What Is All on Four Treatment and Who Can Benefit from It?
All on Four treatment is a modern implant treatment method developed for individuals who are edentulous. This innovative approach allows fully edentulous patients to have fixed prostheses in their mouths by placing only four implants. The basic principle of the treatment is to place two implants in the posterior areas of the jaw and the other two implants in the anterior areas. This strategic placement provides maximum support and stability, allowing patients to receive temporary fixed prostheses on the same day.
One of the greatest advantages of All on Four treatment is that it does not require additional surgical procedures and provides quick results. Compared to traditional implant treatments, this method is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. This allows patients to return to their normal lives in a short period.
This treatment method is suitable for all fully edentulous patients who do not have any conditions that would hinder dental implant surgery and who have sufficient bone width and height. In addition to having adequate bone structure, individuals who are in good general health and maintain good oral hygiene can benefit greatly from All on Four treatment.
Patients who cannot use removable dentures due to gag reflexes can comfortably have fixed prostheses with All on Four treatment. Moreover, due to the low number of sessions and the rapid progress of the treatment process, patients residing outside the city or abroad also prefer this treatment. This indicates that All on Four treatment caters to a wide range of patients.
All on Four Treatment Process and Recovery Period
All on Four treatment begins with a detailed clinical and radiological examination. During this stage, the patient’s oral and jaw structures are thoroughly examined, and a treatment plan tailored to the case is created based on measurements taken on computed tomography (CT) scans. The treatment plan is customized according to the patient’s general health status, jawbone structure, and needs.
On the treatment day, four implants are placed in the jaw under local anesthesia. This procedure can also be performed under sedation or general anesthesia in patients with high anxiety and fear. After the placement of the implants, a temporary fixed dental prosthesis is placed on top of the implants on the same day to prevent the patient from being edentulous until permanent prostheses are made.
Following the implant placement, some patients may experience pain and swelling. These conditions can usually be managed with prescribed pain relievers and cold compress applications. During the recovery period, it is crucial for patients to follow a proper diet. Especially during the 3-month period of osseointegration between dental implants and bone, patients should avoid hard foods and consume a soft diet.
During this period, easily chewable and nutritious foods should be preferred. Foods such as yogurt, mashed vegetables, soft fruits, and protein-rich eggs support the healing process. After the permanent prostheses are made, patients can return to their normal eating habits and start consuming hard foods. Regular dental check-ups and appropriate oral hygiene practices during this process will enhance the success of the treatment.