An all-on-four dental implant is a fixed dental prosthesis that is used to restore both the upper and lower arches, or just one if that is all you need. If you are missing a significant number of teeth or need to have them extracted, dental implants are the best way to replace the entire tooth, right down to the root! The number of implants used to support the prosthesis varies case by case.
All-on-six vs All-on-four Dental Implants
The only difference between an all-on-four and an all-on-six is the number of implants placed. Some patients even need eight implants to support their denture, in which case it would be referred to as an all-on-eight. An all-on-six is stronger and provides additional support and stability at the back of the arch, where you chew food and the most pressure is applied. The additional posterior implants help stabilize the molar area better than an all-on-four.
Using more implants also allows for more bone support. The roots of each tooth help stimulate bone regeneration, and when a tooth is lost, the bone in that area begins to deteriorate because it has nothing to support. Dental implants are essentially an artificial tooth root and work the same to help stimulate bone structure.
Jaw bone deterioration is the reason many patients who wear a traditional denture, which sits on top of the gums, experience changes in their facial structure and the way their denture fits. A traditional denture will need to be replaced due to a bad fit, whereas an implant supported denture will not.
Procedure for All-On-Four/Six
The procedure for placing an-all-four and an-on-six is the same, with the addition of a couple of extra implants. Your dentist will work with an implant specialist to provide the best treatment and make sure that you are happy and confident with your new smile. The implant specialist will place your implants, and once they are ready for restoration, your dentist will take over.
To begin, the implant doctor will make a small incision in the gum tissue at each implant site. A small hole is then drilled and the titanium implants are screwed directly into the jaw bone. A healing cap is placed over each implant to protect it from damage and infection while you heal. During your healing time, which can take up to six months, you will wear a temporary denture to help you adjust to your new smile and bite.
Implant healing time is long, but it is vital to the success of your implants. During this time, the implants will integrate with your bone to provide a secure foundation for your prosthesis. Once the implants are fully integrated, your dentist will provide the denture.
Your dentist will remove each healing cap and place an implant abutment on each before securing the denture, which is screwed down onto the abutments.
All-on-four and all-on-six dental implants are an effective and very natural-looking option for patients who have lost most of their teeth on one or both arches. If you are missing a lot of teeth or need to have them extracted, speak with your dentist to see if an implant supported denture is right for you.