The term “All on 4” was coined based on the idea of loading an entire arch of teeth over four dental implants. It refers to a procedure designed to replace a full arch of missing teeth in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. It involves placing four (sometimes more) dental implants in your bone to support a fixed dental prosthesis. This prosthesis can be fabricated in several materials, but the most common are zirconia and acrylic dentures. This procedure eliminates the need to use more dental implants to replace teeth in smaller groups, which can be more time-consuming or costly, or the need to use a removable denture, which can be a nuisance to some.
The key benefits of the All on 4 include:
- Cost savings: Since the All on 4 requires fewer dental implants than replacing your full arch in smaller groups of teeth, it is more cost-effective.
- Reduced bone loss: When you have no or little teeth left in your mouth, the bone loss process accelerates considerably. Dental implants are known to slow the natural process of bone loss because the body interprets the object in the jawbone as a tooth.
- Improved aesthetics and function: The fixed prosthesis supported by the four implants look and function like natural teeth in that they allow you to speak and eat normally.
- Minimized need for bone grafting: This means the surgeon will look at the areas in your mouth that have more bone and place the implants there. There may be the need of some grafting or regularizing but it will be kept to a minimum.
Now, whether the All on 4 procedure is worth it will depend on your individual circumstances and the recommendation of your dentist. Here are also a few factors to consider:
Cost:
While the All on 4 can be more cost-effective than some other implant methods, it still involves a significant investment in time and money. As a dental office in Costa Rica, we will ask our patients to visit us twice, because we must let the implant heal before loading them with the final denture. This will mean you will have to consider two flights and hotel expenses too. Nonetheless, we are sure you will still save money to get it here as opposed to the US and Canada.
Overall health and bone structure:
Your dental and overall health and the current condition of your bone level will have a toll on whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This is why a thorough examination with 3D x-rays and a qualified dentist or oral surgeon are necessary.
Personal preference:
Some people are not ready to undergo surgery, while some others are not willing to live with removable dentures. You should consider what you are willing to undergo in order to replace your teeth.
Longevity:
Dental implants are designed to last for decades. However, the longevity of the prosthesis depends on factors such as materials, oral hygiene, personal habits, and regular dental checkups.
If you are considering All on 4 dental implants, it is important to consult with a skilled dentist so they can evaluate your oral and general health, discuss your options and help you make an informed decision based on your needs and goals. At the Costa Rica Dental Team, we have an entire team of skilled dentists who have had extensive experience in these procedures, so they will be a helpful guide in your journey to replace your teeth. In addition, they are caring, talented, and warm-hearted. You can be sure you will be presented with options that will suit you best based on your needs and possibilities. We are a dental office in Costa Rica, which will allow you to travel and explore a new and beautiful country while you get a procedure at half the cost of the same procedure at home. Contact us for more information on how dental tourism works!
