All-On‑4 Vs. Traditional Implants

All-On-4 and single dental implants are used to treat very different dental concerns. As such, it would be rare to have a choice between these two treatments. However, there are instances where you might have to choose.

In this guide, we’re exploring the differences between these two treatment plans and how you can choose the right one for your needs.

Introducing dental implants

Dental implants are a revolutionary treatment plan that give patients a second chance at having natural teeth. Tooth loss can be traumatic for patients, as it will disrupt everything from their diet to their confidence. With dental implants, we can replace individual teeth or an entire arch or teeth.

Single dental implants can be used to support a single crown which can fix a gap in the smile. It could also be used to support one side of a bridge, allowing for a restoration that includes multiple teeth.

With All-On-4 dental implants, the restoration is more extensive. Between 4 and 6 implants are placed in the jaw and this is used to create an anchor for a whole arch of teeth. This can replace the need for dentures, which are less reliable.

How does the procedure differ for single implants and All-On-4?

The main difference in the procedure is that a single dental implant only requires one short implant. With All-On-4 implants, these implants are longer and angled across the jaw instead of straight into the jaw like a tooth root. This allows for a load-bearing denture to be placed on the same day without having to wait for the bone to heal around the implant.

With a single dental implant, there is more waiting between the procedures. The patient might wear a temporary bridge or partial denture while they wait for the final restoration. With All-On-4, the treatment can be completed much more quickly, and then the patient can wear their new denture as the implants heal.

What are the benefits of single implants?

Single implants might not be right for everyone, but they can help certain patients to overcome common issues. If you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant could be ideal. Single tooth loss typically occurs earlier in life, so you can benefit from a lifelong restoration that looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth.

Replacing a single tooth rather than leaving a gap in your smile can help to prevent damage to the surrounding and opposing teeth. Gaps in your smile can allow your remaining teeth to shift.

You can also use a single implant to replace multiple teeth in a row by using an implant to support one side of a bridge. This is ideal if the teeth are missing at the rear of your mouth and there isn’t a tooth available on each side of the gap.

What are the benefits of All-On-4 dental implants?

All-On-4 implants offer very specific benefits to those who are struggling with dentures. If your dentures are uncomfortable or slip while you are speaking or eating, you could benefit from the stability offered by All-On-4 dental implants.

This treatment also helps to prevent loss of bone density in the jaw. Tooth loss commonly causes the jaw bone to shrink and recede as the bone is no longer in use. By placing dental implants at strategic points along the jaw bone, this keeps the bone viable and helps to prevent the sunken appearance that is common when all of the teeth are lost.

Which treatment is right for me?

Choosing between a single dental implant and All-On-4 will all depend on how many teeth you are missing and your long-term goals. If you only have a few natural teeth remaining, and these are also damaged, it could be a good idea to replace all of your teeth with All-On-4 dental implants. For just a few missing teeth, single dental implants as a single crown or a bridge might be better.

To find out which treatment is right for your situation, get in touch with our team today to arrange a consultation.