore, even though it’s considered surgery, it’s not as invasive as other solutions. Most patients heal and then recover within a short period after the surgery. Of course, another benefit is that you get a full row of teeth and it’s all achieved with only four implants. Since it uses the existing bone, there’s no need for bone grafting, and the implants function just as well as real teeth afterward.
In case this isn’t enough, it’s typically cheaper than full-arch restoration solutions, oral health improves in the long-term, it brings confidence back to individuals, and it can also boost jawbone strength.
Potential Drawbacks
Specialists are under immense pressure to balance all four implants; otherwise, more pressure is on one or two implants. Elsewhere, a strong bite or grinding may cause issues as it doesn’t offer much flexibility or movement. Improper cleaning can also cause inflammation and overall failure – a problem for those with arthritis and other issues affecting their brushing habits.
All in all, All-On-4 surgery is a positive solution and one that replaces a whole row of upper or lower teeth (while also bringing a healthy smile back to patients!).
