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All-on-X

Replace All Upper or Lower Teeth with One Complete Bridge

All-on-X is an upgrade to the All-on-4 Concept marketed by Nobel Biocare. Nobel Biocare is an implant company that has marketed All-on-4 to the general public for many years. As a business, Nobel Biocare is driven by revenue and profits and All-on-4 is a risky concept for long term success. The Implants-4-Life concept for full mouth dental implants restores an entire upper or lower arch of teeth using a minimum of 5 implants on the lower and 6 implants on the upper to support a fixed dental bridge. With this solution, we replace 10 or 12 teeth using teeth that are permanently screwed or cemented in. We use only the highest quality titanium and zirconia materials for full arch dental implants.

While techniques such as All-on-4 can be used for full-arch dental implants, it should never be considered a first option for treatment. All-on-4 is a last resort treatment for fixed full-arch dental implants, when available bone is limited and bone grafting is not an option. In almost all other circumstances, All-on-4 is a short sighted treatment concept. Trustworthy implant organizations typically encourage the use of more than 4 optimally located implants which provide greater support, stability, and reliability.

All-on-X is a more traditional form of implant treatment where the implants are covered after surgery and left to heal undisturbed for several months. Temporary teeth are not attached to the implants at the time of surgery. It is a tried and tested treatment method that provides predictable outcomes.

When you come in to see Dr. Bergman, the implant dentist, he will provide you with options that will work best for you. Only the best and most trustworthy materials are used in your treatment and only the best and most trustworthy methods are used for the most reliable long term results.

Why choose All-on-X dental implant therapy?

All-on-X is the best concept in implant dentistry to replace an entire arch of teeth. With at least 6 implants on the upper and 5 on the lower, you have the best opportunity to keep your teeth for life. At Southern Utah Implants, we want the best for our patients. We treat our patients like we treat family. Anyone who is facing complete tooth loss in the upper or lower arch or who already wears dentures, needs to consider All-on-X. All-on-X will provide you with an optimal level of stability and strength. You will enjoy a biting strength similar to natural teeth and the look of beautiful cosmetic dentistry.

The implants are placed strategically in your upper or lower arch using digital planning. Additionally, because the implants are located evenly throughout your jawbone, they can better preserve it, replacing some of your natural tooth roots and preventing bone collapse.

Who is suitable for All-on-X?

With full dental implants, implant placement is very important. Implants are placed throughout the jaw to disperse forces and stresses evenly. Implants also must receive enough support from the bone around them. Some people, who have lost teeth many years ago, have active periodontal disease, or who have a history of periodontal disease are more likely to have a significant amount of bone loss. Periodontal disease is a common form of bone destruction that leads to tooth loss. Even if this is the case, you can still consider All-on-X, but you may need bone grafts to restore bone levels for optimal implant placement.

Dr. Bergman must also consider other important factors before suggesting this treatment. One is the thickness of the teeth. If bone loss is significant, the prosthesis (teeth) may be thicker than expected and may not feel as natural as anticipated. Grinding and clenching also affects the forces on the implants and teeth. People who have full mouth dental implants will often have difficulty recognizing excessive biting forces due to lack of sensation. Biting too hard on dental implants could increase the risk of failure by putting them under excessive stress. Certain teeth replacements are not strong enough for people who grind or clench. Some individuals struggle with the changes in speech and may see better results with shorter span bridges or single dental implants. These factors alter the time required for treatment and costs associated.

What is the procedure for All-on-X?

As with any dental implant treatment suggested here at Southern Utah Implants, we consider your aims and desires for treatment closely, and Dr. Bergman will discuss your oral and medical health prior to treatment.

It is important to discuss your dental and medical health openly with Dr. Bergman to ensure you are suitable for implant treatment. Dr. Bergman will also discuss the benefits and possible risks of implant therapy.

Diagnostic Tests

We will need to take a CT scan of the jaw bones with our on-site imaging technology. The image shows the size, shape, and orientation of the jaw bones. The image also shows the density of the bone. Dr. Bergman will interpret these images to quantify the amount and quality of the available bone for implants. An intraoral scan will also be taken. An intraoral scan is a stitching of thousands of images to create a 3-dimensional image of the jaw bones and any remaining teeth. This technology replaces the goopy impressions that use to be used.

Planning All-on-X

The diagnostic images are used to plan surgery meticulously and determine if bone grafting is required. If you do need bone grafts, these must be completed before implant surgery and given time to heal. Dr. Bergman can discuss the procedure for bone grafting in more detail.

Otherwise, the 3-D and 2-D images are analyzed to determine the optimal placement for each implant.

A virtual treatment outcome is digitally developed by Dr. Bergman, ensuring it provides excellent aesthetics and that you can eat and talk comfortably. Once complete, the treatment plan is used to create a custom-made surgical stent or template for use during surgery.

Placing All-on-X

The custom-made surgical stent ensures your treatment plan is replicated accurately, and each implant is inserted to the correct depth, location, and angulation. Once inserted, the implants are covered with healing caps to protect them and are left undisturbed to heal and attach to your jawbone. Temporary teeth are prepared prior to surgery. These teeth are used while the bone is growing around the implants.

Fitting Your Teeth

Once the implants are fused firmly with your bone, we attach special connectors to the implants (abutments) and make your permanent prosthesis. Your permanent teeth are fitted onto the implants and are screwed or cemented in place. Often, large implant bridges are screwed onto dental implants, and we cover the screws with tooth-colored filling material. It is a technique that allows for retrievability of the bridge should it require maintenance or cleaning.

What happens after implant surgery?

It is perfectly normal to experience some discomfort after implant surgery, but some people may feel little to no discomfort. We will give you specific instructions on which foods are safe to eat and which are best avoided during healing. Swelling and bruising may occur and are not a sign of failure. If swelling is significant and unexpected, contact Southern Utah Implants for additional care instructions. We will provide you specific instructions on how to care for your dental implants, and if necessary, prescribe antibiotics.

Often, it’s important to use an antimicrobial mouth rinse for the first week following surgery. As implant healing progresses, we will show you precisely how to clean around them to keep them free from infection.

What are the pros and cons of All-on-X?

Advantages of Full Mouth Dental Implants Include

  • Treatment can eliminate the need to wear dentures or removable teeth.
  • You will enjoy the security of having teeth that are stable and strong.
  • Your self-confidence and self-esteem can improve.
  • The ability to chew difficult foods is restored with a bite strength akin to natural teeth.
  • Dental implants help to preserve your jawbone and prevent continuous bone atrophy.
  • Your appearance may improve as your prosthesis will provide support for your cheeks and lips, eliminating facial collapsed from missing bone.
  • All-on-X treatment is predictable and has a high success rate.

Disadvantages of Full Mouth Dental Implants Include

  • The implants cannot have pressure placed upon them and must not be moved during healing, as this could increase the risk of implant failure.
  • The potential need for bone grafting can increase the cost of treatment.
  • Healing time may be extended because of the potential need for bone grafting.

The success rate for All-on-X dental implant treatment is very high and complications are rare. With correct care and maintenance, All-on-X treatment is just that: IMPLANTS FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.