Chances are, if you’ve Googled anything regarding dental implants you’ve probably seen the term “All-on-4” pop up on your screen. Let’s dive into what it is with the help of our expert, Dr. Parker, who specializes in Dental Implants at Hales Parker Dentistry.
The term All-on-4 comes from the technique where just 4 implants are placed on either the top or lower teeth and can support a full set of new teeth instead of placing a dental implant for each individual tooth.
“All-on-4 is probably the most revolutionary advances in dentistry that has ever happened,” Dr. Parker said. “By just using 4 implants to support an arch instead of using an individual implant for every tooth, this technique has helped thousands of people around the world.”
In the 1990’s it was a Professor from Portugal, Paulo Malo, who saw the benefits and cost-effectiveness of the All-on-4 technique. Malo carried out a series of studies to determine the efficiency of this new and innovative approach and in 1998 Malo treated the first ever patient with the All-on-4 technique and it was successful.
Aside from using less implants in the All-on-4 technique, it also requires less bone density to secure the implant than the conventional implant technique. The posterior implants are tilted 45° towards the rear of the mouth and placed into the anterior maxilla, a region of the jaw with higher bone density.
“It really is the best technique that benefits the patient not only for comfort reasons, but also for practicality,” Dr. Parker said. “The entire technique takes less time as a whole and is less invasive for the patient.”
At Hales Parker Dentistry we pride ourselves on using a “no judgement” policy. Whatever your dental history, come in and see what options we have to start your journey to a better smile.
For more questions regarding the All-on-4 procedure please call our office at (949) 429-0049. To receive a customized video from Dr. Parker himself please click HERE.