All-on-4 dental implants

All-on-4 dental implants provide a full-arch restoration using just four implants, which helps ensure a permanent, stable solution for significant tooth loss.

What are All-on-4 dental implants?

All-on-4 dental implants refer to a procedure in Singapore to replace missing teeth by supporting a full arch of artificial teeth (denture) using just four dental implants. This technique is typically used for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth in one or both jaws and can be an alternative to traditional dentures.

How does an All-on-4 dental implant work in SIngapore?

Here’s how All-on-4 dental implants work:

Number of implants: the technique uses four implants per arch. The implants are surgically placed in the jawbone.
Placement: two implants are placed at the front of the mouth, where the bone is usually more robust. The other two implants are placed at the back of the mouth and are angled to maximise the use of available bone, especially in patients who have suffered bone loss and do not want to undergo a bone graft.
Immediate load: one significant advantage of the All-on-4 procedure is that it allows immediate placement of a provisional set of teeth on the same day as the surgery. These are not the final prostheses but are meant to provide functionality and aesthetics while the implants integrate with the bone, a process known as osseointegration.
Final prosthesis: after the implants have integrated into the bone, typically taking a few months, a final, more durable prosthesis is created and attached to the implants.

Benefits of All-on-4 dental implants

The All-on-4 dental implant technique offers several significant benefits, particularly for individuals who are missing most or all of their teeth and are seeking an alternative to traditional removable dentures. Benefits of All-on-4 dental implants include:

Improved oral functionality: All-on-4 implants provide a stable base for a full arch of teeth, which significantly improves chewing ability compared to traditional dentures. Patients can enjoy a wider variety of foods, contributing to better nutrition and quality of life.
Enhanced comfort and fit: unlike traditional dentures, which can often slip or cause discomfort, All-on-4 implants are anchored directly into the jawbone. This secure fit helps eliminate the pain and irritation that can occur with ordinary dentures.
Prevents bone loss: dental implants, including the All-on-4, stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent the bone deterioration that commonly occurs with tooth loss. Maintaining bone health is crucial for both facial structure and overall oral health.
Immediate results: the All-on-4 procedure often allows for the placement of a provisional set of teeth on the same day as the surgery. This means patients can leave the dentist's office with a complete set of teeth while waiting for the permanent prosthesis to be prepared.
Aesthetics: All-on-4 implants provide a natural-looking set of teeth that can be aesthetically pleasing and restore a full smile. This can lead to improved self-esteem and social interactions.
Long-lasting solution: with proper care, All-on-4 dental implants can last many years, making them a more durable solution than traditional dentures.
Cost-effectiveness: while the initial cost may be higher than some other treatments, the long-term benefits, durability, and reduced need for replacement or adjustment make All-on-4 a cost-effective solution over time.
Simplified maintenance: caring for implant-supported teeth is similar to caring for natural teeth, involving routine brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. This can be easier than the care required for removable dentures.
May reduce the need for complex bone grafting: for many patients, All-on-4 implants may be placed without needing complex bone grafting procedures, even if significant bone loss has occurred. This is due to the strategic placement and angling of the implants.

Dental implants enhance the smile and overall facial appearance with natural-looking teeth by replacing the missing and damaged ones.

Overall, All-on-4 dental implants offer a comprehensive solution that addresses many of the drawbacks associated with significant tooth loss and traditional dentures, providing a functional, aesthetic, and lasting solution.

What conditions can All-on-4 dental implants treat?

All-on-4 dental implants are specifically designed to treat several conditions related to significant tooth loss. This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals facing the following scenarios:

Complete tooth loss: All-on-4 is primarily targeted at individuals who have lost all their teeth in one or both jaws. This procedure provides a permanent solution that restores full functionality and aesthetics better than traditional dentures.
Advanced periodontal disease: periodontal disease often leads to tooth loss due to the deterioration of the gums and underlying bone structure. All-on-4 can replace the lost teeth and help halt the progression of bone loss with the stimulation provided by the implants.
Significant bone loss in the jaw: traditional dental implants often require a substantial amount of jawbone for placement. The All-on-4 technique, with its strategic angling of the posterior implants, often eliminates the need for bone grafts even in patients who have experienced significant bone loss, which makes it a suitable option for many who are otherwise not candidates for conventional implants.
Problems with existing dentures: for patients who struggle with the fit, feel, or maintenance of traditional dentures, including issues like slipping, sore spots, and the inconvenience of removal, All-on-4 offers a fixed and more natural-feeling alternative.
Poor dental health or multiple missing teeth: individuals with multiple failing or missing teeth and are looking for a comprehensive and less invasive solution than multiple individual implants might find All-on-4 an efficient alternative.

All-on-4 implants offer an ideal, permanent solution for extensive tooth loss by providing a full arch of stable, functional teeth with just four implants.

What results can I expect from All-on-4 dental implants?

The process begins with an initial consultation at An Dental. During this visit, your oral health will be assessed through examinations, which may include X-rays or 3D scans to evaluate your jaw's bone density and structure. This assessment helps determine if you are a suitable candidate for the All-on-4 procedure.

On the day of the surgery, you will receive anaesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. The dentist will place four titanium implants in your jawbone—two near the front and two at the back, angled strategically to maximise use and support. Temporary prosthetic teeth are often attached to these implants during the same visit. These are not the final teeth but will allow you to eat and speak reasonably normally as your mouth heals.

Post-surgery, you will enter a healing phase that can last several months. During this period, the implants integrate with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration. You may initially experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with medications. You will have follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and make necessary adjustments to the temporary denture. These visits ensure the implants are integrated correctly with no complications.

Once your dentist confirms that the implants have successfully integrated and your mouth has fully healed, they will proceed with fitting the final prosthetic teeth. These are usually made from high-quality, durable materials designed to look and feel like natural teeth. After the final prosthesis is placed, regular dental check-ups are essential. Proper hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and sometimes using special tools to clean around the implants will be necessary to maintain both the health of the implants and your overall oral health.

By the end of the All-on-4 implant process, you should have a full set of functional teeth that look natural and are significantly more stable than traditional dentures.

How many treatment sessions are needed?

The number of treatment sessions required for All-on-4 dental implants typically includes a few key visits to your dentist or oral surgeon.

The core treatment typically involves three to five key sessions over several months, not including the ongoing maintenance visits. The exact number can vary based on individual needs, the complexity of the case, and how well the healing process progresses.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the All-on-4 surgery take?

The All-on-4 surgery typically takes about two to four hours per arch. The exact time can vary based on individual circumstances and whether both arches are treated in one session.

What is the recovery time after All-on-4 implant surgery?

Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days post-surgery, although some discomfort and swelling may be experienced for up to a week. Complete healing and integration of the implants usually take about three to six months.

Can All-on-4 implants fail, and what are the risks?

While All-on-4 implants have a high success rate, risks include infection, implant failure, and complications from surgery. Proper care and following your dentist’s instructions can minimise these risks.

Are All-on-4 dental implants removable like dentures?

No, All-on-4 dental implants are fixed and non-removable. They are securely attached to the jawbone, which provides a permanent solution that does not require removal for cleaning or sleeping.

How do I care for my All-on-4 implants?

Care involves regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to ensure the health of your implants and surrounding tissues.

Menu