All-on-four fixed prosthesis is a short surgical operation among the implant treatments. This technique, which reinforces self-confidence by providing the necessary dental function, aesthetic appearance and comfortable speaking, makes people’s lives much easier. It has found a place as a very effective method in cases where standard implant treatment cannot be performed.
In the absence of a few teeth, implants can be easily applied, while in the absence of any teeth, longer and more costly treatments may be required. At this point, all-on-four fixed prosthesis offers a fast and effective method for people by eliminating most of the problems such as bone deficiency and bone augmentation.
What is the All On Four Technique?
Oral and dental care is a factor that directly affects the quality and duration of life. This has been effective in bringing many different treatments and apparatus to the forefront in the dental field. The effectiveness of the all-on-four application has now been proven and it has become easily applicable.
How Is All-On-Four Treatment Performed?
As in conventional implants, a titanium screw mechanism is used in this treatment. Although the mechanism used is the same, there is a distinct difference between them. The way they are positioned in the mouth reveals this difference. If the person is experiencing complete tooth loss, 8-10 implants may be sufficient for one jaw in the classical implant treatment, while the process is completed with only 4 implants with all-on-four fixed prosthesis treatment. The implants are usually placed as 2 in the front part of the thick bone and 2 in the back of the jawbone, a total of 4.
While the required angle for the implants in the front is approximately 90 degrees, an angle of approximately 45 degrees is sufficient for the implants in the back. In this way, the highest possible level of robustness is ensured. The procedure that is done after implant placement is the process of placing bridges or crowns on these implants. For this treatment, the mouth of the patient is sized in advance and a temporary prosthesis is fitted immediately after the procedure, ensuring that the patient is not toothless. If there are teeth that need to be extracted, first local anesthesia is applied and extraction is performed then the implants are placed during the same session. Temporary prostheses are fitted instantly. After 3 months, the permanent prostheses are placed. In the meantime, the aesthetic and functional needs are met with the temporary prostheses.
What are the Advantages of All-On-4 Treatment?
One of its biggest advantages is the length of the treatment, which is very short. It is an ideal method for patients coming from abroad, as it can ensure that people complete their treatment in a healthy and fast manner. It is a more economical treatment than other types of implants for people who have lost or are likely to lose all their teeth. Since they are placed in the mouth at certain angles, they create a more solid application environment. When applying angles, orientation is provided to areas with high bone quality. The only thing to pay attention to is getting regular check-ups scheduled with your dentist. This highly advantageous all-on-four fixed prosthesis is a long-lasting treatment method with an average of 10-15 years for the lower jaw and 5-10 years for the upper jaw if you take good care of it.
What are the Features of Implant Treatment?
Implant applications provide great advantages for patients. In case of experienced or future tooth loss, new teeth suitable for the natural tooth structure and color of the person can be added in place of the missing teeth. Implant treatment has many advantageous features. First of all, artificial teeth that are restored with implant treatment function like natural teeth and are almost as successful for eating, chewing and plucking. These treatments have the feature of preventing bone loss in patients. Since they transmit external stimuli like natural roots to the bone, it ensures that the losses at the bone level are minimal. Since they are placed almost like original teeth, speech differences are not observed. They also give an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
They are custom designed for the patients. It is a more practical application compared to other prostheses in terms of cleaning and ease of maintenance. It is a great advantage for people whose removable dentures cause nausea, who cannot use the plug-in method or who cannot get used to it. Its design is quite different from other prostheses. Since most parts can be handled in a single session, it is preferred over the other procedures. They do not require much surgical interventions such as bone addition and sinus elevation so they are much more practical.
Who is it for?
This treatment is a treatment method that can be applied to patients who do not have any problems or diseases that prevent implant applications. These patients must have sufficient bone volume. The necessary checks are made by dentists and the most suitable planning is done.
What are the Stages of Treatment?
First of all, the patient needs to go through a radiological examination. Measurements are taken through computed tomography and a custom treatment plan is made. The treatment itself consists of two stages; the surgical part and the prosthesis part. On treatment day, 4 implants are placed, 2 in the front and 2 in the back. Temporary prosthesis is applied to the patient and 3 months later permanent prostheses are applied.
Is it Painful After the Treatment?
It is possible to experience a feeling of pain and discomfort after each treatment. Slight swelling may occur along with pain. These are expected symptoms that may occur after any surgical operation and are usually easily manageable. Relief can be achieved in a short time by applying ice to the area or with prescribed or doctor recommended drugs.
Treatment Process
This procedure, like other dental treatments, is a treatment that can be easily performed using local anesthesia. However, some people experience anxiety and intense fear. For these patients, it is appropriate to use a sedation method or general anesthesia rather than local anesthesia. These procedures are performed under anesthesia with the supervision of an ER doctor in operating rooms suitable for general anesthesia with full-fledged devices. Awakening period is also very short and the patient can leave the hospital on the same day.
How Will My Nutrition Be After All On Four Procedure?
After this process, patients start using temporary prostheses immediately, however, the completion of this treatment depends on the fusion of the implants and bone. During the 3-month period when the implant and bone fusion occurs, our doctors create a custom nutrition plan for patients. During this period, it is recommended to follow this personalized diet for a fast and full recovery. After the 3-month temporary prosthesis are replaced with permanent prosthesis, the patients are free to follow any kind of nutrition plan with the permanent all-on-four fixed prostheses.
Is All On Four Operation a Successful Procedure?
This treatment is a very comfortable and fast treatment method. Therefore, it is one of the most preferred dental applications as shown by studies in the field. Very successful results have been observed in long-term follow-ups.