What are all-on-4 dental implants?

For people who have lost most of their teeth, there are several options available to complete full mouth restorations. Traditional dentures are the most affordable option, but they do not provide the same stability as natural teeth and do not stop bone loss in the jaw. Therefore, the All-on-four technique, which is one of the implant-overdenture combinations, is a first-class choice in terms of function and appearance. This extraordinary technique is a surgical solution based on placing 4 implants equally spaced and at appropriate angles in the upper or lower jaw to support the entire prosthesis. All-on-4 typically eliminates the need for all additional bone graft procedures and sinus lift. This implant configuration provides the highest stability and fits the full denture, preventing movement and eliminating the need for messy denture adhesives.

The All on Four procedure is a treatment method with a high success rate in long-term follow-ups. With the first examination, implant teeth suitable for the person’s mouth structure are designed. Since it is completely performed under local anesthesia, it does not pose any problems even in patients with fear of surgery. Patients who come to regular check-ups after treatment use their teeth for years without any problems.

All-on-4 dental implants at Global Dental Center

Most of our patients who contact us for All-on-4 treatment are patients who have lost most of their teeth as a result of gingival problems, dental caries, and accidents. This situation causes loss of self-confidence and deterioration of psychology in our patients. As Global Dental Center, we aim to restore your lost self-confidence and make you smile freely. We offer the best treatments at the most affordable prices in our center.

Differences between all-on-4 and all-on-6

The most obvious difference between All On 4 and All On 6 dental implants is the number of implants added. The All On 4 uses four implants, while the All On 6 uses six. However, there are more differences to consider, so most dental practices will choose which procedure they prefer based on their own clinical opinion, practice and patient’s bone volume.

At Global Dental Center, our dentists and oral surgeons generally recommend the All On 6 procedure because we believe it provides better strength and stability, resulting in a more comfortable and longer lasting smile. It is important that every time you chew or bite something, the pressure is evenly distributed across your implants and jaw. We believe the location and placement of these two additional implants provides significant additional strength, stability and long-term benefits.

These additional implants not only provide more support for your bite, but also provide more strength for your jaw. Without teeth, your jawbone actually starts to deteriorate. For this reason, people who wear dentures for a long time usually look older and their jaws appear sunken when they remove their dentures. This does not happen with dental implants because the implant stimulates the jawbone and helps it stay strong. The All on 6 approach provides additional stimulation and strength to your jawbone.

3 easy steps of all-on-4 implants

Many people lose all their teeth for various reasons. The All-on-4 treatment is a very effective treatment option for our patients who have lost all their teeth. The All-on-4 implant placement process is not as complicated as most patients think. It’s actually as easy as 1-2-3!

1 – We conduct a consultation to assess your needs. We will do a full examination of your mouth, including a dental X-ray and a possible CBCT scan to look at the jawbone and other underlying structures. We will also discuss your medical history, current health problems, and current medications you are using to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, we will plan your placement procedure.

2 – Implant placement. Once fully numbed, the maxillofacial surgeon extracts your remaining teeth and makes small incisions in your gums to shape four or six upper and four or six lower arch sockets. These incisions are where the implants will be placed. Implant screws are then inserted into your jawbone and a connector attached. A bone graft is sometimes required at this stage of the surgery. The final step is to suture your gums and place temporary dentures while the implant sites heal.

3 – Recovery. Now that your dental implants are in place, they should be given time to heal properly. Everyone’s recovery process is a little different, but your post-surgery recovery will usually include resting for 72 hours and the use of ice packs to reduce any swelling that may occur. In some cases, your dentist may also prescribe medications to prevent pain and infections.

6 advantages of all-on-4 dental implants

1. Stability of teeth implants: All-on-4 dental implants use four implants for each arch to secure and support a hybrid denture. The implants keep the prosthetic teeth anchored to the jawbone, just like natural teeth. No adhesives are needed, and All-on-4 dentures will never slip or fall out when eating or talking, like traditional dentures.

2. Better function: The overdentures used in All-on-4 dental implants are attached to the implant posts that are embedded in the jaw. This means more strength for chewing your favorite foods. You can eat all the foods you love again – no restrictions.

3. Natural appearance and feel: All-on-4 dental implants provide a beautiful new smile that looks natural – for most of our patients, their new smile looks better than their natural teeth ever did. Plus, the design of the overdenture is horseshoe-shaped. The roof of the mouth is not covered, like it is with conventional dentures, for a more natural feel.

4. Preserves face and jaw structure: When you lose teeth, the jawbone loses stimulation and may begin to shrink. Teeth implants stimulate bone growth to maintain the jaw structure, while dentures do not. All-on-4 dental implants can help you preserve your bone structure for a more youthful appearance.

5. Easy maintenance: All-on-4 dental implants can be maintained just like natural teeth. You can brush and clean them like normal with regular checkups at your dentist.

6. Quicker and more affordable than individual implants: All-on-4 dental implants are cost effective compared to a full restoration with individual dental implants. Also, the procedure is less invasive with a faster recovery time and can restore your smile in as little as a day.

What is the success rate of all-on-4 dental implants?

The literature shows a success rate of 98.2% in the lower jaw and 97–98% in the upper jaw. The successful outcome of the All-on-4 dental implants procedure is associated with many factors such as periodontal disease, general health conditions (diabetes, inflammatory diseases, etc.), smoking, relocation (bite force) problems, and proper oral care.

How long do all-on-4 implants last?

All-on-4 dental implants can last for decades. A 2017 study found that dental implants have a 90–95% success rate at the 15-year mark, and some dentists have found that these implants can last up to 20 years. Because getting implants is both a time and financial investment, this long-term predictability is an important advantage.

Who is the ideal candidate for all-on-4 dental implants?

Ideal candidates are patients who have lost all or most of their teeth. If the general health of the patient is good, age is not an important factor. All-on-4 treatment is applied to patients of all ages in our center.

How to clean all-on-4 dental implants?

Since good oral hygiene plays such a critical role in how long All-on-4 implants will last, learning how to keep them clean is essential. At Global Dental Center, your doctor will give you the oral hygiene training you need. Similar to caring for your natural teeth, you should brush twice a day and carefully clean around the implants. Apart from that, using mouthwash maximizes your oral hygiene by helping remove plaque and food particles that can build up. Beyond that, you should schedule regular dental checkups to avoid problems that could affect the life of your All-on-4 dental implants.

Why choosing the right surgeon for your procedure is important?

Choosing the right surgeon is critical to both the initial and long-term success of all dental implants, including All-on-4 implants. Poorly performed dental implant procedures can cause nerve or tissue damage. Also, a poorly performed bone graft procedure by a less experienced dentist can cause the implant to fail. Bone grafting involves adding bone tissue to the jaw to support an implant; this is common for people with insufficient bone tissue who would otherwise not be candidates for implants.

Our maxillo-facial surgeon Dr. Musa Kartöz started in the maxillofacial surgery department by passing the exam administered by the Turkish government after the faculty of dentistry. After 5 years of surgical training in the department of maxillofacial surgery, he became a maxillofacial surgeon. He has 12 years of experience and more than 1000 cases. He will answer all your questions about implant treatment with great care.

What is the average cost of all-on-4 dental implants?

In the UK, the All-on-4 treatment averages between £12,000 and £16,000 for a single arch. The average cost for both arches is around £28,000. The cost of All-on-4 implants at Global Dental Center is between £1400 and £2600 depending on the implant brand and bone graft application. In All-on-4 treatment, the most suitable implant brand should be selected for the patient’s bone structure. It should be checked whether there is an infection in the lower and upper jawbone of the patient; in case of infection, the jaw bones should be cleaned and the necessary medication protocol applied.

If patients want to have their treatment with a reputable surgeon and the highest level of implant materials, they should not choose the cheapest treatment they can find, but should conduct a detailed price and quality research. Before starting the treatment in our center, we perform a detailed examination on our patients and inform them clearly about the cost of treatment.