Oded Bahat Research by Dr. Oded Bahat
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Modern dentistry does try its best to help patients retain their teeth, but some cases are too difficult to do so. Elderly patients who have lost all their teeth face a couple of options. Although dentures are a viable option; they come with a unique set of problems. Patients have to learn to bite and chew in a different way with removable complete dentures. Furthermore, the hard acrylic and metal bases cause a range of problems like taste loss, chafing, allergies, etc. To ensure maximum comfort, dentists now recommend implants which ensure that the dentures clip on and stay on. One of the most interesting concepts in full-mouth denture rehabilitation is the All-On-Four treatment concept.
About the All-On-Four Immediate Treatment Concept
Simply put, the all All-On-Four implant system relies on providing the patient with immediate dental implants. These implants are loaded with a full-arch prostheses or denture (immediately or within 24 hours of extraction) and the patient can carry on with his daily activities. The implants are manufactured by implant company Nobel Biocare and they were the first to consider making patented implants for immediate placement.
The company based its research on studies carried out by Portuguese dentist Paulo Maló. Later on, prominent clinicians like Dr. Oded Bahat and Dr. Alex Fibishenko also started using the technique and today, the All-On-Four implant system is considered a prominent and reliable treatment method for edentulous (toothless jaws) arches.
Features of the All-On-Four implant system
The All-On-Four implant system is considered a viable treatment option as it is based on thoroughly researched principles. The system advocates the following steps –
- Dental implants are placed to support a full dental bridge. Four implants are usually placed in the maxillary / upper arch. Occlusal contact is limited to the anterior area only to ensure healing.
- Specially angulated implants are used in the posterior region to maximize bony support for the overlying bridge made up of 10-14 units ( teeth.)
- Immediate loading of the implant is done with a acrylic resin base and replacement teeth. A permanent replacement is done after three months.
The All-On-Four implant system is now considered one of the most reliable and trustworthy dental treatments available for patients who want immediate complete dentures. As the implants and dentures are available immediately, the patient experiences no functional, aesthetic or dietary problems.
The only drawback visible at present is the cost. According to lowball estimates, the surgical component of the All-On-Four implant system will range from $12,000 to $15,000 USD per jaw and the restorative procedures will be about $7,000 to $10,000 USD per jaw. Total cost for the entire procedure may go as high as $60,000 and more.
The system is particularly recommended for patients who have experienced considerable vertical bone loss. The All-On-Four process is based on a graftless technique and it is considered extremely effective in this category of patients.
The success rate for the treatment process is generally high with no significant difference between the jaws. The rate of success has proven consistent with other implants systems that are based on the All-On-Four treatment concept.
