A patient suffering from the loss of most teeth in the lower jaw, looseness in the remaining teeth, and severe bone resorption in the jaw. A lower jaw dental implant procedure was performed using the All-on-4 technique (fixed on 4 implants).
Case Details
Professor A.A. came to Wonders Dentistry Center suffering from the loss of teeth in the lower jaw and looseness in the remaining teeth. This made the treatment plan involve extracting the remaining teeth and performing immediate dental implants using four implants, known as the All-on-4 technique.
This technique involves placing a full arch of teeth on only four implants, which is specifically allowed for the lower jaw. Two implants are placed in the canine region and two in the molar region, followed by attaching the prosthetic arch to the implants. This is done after confirming the patient’s suitability for the procedure through clinical examination and necessary imaging, such as panoramic X-rays and 3D imaging.
Available Solutions for the Case
The available solutions for the patient were either: Performing lower jaw dental implants after the extraction procedure, or Using a removable denture after the teeth extraction.
The Best Solution: Lower Jaw Dental Implants (All-on-4)
After discussing the available solutions with the patient, explaining the pros and cons of each method, and detailing the procedure for each option, the patient chose lower jaw dental implants using the All-on-4 technique.
What is the All-on-4 Lower Jaw Dental Implant Procedure?
The All-on-4 treatment concept was developed to maximize the use of the remaining bone available in the jaws, especially in cases of bone loss due to age or prolonged tooth loss. This allows for immediate implantation and avoids additional costs and procedures such as bone grafting.
The protocol uses four implants in the anterior part of the jaw to support the prosthetic arch. Two anterior implants are placed axially, while the two posterior implants are placed at an angle to reduce the load length and support the prosthesis. This allows for the placement of a prosthetic arch with up to 12 teeth, significantly improving chewing efficiency.
The All-on-4 dental implant procedure has achieved great success at Wonders Dentistry Center.
How is a Dental Implant Procedure Performed?
- Most dental implant procedures are performed under local anesthesia, though in some cases, general anesthesia may be used.
- A dental imaging scan is required, and the doctor may request a CT scan of the teeth and jaws to diagnose issues that cannot be seen during a routine examination. This helps determine the remaining bone volume, the relationship of the future implants to vital areas in the jaw (such as nerves, sinuses, and the nasal cavity), and the density and quality of the bone.
- Patients with blood clotting disorders are required to undergo blood clotting function tests before the procedure, as they are at higher risk of bleeding.
- The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to individuals at higher risk of endocarditis, such as those with artificial heart valves or compromised immune systems.
- The implant procedure can begin if the bone is ready to receive the implant. During surgery, the titanium screw-like posts are fixed into the jawbone after preparing the site in the bone.
- The process of placing prosthetic crowns, such as Bio HPP (considered the best type of dental prosthetics), begins by taking impressions of the mouth and the previously placed implants. This is done 3 months after the initial implant placement.
- After taking the impressions and preparing the prosthetics, the implant specialist secures them in the mouth to achieve the best results, as shown in the image.
Important Post-Surgery Instructions
The patient should avoid eating and drinking for 2 hours after the surgery, or until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.
The patient may experience pain in the area, especially on the first day after the metal implants are placed. Therefore, painkillers can be used as needed.
The patient must maintain oral hygiene and clean the mouth regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent damage to the periodontal tissues, along with other cleaning tools to ensure the best outcome of the procedure.
The patient should contact the doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms occur: fever, severe pain, bleeding, or localized discharge from the mouth.
Number of Visits and Treatment Duration
The dental implant procedure is either painless or involves minimal, natural discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. The success rate of dental implant procedures is 95% for the lower jaw and 90% for the upper jaw within the first year. At Wonders Dentistry Center, we have successfully completed 1,070 implant cases with a 99% success rate.
The duration of a single dental implant procedure, from bone preparation to implant placement and suturing, is approximately 15 minutes. The total treatment duration until the final result is achieved ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on the patient’s condition, age, and overall health.
The average lifespan of dental implants, as determined by doctors, is 25 years. However, they can last a lifetime, depending on the patient’s commitment to maintaining their oral health, practicing good dental hygiene, and taking proper care of their implants.
How to Care for Your New Implant?
Smoking, for example, can contribute to implant failure and complications. Therefore, you should gradually reduce or completely quit smoking.
Practice proper oral hygiene. Just like natural teeth, maintain the cleanliness of your implants, prosthetic teeth, and gum tissue. Specialized brushes, such as interdental brushes that slide between teeth, can help clean the corners and crevices around your teeth, gums, and metal posts.
Visit your dentist regularly. Schedule dental check-ups to ensure the health and proper functioning of your implants, and follow the advice for professional cleaning procedures.
Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?
You are not expected to experience severe pain during the dental implant procedure, as the patient is under complete anesthesia. However, after the procedure and once the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some pain, especially in the first few days. The doctor will prescribe painkillers to help reduce the discomfort.
Do Dental Implants Cause Bad Breath?
It is possible for plaque to accumulate on dental implants, just as it can on natural teeth.
Plaque is a mixture of bacteria and food particles. The buildup of plaque can cause infections and bad breath. This problem is more likely to occur if there are gaps between the gums and the implants that are difficult to reach with regular brushing and cleaning.
However, with regular follow-ups after the implant procedure, periodic check-ups with the dentist, and adherence to a proper cleaning routine and the dentist’s instructions for post-implant care, it is possible to completely avoid this issue.
Treatment of Gum Inflammation After Dental Implants
- The osseointegration (bone healing) between the implant and the jawbone depends on the cleanliness of the wound, the drilling technique used, and the quality of the implant itself.
- Dental implants are made of titanium.
- The external surface of the implant body is coated with a layer of calcium and features multiple helical threads.
- Corticosteroids and antibiotics can accelerate the healing process between the implant and the jawbone.
Final Result
The patient is satisfied with the final outcome in terms of the color, shape, and strength of the prosthesis, even after prolonged use without any issues so far. The youth and vitality of the face have been restored with lower jaw dental implants using Swiss dental implants and Bio HPP prosthetics, which are considered the best types of dental prosthetics in the world.
