All-on-4
All on 4 is a dental implant technique where the upper or lower set of teeth are replaced with just four implants. These four Implants act as anchors of a new set of fixed teeth.
With the All on 4 procedure, the posterior implants are placed into the anterior maxilla, a region of the jaw with higher bone density. Compared to other implant methods, the All On 4 technique doesn’t require the same density of bone in order to secure the implant.
One of the major benefits that the All-on-4 treatment provides is that results are permanent. Because the All-on-4 system is built on a denture that is securely fastened to the mouth using implants, the connection is not prone to the same problems that result from gum recession, which causes dentures to become loose and uncomfortable over time. All-on-4 provides a permanent solution that results in greater comfort and convenience for the patient.
Maintenance of your All-On-4 Dental Implants is essential for to ensure longevity. Tips on how to maintain your All-On-4 implants are as such:
- Maintain good gum health and oral hygiene
- Have regular dental check-ups.
- Do not place excessive biting forces on the implant due to a dysfunctional bite or by grinding teeth.
All-on-6
Full dental implants aka all-on-6 dental procedure is the best solution for patients with enough bone structure in the jaw. It creates a permanent prosthesis by using six dental implants. It acts as an anchor for a bridge or over-denture.
The All-on-6 is a variation of the All-on-4 technique based on the same concept but instead of four, it uses six implants that are placed in areas of the mouth with the highest bone volume. This treatment is designed for patients with enough bone structure and is an alternative to traditional dental implants because it maximises bone potential.
The All-on-6 dental implant treatment is recommended for patients with full arch missing teeth. It is also for patients with partially missing teeth and want to get a full arch dental implant, by replacing the existing teeth. The All-on-6 process offers a stable, long-term, alternative to traditional dentures.
With full mouth tooth replacement option, 6 dental implants are placed at strategic intervals throughout your upper or lower arch and it is important they receive sufficient support from the surrounding bone. If you lost teeth quite a few years ago then you may have suffered significantly from missing teeth tooth bone loss.
This may also be the case if you had an advanced periodontal disease which has resulted in the destruction of the bone that used to surround your natural teeth. If you have lost bone then a full set of dental implants treatment is normally still possible as dentist can build up bone for implant levels using sophisticated bone grafting techniques.
All-on-6 VS All-on-4
The simple procedure is low-cost and effective, making it an ideal choice. However, some may ask why they should choose All-on-6 as opposed to All-on-4? Neither of these options is necessarily better; it is a decision that should be made on a case-by-case basis. For example, if a more extensive reconstruction is needed, All-on-6 implants are a better choice because the additional implants provide additional support. However, if you do not have the additional bone mass required for the additional implants, you would be a more likely candidate for All-on-4.
Sinus Lift and Bone Graft
Bone grafts and sinus lifts are somewhat different, but are used to accomplish the same basic task. These treatments are used to provide a solid, strong platform upon which a dental implant can be placed.
A bone graft utilizes a piece of bone from an animal, donor tissue, or from elsewhere on your own body, which is placed into the gumline in a brief surgical procedure, then allowed to heal.
A sinus lift is similar, but is used on the upper teeth. An opening is made in the gum tissue, the sinus membrane is lifted, and bone powder is packed into the area. This bone will integrate with the surrounding tissue over time to strengthen it.
Why Would I Need a Bone Graft or Sinus Lift?
The most common reason that a patient may need a bone graft or sinus lift is due to the deterioration of their natural jaw and gum tissue after tooth loss. Once a natural tooth is lost, the underlying tissue is no longer protected or stimulated, and will begin to recede and weaken. This process usually begins about six months after a tooth is lost.
If you have been wearing a full or partial denture, or a dental bridge to restore a missing tooth, or if you have been missing a tooth with no restorative treatment, you may need a bone graft or sinus lift before implant surgery.
The best way to avoid this procedure is by having an implant placed within several months of losing your original tooth. Dental implants function as an artificial tooth root, stimulating and supporting the surrounding tissue, which prevents it from deteriorating.