If you’ve been without teeth for a while, you have probably noticed that your jawbone has shrunk. If you now want to have dental implants, this could be a problem, because implants need to be anchored in good, solid bone.
That problem is what drove Dr. Palo Malo, a Portuguese dentist, to develop the All-on-4 dental implants technique. Dr. Karina Acuña Malo of 5 Star Dental Group has advanced training in the All-on-4 technique.
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants replace an arch of upper or lower teeth without bone grafting by angling the two rear implants. Therefore, many patients with low jawbone volume who are ineligible for traditional implants may qualify for All-on-4. Dr. Acuña Malo can place four to six dental implant posts strategically near the front of your jawbone while angling the two rear implants (one on each side of your mouth) to increase their resistance to displacement. Then, she will attach replacement teeth to the implants.
What Is the All-on-4 Procedure?
The All-on-4 technique angles rear implants to increase their resistance to displacement
The All-on-4 process begins with a consultation, a thorough review of your medical and dental histories, and a CT scan to determine whether this option meets your needs. You can expect the following if you qualify for this treatment:
- Dr. Acuña Malo uses a 3D cone-beam CT scan and photographs of your oral cavity and jawbone for a custom treatment plan and precise implant placement.
- Over several appointments, your replacement denture will be constructed.
- You will then be ready for your surgical appointment. We can administer sedation to ensure your comfort for that appointment.
- Dr. Acuña Malo will extract any remaining teeth if necessary.
- Using computer-guided technology and custom surgical guides, she will make small openings through your gums and jawbone to place each dental implant precisely, while angling the rear implants.
- Afterward, Dr. Acuña Malo will close the gum tissue around the exposed abutment (connector) and attach the temporary denture. You will leave our office that day with your new smile.
Teeth-in-a-Day
Because the denture is placed the same day as the surgical appointment during which any remaining teeth are extracted, the procedure is also called Teeth-in-a-Day. After thorough healing, that temporary denture will need to be replaced with a permanent one, and meantime, you will need to be careful with what you eat. But with Teeth-in-a-Day, you won’t have to go without teeth.
What Are the Advantages of All-on-4 Implants?
All-on-4 implant advantages include the following:
- Requires no bone grafting – Although standard implants require adequate bone to support implants, All-on-4 angles implants increase resistance to displacement, eliminating the need for bone grafting, and saving months of treatment time and expense.
- Stimulates jawbone – All-on-4 implants support the denture, stimulate the jawbone, and prevent bone shrinkage and premature facial sagging.
- Improves denture function – As few as four implants will stabilize your hybrid implant denture, preventing it from lifting, shifting, or falling out. You can eat and speak with ease. Stabilizing a denture with dental implants improves your quality of life over a removable complete denture.
Schedule an All-on-4 Dental Implants Consultation
A consultation with Dr. Acuña Malo will help determine whether you can benefit from a stable, beautiful smile with All-on-4. Her post-graduate oral surgery and dental implant training will yield safe, predictable results. Also, if you have visited a ClearChoice Dental Implant Center or another practice and want a second opinion, Dr. Acuña Malo can provide it. We welcome you to call or complete our online form to request a complimentary consultation or second opinion.