Understanding the All-on-4/All-on-X Process

The dental industry has made great strides in the last decade due to technological advances and significant improvements in available equipment. New technology has changed how we deal with dental care and treatment. Gone are the days when losing teeth meant uncomfortable and often ill-fitting dentures.

In many cases, the most viable new procedure for people needing a full arch replacement is All-on-4. You will also see it listed as All-on-X because the "X" stands for the number of dental implants required, which depends entirely on the structure and health of a patient's jawbone.

So, What Are All-on-X Implants?

It is a process by which patients who require extensive work, such as a complete arch replacement, can restore functionality to their mouths without the time and expense of many individual implants. Based on the strength and health of your jawbone, the dentist will determine the best placement of 4-8 implants per arch (top, bottom, or both) and use them to permanently secure a prosthesis.

This prosthesis will rest against these implants, providing the look of both teeth and gums when you smile. It is built to order and based on exact measurements to ensure proper functionality and to create a smile that looks amazing. Once perfectly fitted, it will be permanently attached to the implants put into your jaw, so there is no need to remove them except for repair or maintenance. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, your permanent prosthesis will be made from highly durable zirconia and fitted to your mouth for the most comfortable chewing possible.

Am I a Candidate for the All-on-X Procedure?

If you are missing a few teeth but otherwise have good dental health, the All-on-X procedure would not be the best option for you. The All-on-X procedure requires removing all your teeth, which doesn't make sense for someone whose teeth are fully functional. No matter how advanced the technology gets, keeping your natural teeth is always the best option.

However, if you have multiple missing or broken teeth, are experiencing significant pain, and have already tried a partial bridge or dentures, you might need this treatment to restore your smile to its original state. If you have lost bone density or some of your jawbone is not thick enough to support individual implants, the All-on-X treatment allows the dentist to identify the most viable sites in your jaw, place the implants there, and then build the prosthesis to match.

Modern advancements in technology mean that dentists have access to digital imaging equipment - CT Scans that allow your dentist to see how thick and dense your jawbone is, helping them find the best possible locations for those all-important implants.

What is "Teeth-in-a-Day?"

"Teeth-In-A-Day" is a procedure that allows patients with extracted teeth to have their implants placed and restorations completed on the same day. While many dental practices offer "Teeth-in-a-Day" services online, this procedure has some extensive drawbacks:

• Your jaw and gums must be fully healed for your prosthesis to fit properly - healing takes up to 4 - 8 months

• Improperly fitted pieces may allow the introduction of harmful bacteria, leading to infections and potential damage to the underlying bone

• Improperly fitted pieces break

• Ensuring that your permanent prosthesis fits perfectly takes time

Why Meza Dental Seldom Uses the "Teeth-in-a-Day" Method

At Meza Dental, we aim to ensure the job is done right the first time, so your new smile lasts as long as possible and provides optimal comfort and function. Many "Teeth-in-a-Day" procedures will remove all your teeth, place implants, and create a prosthesis in one visit - but in many cases, the final prosthesis is made from low-grade materials such as PMMA, a polymer, simply because it's faster to produce. These materials won't hold up well under normal conditions and will require much more maintenance and repair.

Another issue with this type of service is that removing your teeth is major surgery and will cause significant swelling. Any measurements taken to fit your prosthesis can't be accurate when the healing process can take months, depending on the work done and your overall health. Over time, the bone regrows around the implant, cementing it into place and providing additional support - a process that cannot be rushed without risking the fit and function of your new smile.

What is the Process Used by Meza Dental?

Meza Dental prefers to take the time to do the job right. A properly made and fitted permanent prosthesis is created to your measurements - after the jaw and gums are healed - out of zirconia, a material so strong and durable that it makes for an excellent long-term solution. That's the kind of smile we want to offer our patients.

The first part of our process: your teeth will be extracted, and your implants will be placed in a single visit. You will be fitted for a custom-made set of temporary teeth to maintain your smile and your ability to function while you heal, which is essential to your quality of life.

The main difference is that we ask you to come back for a second visit once your jawbone and gums have fully healed so that we can accurately measure your mouth in its normal state. At that point, we can use a new scan to digitally create the smile you've always wanted, and then build a plastic prototype that can be inserted, tested for fit and aesthetics, and adjusted as needed. Once we are delighted that it's perfect, we will create your permanent prosthesis out of zirconia - ideal for this type of work because it is durable and robust, and its surface is so smooth that it helps prevent bacterial growth.

The beauty of dental tourism is that while we work on creating your perfect smile, you're free to explore a tropical paradise. We have staff dedicated to helping you plan the perfect trip.

A Final Word About the All-on-X Procedure

While the All-on-X Procedure isn't for everyone, it is a treatment that was unimaginable not so long ago. The very best thing you can do - the first step to finding your perfect smile - is to talk to a qualified dentist. Tell them your concerns. Talk about your dental history. You may be surprised at how many possibilities exist in digital dentistry.

Our staff is always ready and willing to answer your questions. We are happy to provide a free estimate with no obligation so you can start your journey to healthy, functional, beautiful teeth.