While Mrs Vijaya was sitting in the waiting room of FMS INTERNATIONAL DENTAL CENTER, JUBILEE HILLS, for her 3rd week follow-up after undergoing the All-on-4 procedure, a new patient sitting next to her couldn’t believe that she’d already got the treatment done. “It feels natural and looks great and also it was such an amazing feeling to receive my implants with fixed teeth in less than 3 days,” says the 62-year-old Khammam resident. The All-on-4 dental implant procedure is designed for patients with considerable bone loss alongside loose teeth or having issues with conventional denture. Four implants help to restore the teeth in jaws that mimics more closely to the natural teeth. But it wasn’t until her local dentist referred her to us for an opinion, alternative to the existing loose dentures she didn’t know about the option of dental implants. She was relieved to learn about the All-on-4 option and after counseling she didn’t want to wait further, but just went ahead with CBCT scans and blood tests, followed by all-on-4 dental implants.
(Im)planting the Seed
Many of us can recall seeing our parents’ or grandparents’ teeth soaking in a glass of water at night. Years ago, there was an assumption that, with old age, teeth loss is inevitable. We now know that’s not the case. Adults of all age groups lose teeth due to accidents, gum disease or dental fear. Dental implants have changed people’s lives by providing a foundation for replacing teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The implants also help in preserving the patient’s facial structure by preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
For those who wear a full denture (on top, bottom or both), Dental Implants are ideal choice of treatment. Since an implant is not needed for each tooth, 6 or 8 implants can often be used to secure a full arch of teeth.
The All-On-4 implant protocol is designed to support fixed teeth on just 4 or 6 implants. By placing the implants at unique angles, each implant can better distribute the force of biting and chewing, so fewer implants are needed. Another greatest advantage is All-On-Four’s ability to be placed in minimal bone. Often, long-time denture wearers experience a great deal of bone loss from the pressure of the denture.
Without sufficient bone mass to support the implants, many have been told that Dental Implants wouldn’t be possible without a bone graft or bone rebuilding procedures. All On 4’s unique design overcomes this obstacle for younger patients like Venky, who underwent the All-on-4 procedure on his upper/lower jaw last December. The California resident is only in his 30s, but the severe gum disorder (aggressive periodontitis) affected his health and his teeth. He hardly had any bone left for regular implant procedure. After moving to USA, his new dentist referred him to Senior Dental implant surgeon who decided on All-on-4 implants considering his bone status and age. But he didn’t want to go through because of the expense in USA, and approached FMS DENTAL HOSPITAL in his home city Hyderabad. “It’s been hard on my confidence, especially on my job,” he says to the team of implantologist at FMS. Venky got his smile back with all-on-4 in one week. The credit goes not only to the surgeon, but also to the restorative talents of the team of Prosthodontists and Dental technicians at the in-house FMS CAD-CAM dental laboratory.
The All-on-4 advantage
Not only All-on-4 provides “far superior” results, it is also more convenient for patients. Teeth are removed and implants are placed while the patient is under anesthesia. After surgery, the patient is fitted with fixed teeth in less than 3 days.
Although All-in-4 protocol is an effective solution for minimal bone jaws, it’s cost effective too with the hybrid denture. Most patients receiving this procedure at middle-age, with proper maintenance and care, they can expect them to last for their lifetime. The benefits go beyond merely cosmetic, it functions well that patient can eat all types of food. Hygiene is simple — similar to maintaining a bridge.
The all-on-4 treatment planning, surgery, and fabrication of final denture requires training, skill, knowledge and dental laboratory support. For many, the all on 4 dental implants procedure has been a blessing. It has allowed them to have “teeth in a day” and given them the freedom to speak and chew again like when they were young.
