All on 4 and All on 6: Complete Guide to Dental Implant Technique

What is the All on 4 technique?

The technique All-on-4 is an advanced dental implant solution that allows the restoration of an entire dental arch using only four implants. Developed by Dr. Paulo Malo in the 1990s, this method is particularly effective for patients who have lost several teeth or who have moderate bone resorption.

How does it work?

The All-on-4 method uses angled implants in the jaw to take advantage of areas where bone is still present. Two implants are placed in the front of the jaw, while the other two are angled in the back, maximizing the surface area of ​​contact with the existing bone and increasing stability.

This technique allows for the support of a complete and fixed dental prosthesis, offering an alternative to traditional removable dentures.

Benefits of All on 4 treatment

All-on-4 treatment has several advantages for both patients and practitioners.

1. Bone graft not mandatory

One of the main advantages of the All-on-4 method is that it circumvents the need for bone grafting, an often expensive and invasive procedure.

The implants are positioned in such a way that patients, even with significant bone loss, can benefit from this solution. This method of implantation minimizes the need for additional surgical procedures, thus simplifying the process. With this approach, patients can achieve optimal results without having to undergo complex bone grafts.

2. Fast recovery

Since only four implants are needed to support a full arch, the procedure is faster than conventional treatments that require more implants. In addition, the temporary prosthesis is usually placed the same day, allowing patients to leave the clinic with functional teeth.

3. Stable and durable solution

All-on-4 implants are designed to provide a long-term solution. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. The prosthesis attached to the implants is strong, comfortable, and provides better chewing function than a traditional denture.

4. Improving the quality of life

Patients using the method see a significant improvement in their quality of life.

This transformation significantly improves their appearance, which boosts their self-confidence. By regaining an aesthetic smile, they benefit from a better quality of life on a daily basis, both socially and personally.

All on 4 Process Steps

The All-on-4 process involves several steps, each of which is essential to ensure the success of the treatment.

1. Consultation and planning

The first step is a thorough consultation with the dentist or implantologist. X-rays and 3D scans are taken to assess the quality and quantity of bone available in the jaw. This step is crucial to determine the optimal location of the implants and develop a personalized treatment plan.

2. Implantation surgery

The dentist then places the implants under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's preferences. He places four implants: two at the front and two inclined at the back to ensure better stability.

3. Fitting the temporary prosthesis on all on 4

On the same day of the procedure, the dentist attaches a temporary prosthesis to the implants, allowing patients to immediately regain chewing function and a smile. This temporary prosthesis is designed to be used throughout the healing period of the implants. It ensures comfort and a natural appearance during this process, facilitating a smooth transition to the permanent prosthesis.

4. Healing and follow-up

The healing period generally lasts between 3 and 6 months. During this time, the implants integrate into the jawbone, a process called osseointegrationRegular follow-up visits are necessary to check progress.

5. Fitting the final prosthesis

Once healing is complete, the final prosthesis, which is custom-made to fit the patient's mouth perfectly, is placed. This prosthesis is more durable and aesthetic than the temporary prosthesis.

Ideal candidates for All on 4

The All-on-4 technique is particularly suitable for patients who have lost several teeth or an entire dental arch and who want a fixed solution. This method is recommended for patients seeking to avoid removable prosthesesIndeed, patients wishing to quickly regain full masticatory function and an aesthetic smile will find an effective and lasting solution.

1. Significant tooth loss

Edentulous patients, or those with severely damaged teeth that need to be extracted, are ideal candidates. The All-on-4 treatment allows an entire arch to be replaced with just four implants.

2. Moderate bone loss

The All-on-4 method uses the specific inclination of the rear implants to thus adapt perfectly to patients with moderate bone resorption.

This technique maximizes the use of existing bone, reducing the need for bone grafting. It offers a reliable solution for patients who want to quickly regain chewing function without additional complex interventions.

3. Desire for a permanent solution

People who no longer want to wear removable dentures can opt for All-on-4, which offers a fixed, stable and more comfortable solution.

Cost of All on 4 treatment

The cost of All-on-4 treatment can vary depending on several factors:

• The country and the clinic : Costs can vary from country to country. Dental tourism, for example, can significantly reduce costs.
• The quality of implants : There are indeed different brands and qualities of dental implants. Opting for high-quality materials can influence the price.
• The complexity of the case : Each patient is unique, and the complexity of the case can affect the final cost of treatment.

On average, All-on-4 treatment is more affordable than placing multiple individual implants because it requires fewer implants and fewer surgeries.

Recovery after All on 4 pose

1. Post-operative precautions

After implant placement, it is essential to follow the surgeon's recommendations to ensure optimal healing. This includes rest, a soft diet, and good oral hygiene.

2. Pain management

Post-operative pain is indeed minimal and can be managed with painkillers prescribed by the dentist.

3. Regular monitoring

Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the healing of the implants and ensure that everything is going as planned. Patients should also be alert to any unusual sensations or excessive pain, which could be a sign of complications.

All on 4 vs All on 6: what are the differences?

The main difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6 lies in the number of implants used to support the prosthesis. As the name suggests, the All-on-6 method uses six implants, thus providing greater stability and force distribution.

All on 6: more stability

For some patients, especially those who have sufficient bone structure, the All-on-6 can provide better distribution of masticatory forces, thereby reducing implant wear in the long term.

All on 4: faster solution

However, for patients who have more significant bone loss or want a quick, less invasive solution, All-on-4 remains an excellent option.