All on Four

The all-on-four concept allows completely edentulous individuals with severe maxillary atrophy to undergo implant rehabilitation without the need for bone grafts. The upper jaw is more prone to bone loss, not only due to tooth loss but also due to pneumatization of the maxillary sinus. These factors lead to a lack of posterior bone. We frequently receive visits to our implantology centers from patients with bone only in the anterior region from canine to canine. People with these characteristics are especially good candidates for rehabilitation with dental implants and dentures (fixed acrylic prostheses with implants).

The procedure involves placing two dental implants tilted up to 30 degrees in the posterior area where there is a lack of bone, and two implants in the anterior area. This is precisely the original concept, and the procedure is called all-on-four; it allows for increased support and the screwing of hybrid or ceramic (fixed) prostheses with twelve teeth.

How is all-on-four treatment planned?
These procedures are always planned using computed tomography (CT) scans, which provide well-defined images in various three-dimensional planes. X-rays allow for planning the location of the procedure, the inclination and diameter of the implant, and the entire surgical process.

Is the intervention painful?
This intervention is performed with anesthetic nerve block, without any discomfort to the patient.

Advantages of treatment:

– Tilted dental implants in all-on-fours are placed where the bone density is greatest, eliminating the need for grafting surgeries such as sinus lifts, which make the treatment more expensive and time-consuming. A bone graft requires a waiting period and healing time of several months;
– Dental implants in the all-on-four protocol are especially indicated in complex cases considered impossible;
– This type of treatment simplifies the entire oral rehabilitation process and allows patients to use a fixed screw-retained prosthesis on four dental implants even when bone availability is lower;
– In economic terms, the total cost of treatment is much lower compared to single implants. With four implants, it is possible to screw in a fixed prosthesis with all the teeth;
– Maintenance and hygiene of fixed prostheses is very easy;
– Allows you to chew and eat all types of solid foods;
– The frustration and discomfort caused by removable dentures disappear;
– The all-on-four treatment is likely to last a lifetime. The duration and longevity of this treatment depend in part on its maintenance;
– Patients treated with this protocol acquire a more youthful appearance because the face becomes fuller and harmonious; the person’s image is improved.