Hartford All-on-4 Dental Implants
Dental implants are the best replacement method if you are on the brink of total tooth loss. All-on-4 dental implants allow you to retain a complete upper or lower denture when there is a lot of bone loss in the jaw—a condition that ordinarily would mean that bone grafting would have to be employed to provide enough of an anchor for the implants.
The basic principle is that the implants, rather than all being placed vertically, are placed at varying angles. This increases their resistance to displacement and makes maximum use of whatever jawbone remains.
IS IT ALL-ON-4 or ALL-ON-X?
When this procedure was developed, it was thought that four implants placed at angles would adequately support a denture. But in practice, this turned out to be a little risky. What if one of those implants fails? There would then be too much stress on the remaining three implants, and the entire case would fail. For additional security, Dr. Michalski tends to recommend either five or six implants, depending on the individual case. To allow for these options, the procedure is sometimes called All-on-x.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR ALL-ON-4, -5 or -6?
An alternative name for this procedure is Teeth in a Day, because a provisional denture is placed immediately in the surgery appointment. Here is the procedure:
- First, we take x-rays and photographs of your jaw and oral cavity to help with the treatment planning stage. X-rays are taken with Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, an advanced system that creates a three-dimensional view of your jaw. This is important because accurate placement of the implants is critical, to maximize engagement with the bone and to avoid nerves.
- This diagnostic information will be used to create surgical guides that will enable precise placement of the implants.
- Before the procedure begins, we will administer anesthesia. We will only begin once we are sure you are completely comfortable.
- Once you are at ease and relaxed, Dr. Michalski will make small openings in your gums for each dental implant, precisely placing them using the surgical guides.
- Two dental implant posts are in the front of the jaw, with another angled along each side of the mouth. A fifth or sixth dental implant will often be placed for additional security.
- Afterward, Dr. Michalski will close the gums around the exposed abutment and place the denture on top.
Then, you’re ready to go! It really is possible to enjoy a complete tooth replacement in less than 24 hours .
HOW DOES ALL-ON-X COMPARE TO TRADITIONAL DENTAL IMPLANTS?
If you are missing all your teeth in any one arch and you have adequate remaining bone, a traditional fixed hybrid denture, anchored with four or more implants, may work for you. Another option could be an implant overdenture, which can sometimes be retained with as few as two implants. If remaining bone is minimal, it will be wisest for you to go with the All-on-4, All-on-5, or All-on 6 procedure. Dr. Michalski has attained diplomate status with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, which he attained by virtue of his advanced training and clinical experience. He will recommend to you what he feels will work best for your situation.
The key differences:
- All-on-x can eliminate the need for bone graft procedures usually required with traditional dental implants. This shortens the treatment time and also saves money.
- The teeth can be restored in a single day with All-on-x.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL-ON-X
Are you interested in how All-on-x might work for your own teeth? We would love to discuss it in more detail because everyone deserves to benefit from a sturdy, beautiful smile! With Dr. Michalski’s expertise, he can guide you in your decision and inform you of the risks and benefits of whatever option you choose. We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation.
