All on 4 Implants are one of the techniques that we at StoneRock use to provide a fixed full arch of replacement teeth for patients that have either lost all of their teeth or, increasingly, for patients who are about to lose them all through decay or end stage advanced gum disease.
The beauty of All On 4 Implants is that it allows us provide a same day solution where we remove the remaining teeth (or existing denture) and place 4 strategically positioned implants and an immediate provisional acrylic bridge so the patient can leave with a stunning new smile. The provisional is then replaced with a definitive metal supported fixed bridge approximately 3-6 months later. The fixed bridges need hygiene maintenance at home on a daily basis and with the hygienist every 3-4 months.
The radiographic image below shows the position of the implants in a classic arrangement for the ‘All on 4’ technique. Where there is insufficient bone in this region then we can place them further back using a zygomatic approach that allows us to provide fixed solutions for patients who have previously been told that they do not have enough bone for implants.
For most of our All On 4 Implants cases Ian or Russell (who completed the All on 4 training course at the home of this technique The Malo Clinic in Lisbon, Portugal in September 2012) will oversee the planning and restorative stages with the surgical stage being completed by Antonio. All this takes place at our practice in Hawkhurst, Nr Cranbrook on the Kent and East Sussex borders. For cases that have lost so much bone that the conventional approach is not possible then we will need to use a technique known as a zygomatic approach that utilises the cheek bone and involves a far greater level of surgical involvement. For these cases we are very lucky to have Mr Guy McLellan FDS MBBS who was formerly Honorary Consultant in Implant at Charing Cross Hospital and is nationally and internationally respected surgeon with vast experience in these techniques.
We are also very lucky to have the in house services of our Clinical Dental Technician Paul who provides all of the prosthetic work, making both the provisional and definitive restorations for you. The beauty of having Paul on hand for each stage is that he will work with you to create the final smile exactly the way you wanted it.
The before and after photos above shows what can be achieved with this approach. The patient is usually with us for the whole day so the surgery (under conscious sedation) can be completed in the morning and the provisional restoration fitted in the afternoon. We have a private, comfortable relaxation lounge for patients and any accompanying party to use in between each session.
As with all surgical procedures there is a degree of bruising and swelling the following day and patients are required to follow a soft diet for the first 10 days but after that they are comfort and able to function normally.
The process begins with a free initial discussion (if requested) followed by a full assessment including pan-oral radiograph and preoperative study models. If needed a Cone Beam CT scan is organised and assessed at this planning stage as well. Once all the plans are complete and the treatment agreed to then the day of treatment is booked and we can proceed with a smooth transition from old failing dentures or teeth to a new comfortable, beautiful and functional set of implant retained teeth.
A typical All On 4 Implants case will cost £15,500 for a single arch with sedation and CT scan costs separate to this. For more information on prices please see our Implant Fees page
If you would like to know more about this technique or book a free initial discussion visit then please contact us on 01580 752202 and ask to speak to Fiona Getgood, our Head Receptionist.
Images courtesy of Guy McLellan (implant surgeon) and Mike Fuse (implant technician).
