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Are you curious about All-on-X treatment and how it can benefit you? This guide is your ultimate resource.
IN THIS GUIDE
ALL-ON-X DENTAL IMPLANTS EXPLAINED
PATIENT SUITABILITY
PROS AND CONS
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
RECOVERY PROCESS
All-ON_X DENTAL IMPLANTS EXPLAINED
What are All-on-X dental implants?
All-on-X is a dental implant treatment for those who have lost or are about to lose all their teeth. With All-on-X, a permanently fixed tooth bridge with up to 12 teeth is held in place by (at least) four implants that are inserted into your upper or lower jaw (or both).
The tooth bridge can be fitted to the dental implants in as little as 2 to 3 days after surgery. This means you can effectively rebuild your smile and restore function in just a few days. This procedure involves the insertion of at least four implants into your upper or lower jaw (or both) to support a fixed tooth bridge with up to 12 teeth.
IMPLANT: The All-on-X technique involves placing two straight front implants and two back implants placed at a 45-degree angle. This helps overcome bone deficiencies and uses more bone density to support the tooth bridge.
ABUTMENT: The specialised multi-unit abutments are used to enable the tilted implant placement and provide the stability needed to connect the teeth soon after surgery
All-ON-X TOOTH BRIDGE: a reinforced hand-crafted tooth bridge is fixed onto the titanium implants using special screws to ensure a firm fit.
Thanks to the All-on-X procedure, you can have a fully restored smile and improved dental function in as little as 2 to 3 days after the surgery. This means you can return to your daily routine with renewed confidence in no time.
PATIENT SUITABILITY
What are the success rates of All-on-X dental implants?
All-on-X is a dental treatment with a 95-97% success rate, as reported across numerous studies in dental journals. This clinically proven treatment offers peace of mind to those who undergo it, regardless of age.
Most patients seeking All-on-X dental implants are suitable.
There are a few instances where a person might not qualify, but these are rare. When executed by an experienced All-on-X dentist with meticulous planning, the success rate is typically high.
How do I know I'm a suitable candidate?
All-on-X dental implants are appropriate for individuals experiencing extensive tooth loss who desire a complete teeth replacement.
This encompasses scenarios where the patient has:
Lost all or most of their teeth
Teeth that are failing or severely deteriorated beyond restoration through other treatments
Severe gum disease
Significant bone loss
To know if you are eligible for the All-on-X treatment, it's best to seek advice from a qualified dentist who specialises in this treatment. During the consultation, the dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays of your teeth and jaw, and determine if the treatment is suitable for you.
Does my medical history matter?
Having a chronic illness or long-term health issue does not necessarily disqualify you from dental implant treatment. Although your medical history is important.
Your dentist will ask about your complete medical history, including any existing conditions which may include:
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Cancer
Stroke
Heart attack
Pacemaker surgery
Organ transplants
Haemophilia
Autoimmune conditions
Drug use
Psychiatric illnesses
What about my medications?
It is important to inform your dentist about your medications, including the dosage and use duration.
The dentist will ask about medications such as:
Glucocorticoids for inflammation suppression in chronic diseases
Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis treatment
Immunosuppressive drugs for organ transplant prevention
Chemotherapy agents for halting cancer cell growth
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for chronic inflammatory conditions
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for treating depression or mental health disorders
I smoke and drink. Can I still get All-on-X dental implants?
Yes, from a technical point.
Most clinicians highly recommend that patients quit smoking before undergoing any dental implant treatment because smoking can increase the risk of implant failure. Smoking constricts the blood vessels, reduces blood supply to the gums, and can hinder the healing process. It can also raise the risk of complications and infections post-surgery. While drinking alcohol in moderation may not be harmful, it is essential to be mindful of its impact on the body's repair processes. A study suggests that alcohol can slow down bone repair and reduce bone quality, which can potentially affect the long-term outcome of implant treatment.
PROS AND CONS
What are the Pros and Cons of All-on-X dental implants?
All-on-X dental implants are a type of dental restoration that involves placing a full arch of prosthetic teeth on just four implants.
This innovative procedure has transformed the way people restore their smiles. Still, before deciding to undergo it, it's essential to thoroughly consider both the pros and cons of all-on-X dental implant treatment and if it is right for you.
Pros | Cons |
Restore teeth and regain complete function in just days | More expensive than traditional dentures |
Look and feel just like natural teeth | A surgical procedure done under sedation |
Teeth are securely fixed in the mouth — no need for glue or adhesives | Recovery and healing time required |
High stability and chewing efficiency | |
Preserves jaw bone quality and prevents further bone loss | |
Dentistry is a field that requires personalised approaches as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, All-on-X has emerged as an excellent option for patients with loose dentures who find it difficult to eat and for those whose teeth are failing and wish to avoid dentures altogether.
It's crucial to keep in mind, however, that no procedure is perfect, and every treatment carries some degree of risk.
POTENTIAL RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
What are the common issues with All-on-X dental implants?
All-On-X dental implants offer life-changing benefits, but like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications.
All-on-X problems are usually very rare, so it’s unlikely that you’ll need to worry about any of the below — especially if you’re working with an experienced dental implant dentist.
Some issues that can occur with dental implants include:
Implant failure - Dental implants can fail due to lack of osseointegration. Signs of failure include pain, swelling, and loosening. However, failure is rare (5-10%) and a new implant can be placed with high success rates.
Infection - Dental implants carry a risk of infection at the implant site known as peri-implantitis. This can cause inflammation, bone loss, and implant failure. Signs include
loose implant, redness/swelling, bad taste/breath, pain/bleeding, pus, and fever.
Gum recession -Gum recession can be caused by incorrect dental implant placement, smoking, poor oral hygiene, pre-existing gum disease, and teeth grinding. Loss of gum tissue can cause implant failure by making it loose.
Bite Misalignment - All-on-X dental implants should feel natural. Difficulty chewing or biting may indicate a misaligned bite caused by implant or bridge placement issues or implant size/shape problems. Signs of misalignment include jaw muscle pain, clicking, and tooth/smile misalignment.
Nerve damage - Nerve damage is a rare but possible risk of dental implant procedures. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, and restricted movement. Treatment depends on the severity of the damage. However, with proper planning and advanced technology, nerve damage can be avoided. CBCT x-rays and guided implant placement are two ways to decrease the risk.
Sinus inflammation - Sinus issues are a rare complication of all-on-4 implants in theed by implant extension into the nasal cavity. This inflammation (sinusitis) can bone grafting or sinus lifts prior to the procedure for those with the insufficient upper jaw bone.
Who is at risk?
All-on-X dental implants may have a reduced success rate for those who have/are:
Poor dental hygiene and maintenance - No matter how successful an implant is, poor post-operative care can compromise All-on-X implants if dental hygiene and maintenance is neglected.
Smokers -Smokers have higher implant failure rates due to reduced blood flow to the gums caused by smoking. This can delay healing, and increase complications and infections after dental surgery. Smokers are twice as likely to develop peri-implantitis compared to non-smokers.
Pre-existing gum disease - Healthy gums are crucial for successful dental implants. Gum disease weakens and inflames gum tissue, making it a poor match for implants. However, even if you have gum disease, you may still be eligible for All-on-4 implants. Talk to your implant dentist about treating the infection and restoring gum tissue to enjoy the benefits of All-on-X implants.
Pre-existing medical conditions that may impact healing such as osteoporosis or diabetes, Immunocompromised - Medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and immune system disorders) and radiation therapy to the mouth or jaw area can increase the risk of implant failure due to slower healing.
How to avoid these risks
Actions that can be taken to further reduce the likelihood of problems with All-on-X include:
Quitting/avoiding smoking
Discussing any pre-existing medical conditions with your dentist, so the best course of action can be planned
Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions
Keeping up good oral hygiene and cleaning habits
Being aware of the signs of infection, so you can take prompt action
Choosing an experienced dental implant dentist
RECOVERY PROCESS
How long does it take to heal from the procedure?
After completing your All-on-X implant procedure, you can expect two to three days of recovery before returning to your normal daily activities.
But if more procedures are needed beforehand, such as bone grafting, the healing period increases to about three weeks. For full healing, approximately six months, the implants will have integrated with your bone. Still, your normal function won't be affected during this time if a proper checkup and good oral hygiene is followed after your procedure.