All-on-4® Treatment Concept

Many years ago, a permanent solution for an arch of upper or lower missing teeth required six or more dental implants and often required a year or more of healing. Patients undergoing tooth replacement were forced to wear an uncomfortable denture during the treatment until the final placement of their new teeth. Luckily, surgical advances in implant dentistry have provided patients that are missing a full arch of teeth a better solution for permanent replacement: the All-on-4 Treatment Concept.

The All-on-4 Treatment Concept is a revolutionary solution for patients who have lost or are in the process of losing an entire upper or lower arch of teeth. With the All-on-4 Treatment Concept, patients can restore an entire arch of teeth with an implant-supported prosthesis that enables them to eat and chew whatever they like. The majority of patients say that teeth restored using the All-on-4 Treatment Concept feel, look, and function just like their natural, healthy teeth! Unlike dentures, the All-on-4 Treatment Concept permanently affixes a prosthesis using four high-quality dental implants made from medical-grade titanium. The implants allow patients to enjoy the benefit of a temporary set of teeth immediately while the final prosthetic bridge is carefully designed. Once the healing period is complete, and the final prosthesis is placed, patients gain the ability to speak and eat comfortably and easily and will smile with renewed confidence.

Can I undergo the All-on-4 Treatment Concept?

Many patients who are unable to receive traditional replacement options, such as a fixed bridge, are still able to receive this unique treatment. If you possess the following characteristics, you may be a candidate for the All-on-4 Treatment Concept:

• You have several failing or missing teeth.
• You are in need of multiple dental implants.
• You wear dentures.
• You are missing an entire upper or lower arch of teeth.

What are the benefits of the All-on-4 Treatment Concept?

When patients have lost the majority of their teeth, selecting a cost-effective replacement option that restores both function and aesthetics to the mouth can be difficult. Patients undergoing the All-on-4 Treatment Concept enjoy many benefits not provided by other restoration methods, including

• A prosthesis that looks and feels like one’s natural teeth
• A comfortable and stable prosthesis that allows patients to eat whatever they want
• A natural-looking smile
• Elimination of pain caused by decaying or damaged teeth
• Prevention of bone loss caused by missing teeth

What can I expect during the All-on-4 Treatment Concept?

During the initial consultation, Dr. Rayher will review your medical history and perform an oral examination of your remaining teeth and the gums. He will also consult with the X-rays provided by your referring dentist and may take additional 3D scans to ensure that the proper bone height and width are present to place dental implants. Occasionally, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary to ensure that there is sufficient bone for the implants to properly integrate/fuse with the jaw and create a stable foundation for the full-arch prosthesis. If there are failing teeth that must be removed, this can often occur at the same time that the implants are placed.

During the first procedure, the dental implants are inserted into the jaw, and a temporary set of teeth will be affixed to the implants. Patients will undergo a period of healing to allow the implants to fuse with the jaw bone before the attachment of the final prosthesis. Once the implants are anchored securely in the bone, the permanent set of replacement teeth is attached to the abutments.

Dental implants are truly the best functional and aesthetic solution to replacing a full arch of missing teeth and restoring your smile. Dr. Reed Rayher and the surgical team at Union Square Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center have a variety of implant solutions to meet your individual needs, including the All-on-4 Treatment Concept. If you are interested in learning more about which dental implant solution is right for you, please contact us to schedule a consultation at our office in San Francisco with Dr. Rayher.