What is the surgery All-on-4®?

All-on-4® is a surgical and oral rehabilitation technique which objective is to replace all teeth (all) on top of four (on-4) implants on the same day. There are various causes for a patient to lose teeth either on the upper maxilla or the mandible. Among these we find caries, fractured teeth and periodontal or gumdisease.By definition the All-on-4 ® technique must have the following characteristics:

It features 4 implants that support a fixed restoration, a restoration that cannot be removed from the patient mouth. Facilitating daily living.
Angled implants especially the most posterior ones to:

• avoid anatomical structures.
• To be able to restore the posterior teeth as far back as possible making your bite look more natural.

The fixed restoration must be installed the same day that the implants are surgically placed or within 24 hours. (immediate load).

This technique was developed by one of the largest and well known implant companies called Nobel® although some other companies have protocols and similar names such as all-on-X, full arch reconstructions, teeth in day, etc.

What advantages does this technique offer when it is compared to conventionally placed implants?

 

Benefits of All-on-4® surgery

 

What advantages does this technique offer when it is compared to conventionally placed implants?

Avoid bone grafting procedures: The angled implants help to avoid anatomical structures such as the maxillary sinus which is located in the upper maxilla on the posterior aspect. With the All-on-4® Dr. Abril offers to his patients implants without the need of grafting. This grafting techniques may take more time in healing and can limit the the treatment to a removable denture.

Shortening the time form the implant surgery to the restauration: When a dental implant is placed in a native bone (without bone graft) the implant stability will be increased, this will make the delivery of the (temporary) restoration possible. The conventional technique used in the past was to use bone grafting techniques followed by 3-4 months of healing, then an implant was surgically placed and then another 3-4 months before the fixed restoration was installed.

If you have a periodontal problem or want to know more

If you want to know more information about the All-on-4® treatment or you want to know if you are a good candidate to restore lost teeth with dental implants. Please contact Dr. Abril and start enjoying the value of your smile.

Edison A. Abril DDS., MSD.
Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology.Periodontics & Implant Surgery.