Tooth loss is a serious issue that affects every aspect of your life. Basic things like eating and speaking become incredibly difficult. Your smile suffers. You also begin to lose bone mass in your jaw, which alters the shape of your jaw and your face. Dental implants are one of the most popular treatments for replacing missing teeth today. At Malmquist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we provide many different types of dental implants, including All on 4.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a unique treatment for replacing missing teeth. Instead of sitting above your gum line, dental implants involve the surgical implantation of small titanium posts into your jawbone. As you heal, the bone fuses to the implant posts, stabilizing them within your jaw. This integrates the posts into your jaw and turns them into secure roots that can anchor your replacement teeth firmly in place.

The Effects of Bone Loss on Dental Implants

One of the lesser known effects of tooth loss is the effect that the event has on your jawbone. When you lose teeth, your jawbone begins to lose bone mass and grows weak. If your bone is too weak, it may not be able to properly support dental implant posts. Your bone may not fuse properly, or even at all, leaving you with loose, unstable dental restorations.

What is All on 4?

In many cases, a bone graft is recommended to restore missing bone mass to the jaw before placing dental implants. If you are missing an entire arch of teeth, however, you may be able to get a full arch restoration without having to undergo a bone graft first. All on 4 is a full arch restoration that uses only 4 implant posts rather than the typical 6 to 8 needed for this type of treatment.

The posts are strategically implanted into your jaw. Two posts are placed vertically at the front of your jaw where there is naturally more bone mass. The other two are placed at the back of the jaw, inserted at 45-degree angles. This angle maximizes contact with the jawbone for optimal osseointegration while also preventing the posts from damaging your sinus cavities.

The All on 4 Process

The process for All on 4 is very similar to the placement of other types of dental implants. Placing your dental implants requires a surgical procedure. Surgery begins with a local anesthetic and sedation. Small incisions are made in the gums, which provides access to the jawbone. Next, holes are drilled into your jawbone following your treatment plan. The implant posts are placed directly inside, and your gums are sutured around the posts. A small amount is left exposed above the gum line. Finally, temporary teeth are set into place, and you go home to heal. After you have fully healed from surgery, impressions are taken, and your final dental restorations are designed, created, and placed.

Benefits of All on 4

All on 4 provide all of the same benefits as other types of dental implants. They look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. They are incredibly comfortable, they are easy to care for, and they provide a long-term solution. This particular treatment also offers some of its benefits as well, including

Learn more about the All-on-4® Treatment Concept

If you are missing an entire arch of teeth and your jawbone is too weak to support a typical full arch restoration, All on 4 may be the solution for you. Call Malmquist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at (503) 446-6776 today to schedule your consultation.