The Pros And Cons Of All-On-4 Dental Implants

Missing one or several teeth will impact every aspect of your life including appearance, nutrition and general health. Not only will this cause misalignment issues but it will also lead to much more serious problems in the future.

One of the best techniques to replace missing teeth that we offer here at Implantus by Dr Roland Zhuka is All-on-4 dental implants. This can be a result of different reasons such as periodontal disease, damaged teeth, accidents, nutrition etc.

In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of all-on-4 dental implants. Knowing all this information will help you understand whether this is the right technique for you and if the risks are worth it. 

What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are one of the best techniques for replacing a whole set of missing teeth in the top and bottom jaw. This dental prosthesis consists of 4 dental implants that will strategically be implemented in the jaw and a bridge. 

Two implants are positioned in the front portion of the jawbone at the top, and two more are positioned at an angle at the bottom to avoid the sinus cavities. The inferior alveolar canal is avoided by positioning the two posterior implants in the jaw at an angle. The system is completed by the prosthetic arch, which consists of ceramic or porcelain teeth and resin artificial gums.

Who Is The All-On-4 System Suitable For?

Patients who should think about getting all-on-4 dental implants are those who have an all row of missing teeth, those who are dealing with advanced deterioration of a number of teeth and those who don’t have sufficient bone density for getting normal dental implants. 

All-on-4 dental implants will work great in these cases as they will also maintain proper dentistry of the jaw, making the lower part of the face look more harmonious.

How Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Work?

One of the many benefits that all-on-4 dental implants provide is that they don’t move from the mouth since they will be implemented surgically. Additionally, they also don’t degrade over time. 

All-on-4 dental implants eliminate the need to place a lot of dental implants in the jaw, only use 4 of them to support the whole set of teeth. Additionally, this will also prevent jawbone deterioration that happens when teeth are missing.

Once the procedure is over, the patient’s teeth will look as good as their natural ones and they will be able to smile and eat again without worrying if their teeth will move and fall. In cases when the patient is dealing with gum problems, this will need to be resolved before applying the implants. 

Stages Of All-On-4 Implant Treatment

The process of getting all-on-4 dental implants will need two sessions that need a 2-6 month distance between them. During this time the gums will have time to heal and the implants will integrate with the bone. This is known as the osseointegration process. 

During this time, the dental surgeon will provide the patient with a temporary prosthesis. After the months pass the patient will be ready for the second appointment.

During this appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary prosthesis and replace it with the permanent one, along with the teeth, which will fit perfectly. Furthermore, we will explain each step in more detail, starting with:

Placing The Four Implants

Every dental procedure starts with the initial consultation. During this consultation, they will recommend X-rays to decide whether the bone is in the right state to support the implant or not. 

Also, they will decide on the 4 strategic points to place the implants. This step is very important since this position will ensure the best strength and stability for the prosthetic arch so the procedure is successful. 

Once the patient and the dentist decide on the best course of action the implant-placing process will be the next step. This process will start with making an incision to the gums, drilling the bones and inserting the implants. They will be covered by a recovery cap which will help the screws integrate.

Each implant placement will take up to 40 minutes, meaning the procedure will last about 1 to 3 hours. The patient won’t feel any pain during the treatment since they will be under the effect of local anaesthesia. Once the procedure is done they will be ready to go back home and return to their everyday routine. 

Creating A Provisional Prosthesis

In order for the patient to not remain toothless, the dentist will provide a provisional prosthesis. With the help of a 3D image of the jaw, they will create a temporary prosthesis which will be worn for two months or more. This will be enough time for the implants to fully integrate with the jawbone and for the gums to heal.

Definitive Implant Placement

After the waiting period is over, the dentist will check if the implants have fitted perfectly with the bone and if the gums are healed. The next step will be removing the temporary prosthesis and placing the definitive one. 

Dr Roland Zhuka is an expert at providing the best prosthesis which will be custom-made and fit perfectly with the patient’s desires and facial structure. 

The Pros Of All-On-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4 dental implants are revolutionary when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures, they won’t slip and fall off the mouth and they don’t need to be removed for cleaning. Some of the benefits that these dental implants provide include:

• You will feel and look better.
• You don’t need to worry about the foods you consume
• Your new teeth will last for a very long time.
• The dental and health risks related to missing teeth will be prevented.
• You will have a full set of functioning teeth in a short period of time.

Easy care for your teeth   

All-on-4 dental implants will definitely replace the need for dentures. Another difference is that dental implants don’t need extra care as you will just need to clean your teeth as normal. 

Get immediate results

Once the all-on-4 dental process is over, the results will be immediate. The patient will be able to eat, chew, have the right stability and feel comfortable just like they would with their natural teeth. 

Improve your appearance

Once all–on-4 dental implants are on, the patient will definitely look much younger. This is due to the fact that the implants will maintain the health of the jawbone, stopping further deterioration which is a side effect of missing teeth.

Eat what you want

With dentures, you won’t be able to eat what you want or even enjoy the full taste of the food. All-on-4 dental implants on the other hand will be implemented in the jawbone and won’t move no matter what you eat. 

Get a long-lasting smile

All-on-4 dental implants are a permanent way of replacing missing teeth. They don’t need to be removed and they are able to endure the pressure that comes from eating. If you properly take care of them they will last a lifetime. 

Enhance your overall quality of life

Having missing teeth will impact every aspect of our health, including speaking, smiling and eating. Once the all-on-4 dental implant procedure is over the patient will regain their confidence and comfort in every aspect of their life.

Eliminate health issues associated with failing and missing teeth

Having missing teeth will have a great impact on every aspect of our health and have a number of consequences, short and long-term. One of the main risks will be periodontal disease which affects the gums.

If not treated, periodontal disease will lead to heart issues, diabetes and other chronic diseases. All-on-4 dental implants will work great in these cases as they will return the mouth back to its normal state protected from bacteria and other outside factors. 

Easy maintenance

Another important benefit related to all-on-4 dental implants will be their easy maintenance. The only thing you need to do to keep them clean will be brushing and flossing twice a day along with visiting your dentist twice a year. 

The Cons Of All-On-4 Dental Implants

Just like any other invasive procedure, all-on-4 dental implants have their own set of complications. It is important to note that most of these risks will be avoided by choosing a professional dentist such as Dr Roland Zhuka in Albania.

Some of the most common issues related to All-on-4 dental implants include:

Implant failure‍

All-on-4 dental implants have a very high success rate and the risk of failure is at 5%. The risk of failure is higher during the osseointegration process meaning the implant won’t properly fuse with the surrounding bone which is the key aspect of a successful implantation. 

Some of the signs that can indicate that there is something wrong include:

• Pain and discomfort in the treated area.
• Redness, swelling and inflammation of the gum line.
• If the implant starts to feel loose. 

‍Infection

Another risk related to all-on-4 dental implants will be infection at the treated site also known as peri-implantitis. This infection will manifest as inflammation in the soft tissue and the bone surrounding the implant. If not treated this will lead to implant failure and bone loss. Some of the signs you should look out for include:

• Swelling and inflammation around the gum line.
• Bad taste and breath.
• Bain and bleeding.
• Pus-like discharge.
• High fever.

Infection is considered a dental emergency so if you notice any of the above-mentioned side effects, contact your dentist immediately. 

Bite misalignment

The main purpose of all-on-4 dental implants is to replace missing teeth and provide the same function. In cases when the implants are not placed correctly this will lead to bite issues. Sometimes there can even be a problem with the size and the shape of the teeth.

The best thing to do if you want to prevent this from happening is to choose the right dental clinic and a professional dentist just like Dr. Roland Zhuka in Albania. 

Gum recession 

Another issue related to all-on-4 dental implants is possible gum recession. This can happen due to incorrect placement of the dental implants. Sometimes the dentist can place them too close to the gums, not allowing the gums to “breathe”.

Additionally, if the patient smokes regularly, does not maintain proper hygiene, has not treated previous gum disease and suffers from bruxism, there are other factors that can lead to gum recession and eventually to implant failure. 

Nerve damage

One of the most serious side effects related to all-on-4 dental implants is nerve damage. This can be a result of an implant being placed too deep into the jaw or if it is not placed correctly and presses a nerve.

If the nerve is damaged the patient will notice numbness, pain and a tingling feeling. While in some cases, the nerve will heal on its own if the issue is severe, expert care will be necessary. 

Dr. Roland Zhuka’s dental clinic in Albania offers the best technologies and designs to make sure that the nerves remain intact throughout the procedure. By using X-rays ‍our professionals will be able to decide on the length and the position of the dental implant. 

Sinus inflammation

Although rare, sinus issues are another issue related to all-on-4 dental implants. This risk will only be possible for patients who want to replace the teeth in their upper jaw. 

When the procedure is performed by professionals who are not highly qualified in these types of procedures, the risk will be higher as they can extend the implants into the nasal cavities leading to inflammation of the sinuses known as sinusitis. 

This risk will be higher in individuals who don’t have enough bone structure in the upper jaw to support the all-on-4 dental implants. In order to prevent these issues from happening the right dental professional will recommend additional procedures such as bone grafting and sinus lift. ‍

Who’s Most At Risk Of All-On-4 Complications? 

When it comes to the success of all-on-4 dental implants, the patients also play a huge role. Some of the most common risk factors related to this procedure include:

‍Smokers

If a patient goes through a dental procedure or any other procedure and continues smoking during the recovery the risk of failure will be much higher than in non-smokers. This is due to the fact that smoking will slow down the blood flow to the gums which is necessary for healing. 

Additional side effects include a higher risk of complications and for developing peri-implantitis which is a serious condition. 

People Who Suffer From Gum Disease

Before deciding whether dental implants are the right procedure for you, the dentist should examine the condition of the gums. If the patient suffers from periodontitis or gingivitis they won’t be suitable for this procedure.

This is because the gums are very vulnerable in this condition and won’t be able to support the implants. Before going through with the all-on-4 dental implants you should discuss with your dentist about possible treatment options. After your gums are in good condition, you will be able to fully benefit from all-on-4 dental implants. 

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Patients who are diagnosed with diabetes, cardiovascular disease or other conditions that affect the immune system will not be considered suitable for the all-on-4 dental implants. This is because these conditions will not allow the body to heal at a normal rate leading to implant failure. 

What’s The Best Way To Avoid All-On-4 Problems?

Some of the best ways to reduce the risk of complications related to all-on-4 dental implants include:

• The most important thing to do will be choosing the right dental clinic and a highly experienced dental surgeon. 
• If you smoke it will be a good idea to stop it at least for some time before and after the procedure.
• If you are diagnosed with any medical condition, discuss this with your dentist as it can be a detrimental factor for the success of the implants.
• After the procedure, you should carefully follow the dentist’s recommendations.
• Maintain proper dental hygiene habits.
• If you notice any unusual signs in your mouth don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.