All-On-4 dental implants for full mouth restoration
With dental implants, we can meet all kinds of different needs when it comes to replacing missing teeth. One of the biggest factors in the success of dental implant treatment, whether we are replacing one tooth or an entire arch, is your jawbone. Without sufficient bone mass, implants are more likely to fail. Typically, this would mean that a bone graft would be necessary to make implants possible.
At Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston, we offer an alternative option for replacing a full arch of teeth without first requiring a bone graft. This solution is known as the All-on-4 treatment concept.
What is the Difference Between All-on-4 and a Regular Implant Supported Denture?
When considering implants for replacing a full arch of teeth, one of the first options discussed is typically an implant supported denture. This is a treatment that uses anywhere from 6 to 8 dental implant posts inserted into your jawbone to secure your full arch of replacement teeth in your mouth.
In cases where the bone is not strong enough to support the required number of implant posts, you may be presented with a solution called All-on-4. This is still a full arch dental implant solution. The biggest difference, however, is that All-on-4 only uses 4 posts. The positioning of the posts is crucial for this treatment. While the front posts are placed straight up and down in the bone, the back implants are placed at a 45-degree angle.
Do I Have Other Options?
The All-on-4 treatment concept is just one option that can be used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth where the bone is not strong enough to hold the posts needed for a regular implant supported denture. Another option that can provide you with dental implants without the need for a bone graft is a bar retained dental implant supported denture. The biggest difference with this treatment is that your replacement teeth snap into place on a bar instead of being secured with screws. The teeth still need to be removed to be cleaned and to clean your mouth properly.
These are not the only options available. You can have your arch of missing teeth replaced with a traditional denture. You may also choose to have a hybrid option. There is a solution that uses dental implants to secure a traditional denture into place. This type of solution is commonly used in the lower jaw, where a traditional denture has a harder time staying stable.
How Much Does All-on-4 Cost?
The All-on-4 treatment concept typically costs less than a regular implant supported denture. The final cost will vary from patient to patient, and depends on such things as the need for tooth extractions, the types, and number, of images and scans taken, if you need to have any treatments such as gum disease treatment, before implant surgery, and the number of follow up appointments you need.
For patients who have lost bone mass and cannot support an implant supported denture, the All-on-4 treatment concept can be an excellent alternative option. Call Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston to schedule your consultation today.
