What is the all on 4 dental implant method? Is it painful?

I. What is all on 4 dental implant?

All on 4 dental implant is the most optimal method today, replacing lost teeth with only 4 implant units in either the upper or lower jaw.

• All: is all (supported)
• on 4: Perform full-mouth implant surgery with only 4 implant units.

II. Uses of all on 4 dental implants

All on 4 dental implant is a dental implant & restoration process that aims to restore all lost teeth of the upper or lower jaw with only 4 implant units. Some practical uses of All on 4 dental implant:

a) Using fewer implants, reducing invasiveness:

All on 4 dental implant is the optimal method, replacing the traditional dental implant method when having to implant 8-10 pillars. (depending on doctor's instructions)

b) High durability

The durability of All-on-4 implant is high if using implant products from high-end brands such as Nobel Biocare can last up to 20-30 years, even a lifetime if the implant is performed properly or cared for properly.

c) Certainly, reduces the risk of infection

All on 4 dental implants are highly durable, limiting frequent impact on the treated area like removable dentures. Minimizing the risk of infection or bone loss around the treated area.

d) Rehabilitation & aesthetics

All on 4 dental implants help patients restore chewing and pronunciation functions. Restore smiles, improve aesthetic problems caused by long-term tooth loss.

III. Recommendations when performing all on 4 dental implant

a. Need to consult a specialist 

All-on-4 dental implant surgery depends on the patient's illness & habits: For patients with underlying diseases, osteoporosis, uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, they need to be carefully evaluated & consulted by a doctor before deciding to perform.

b) Requires highly skilled doctors & advanced support technology

This is a complex implantation technique, requiring a doctor with expertise & many years of experience in the industry. It is necessary to perform CT scan & treatment planning based on simulation software (guided surgery) or implant positioning support system such as: X-Guide NXT belong to Nobel Biocare

IV. Is all on 4 dental implant painful?

Thanks to the skills of highly qualified doctors and the support of modern technology in Vietnam today, All on 4 dental implants are not as painful as people often think. The process is usually very quick, in just one appointment. Common symptoms after All on 4 dental implants: 

a) Feeling of swelling and pain for the first few days

In some cases, patients will experience swelling of the cheeks, mild pain around the All-on-4 implant area, or a low-grade fever. The doctor will prescribe medication to relieve the pain. If the condition does not improve or worsens, contact your doctor immediately. 

b) Difficulty chewing in the early stages

During the 2-4 weeks after All on 4 implant placement: patients will be advised to eat soft or liquid foods, and avoid chewing vigorously in case of temporary restorations. 

c) More thorough cleaning

All on 4 dental implants have fixed prostheses and cannot be removed for cleaning like removable dentures. Cleaning must be performed according to the doctor's instructions. Avoid causing bad breath, gingivitis and inflammation around the implant area.

d) Need time to adapt

All on 4 implant patients need time to adapt and improve their feeling with the new jaw, especially patients who have never had full jaw restoration before.