For most people undergoing dental implant treatment, the process involved in the treatment can be a lengthy one; from initial consultation with the oral surgeon through treatment and recovery time, and finally the finished product – a fully restored, healthy smile.
However, there is an alternative to consider that takes away much of the time associated with dental implant treatment. Known as the All-on-4 dental implant technique, it may also be referred to as ‘same day teeth’ or ‘same day smiles’, and is a method used by oral surgeons to replace a full arch of upper and/or lower teeth – using only 4 implants.
Unlike normal dental implant treatment, which can take several weeks to complete, an entire All-on-4 treatment can be accomplished in just one day and involves the oral surgeon strategically placing four dental implants into the patient’s mouth. A fixed-bridge is then attached onto the implants, locking them together, and enabling them to heal.
Since the two posterior implants are placed at angles, issues whereby a patient may have insufficient bone mass in the jaw bone to ordinarily support dental implants are minimized.
Prior to treatment, the oral surgeon will undertake a full review of the patient’s medical history in order to plan the treatment, including extraction of existing teeth.
At the time of treatment, the implants will placed, abutments fitted, and then the fixed-bridge will be applied and adjusted to ensure the best possible fitting and comfort is achieved – all in one visit.
A further visit will be required at a later date in order for the surgeon to remove the bridge and take new impressions in order to create a more permanent set of teeth. These will be custom-fitted to match the patient’s mouth and so ensure perfect comfort and bite.
Although often used for patients whose jaw bone mass may not normally accommodate standard dental implant treatment, All-on-4 dental implants can also be utilized for patients who find wearing traditional dentures uncomfortable, or who may have problems performing normal tasks with dentures, such as eating.
To learn more about this innovative procedure in Dallas TX, contact our experienced team at Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery today.
