Many years ago, a permanent solution for an arch of upper or lower missing teeth required six or more dental implants and often required a year or more of healing. Patients undergoing tooth replacement were forced to wear an uncomfortable denture during the treatment until the final placement of their new teeth. However, surgical advances in implant dentistry have provided patients that are missing a full arch of teeth a better solution for permanent replacement: the All-on-4 Treatment Concept.
Many patients who are unable to receive traditional replacement options such as a fixed bridge are still able to receive this unique treatment. If you possess the following characteristics, you may be a candidate for the All-on-4 Treatment Concept:
When patients have lost the majority of their teeth, selecting a cost-effective replacement option that restores both function and aesthetics to the mouth can be difficult. Patients undergoing the All-on-4 Treatment Concept enjoy many benefits not provided by other restoration methods, including
During the initial consultation, Drs. Boyce and Tracy will review your medical history and perform an oral examination of the gums and any remaining teeth. Your doctor will also review the X-rays provided by your referring dentist and may take additional 3D scans to ensure that the proper bone height and width are present to place dental implants. Occasionally, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary to ensure that there is adequate bone for the implants to integrate/fuse with the jaw properly and create a stable foundation for the full-arch prosthesis. If there are failing teeth that must be removed, this can often occur at the same time that the implants are placed.
During the first procedure, the dental implants are inserted into the jaw, and a temporary set of teeth will be affixed to the implants. Patients will undergo a period of healing to allow the implants to fuse properly with the jaw bone before the attachment of the final prosthesis. Once the implants are anchored securely in the bone, the permanent set of replacement teeth is attached to the abutments.
Dental implants are truly the best functional and aesthetic solution to replacing a full arch of missing teeth and restoring your smile. Dr. Andrew Boyce, Dr. Kyle Tracy, and the surgical team at Billings Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center have a variety of implant solutions to meet your individual needs, including the All-on-4 Treatment Concept. If you are interested in learning more about which dental implant solution is right for you, please contact one of our four offices conveniently located in Billings, Montana, and Cody and Sheridan, Wyoming, to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled surgeons.
Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art X-Guide technology to ensure dental implants are placed with precision. Designed by X-NAV Technologies, the X-Guide software provides your doctor with a 3D view of your facial anatomy during surgery and delivers turn-by-turn guidance on the position, angle, and depth of the implant. Learn more about this technology on our X-Guide page or by visiting the official
X-NAV website.