Implant Procedure Explained - Achieving a Functional Bite with All-on-4 Implants
The All-on-4 implant method, developed by Professor Paulo Malo in 1998, offers a modern and efficient solution for full-mouth tooth replacement. This technique uses only four strategically placed implants to support a complete set of teeth, providing quick restoration of function and aesthetics.
The method's advantages are numerous. Immediate teeth placement, often within a day, enables quick restoration of function and aesthetics. Increased stability is achieved by placing implants in denser anterior jawbone areas, offering strong support for the prosthetic arch. In many cases, bone grafting can be avoided, leading to faster healing and fewer surgical interventions. The preservation of jawbone is also a benefit, as distributing chewing forces across implants helps maintain facial structure. Improved chewing, speech, and confidence are also noted with a stable, fixed prosthesis that looks natural.
However, the All-on-4 method is not without its disadvantages. Risks of implant failure, although relatively low, require consideration. Challenges cleaning underneath the fixed bridge necessitate diligent oral hygiene to prevent peri-implant disease. Higher initial costs and the necessity of surgical procedures compared to removable dentures are also factors to consider. Not all patients are suitable for the All-on-4 method; bone quality and health status must be assessed carefully, and sometimes bone grafting or alternative treatments might still be needed.
Success rates for All-on-4 implants are generally high, often reported around 90-95% or more in the first 5–10 years. The minimal number of implants reduces invasiveness while maintaining durable functional and aesthetic outcomes. However, the exact success rate can vary based on patient factors, clinician experience, and adherence to maintenance protocols.
In conclusion, the All-on-4 method is a modern, efficient method for full-mouth tooth replacement. It balances fewer implants with immediate functional and aesthetic restoration, though it requires surgery, ongoing maintenance, and careful patient selection to optimize long-term success. Subsidies from statutory health insurance companies can help reduce costs, and a fixed cost agreement with the practitioner is important to manage personal financial expenditure. Titanium, a biocompatible material, allows the jawbone to attach to its surface quickly, providing a firm hold for the implant body. Ceramic materials, primarily used in aesthetically demanding regions, have very good biological properties regarding hard and soft tissues. The actual intervention can be performed under local anesthesia, twilight sleep, or general anesthesia.
Other science and health-and-wellness advancements have played a role in the success of the All-on-4 method, such as the use of biocompatible materials like titanium, which allows the jawbone to attach quickly, and ceramics, which have excellent biological properties. Proper oral hygiene, a crucial component of overall health-and-wellness, is essential to prevent peri-implant disease and maintain the longevity of the All-on-4 implants.
