What to expect when undergoing All-On-4® treatment with Dental 359
If you have made the life changing decision to undergo our All-On-4® treatment, or it is something you are considering, it’s important to understand what occurs in the days following the initial procedure and how you will care for your implants to ensure your investment lasts your lifetime.
What exactly is All-On-4®?
All-on-4® is a revolutionary approach which allows the total oral rehabilitation of patients with the placement of only 4 titanium dental implants in each jaw, through a quick and minimally invasive procedure. The Implants act as a foundation for the bridge, which allows the placement of a fixed set of teeth similar to natural teeth. The All-on-4® allows even those patients with virtually no bone to have fixed teeth without the need for bone grafting. The result is a fixed (non-removable) natural looking dentition, indistinguishable from natural teeth.
All-On-4® Patient of Dental 359
What is the process?
At Dental 359 we arrange an initial appointment with the purpose to evaluate your current dental health. During this appointment we will advise you the best treatment options for your needs, answering all your questions.
Should you be an eligible candidate for our All-On-4 treatment we will then arrange a 3D x-ray (CBCT) taken at our clinic. This x-ray will allow Dr Golestani to see the quality of bone in the upper and lower jaw and help to plan your treatment.
We will then arrange a treatment proposal where you will meet with Dr Golestani and our Treatment Coordinator to discuss the ongoing maintenance involved with the All-on-4 treatment and the cost.
Following the acceptance of our treatment plan we will then arrange for all diagnostic and pre-liminary work to be completed with our laboratory technicians, to begin the process of designing your new smile!
All-On-4 surgery
The All-On-4 surgery is a day procedure and completed under a General Anaesthetic.
The surgery takes approximately 3-5 hours depending on whether both the upper and lower jaw are being treated.
- Day 1– During surgery your remaining teeth are removed and the bone is prepared to receive the implants. Implants are placed and the area is closed with sutures.
- Day 2– A digital impression is taken in the morning and by the afternoon the teeth are 3D printed and tried in your mouth. Adjustments are made as required either in the chair or in the laboratory.
- Day 3– Our laboratory creates your permanent set of teeth, complete with a titanium framework and teeth made from high impact acrylic.
- Day 4– Your permanent new teeth are inserted.
An All-On-4® patient of Dental 359 attending their Day 2 appointment
Dr Golestani will arrange review appointments in the days and weeks following to keep a close eye on healing and to demonstrate hygiene instructions for at home oral care.
Titanium is used as the material for dental implants specifically because of its ability to permanently bond with bone tissue.
Recovery after dental implant surgery
The recovery process is a crucial part of ensuring that the dental implant integrates with the bone. Patients must allow their mouths to heal so that the implants can do their job when it comes time.
Initial 24 hours
Following implant placement, it is important to take extra care of your mouth during the first 24 hours. The gums and jaw will all most likely be tender.
It is important that a not to touch or disturb the area where the implants were placed.
A person may experience a lot of swelling, bleeding and even pain during the first 24 hours after the surgery. Typically, pain relief will be prescribed that can be used immediately after the surgery to help manage the pain. Using an ice pack or cold compress can help with the swelling and pain too.
Our team will provide you with a post-operative care pack that will include everything you need for recovery.
As the area heals it is crucial that patients keep their mouths extremely clean. If the teeth or gums aren’t kept clean then they are likely to cause bacteria to form which, could cause an infection within the wound.
2-3 days after
Once the initial 24 hours has passed, patients may still experience pain, minor bleeding and even some swelling. It is important to realize that these symptoms will take time to go away during the healing period.
Long term Maintenance and Care for your Implants
Following implant surgery you will receive verbal and written post-operative instructions from one of our Dentists on how to care for your implants. During review appointments at our office, you will spend time with our Dental Hygienist learning how to properly clean your new smile.
To ensure successful osseointegration of the implants, it is essential that these instructions are followed stringently. It is imperative that patients stick to a 12-week soft diet during this time.
We will provide you with a recipe book that informs you of the foods you can eat during this time, and what to avoid.
Our team will do everything that we can to ensure that the implants heal in the correct manner by reducing the chances of infection; this is achieved by providing you with a hygiene treatment prior to surgery and prescribing antibiotics after surgery, however it is the patients’ personal oral hygiene and diet that will play a major factor in the success integration of the implants.
Routine maintenance appointments are also vital to the long-term success of the implants. We will see you every 6 months for a thorough examination of the prothesis, implants and to make sure there are no infections, diseases or decay which could jeopardize the implants and your general oral health.
A patient of Dental 359 following All-On-4®implant treatment.
Call our team at Dental 359 on 1 300 625 625 to arrange your complimentary All-On-4® consultation.
