ALL ON 4
When a patient is missing all their teeth in either one or both complete jaws, or if they have teeth that need to be extracted, fixed prosthetic rehabilitation of the entire jaw is performed by placing only four, six, or eight dental implants, depending on the case, while evaluating the width, height, and bone density. This approach achieves an effective, feasible, and stable restoration, even in cases where the amount of bone is not optimal, making the most of the existing bone.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a cylindrical element made of titanium coated with a biocompatible material that integrates perfectly with the body’s bone, meaning it does not cause any rejection. It has threads, allowing it to be inserted into the bone in a threaded manner, bonding with it through a process called osseointegration. This implant exclusively functions as the root of the tooth and occupies its space. To provide both chewing and aesthetic functionality, a crown is added to the implant.
Dental implants are placed in the bone using sequential drilling, starting with smaller diameter drills and gradually increasing to drills with the diameter of the implant to be placed. Once the space is prepared, the implant is screwed into the bone.
The most common brands of dental implants used in Costa Rica are Zimmer Biomet, MIS, Cortex, and NeoBiotech. At Sonrisa Para Todos, we mainly use Zimmer Biomet and Cortex implants for ALL ON 4 treatments.
Why choose an ALL ON 4 treatment over removable dentures?
Removable dentures have several associated problems, such as gum damage due to pressure, difficulties in chewing that prevent patients from eating many foods normally, inability to reduce jawbone loss, constant expenses for denture adhesives due to their lack of stability, not to mention the gag reflex that many patients experience with a removable full denture, especially in the upper jaw.
Who can undergo an ALL ON 4 treatment?
Anyone who has lost their teeth or needs to have all of their teeth extracted, either in a single jaw or both jaws, should immediately consider professional evaluation to opt for this type of treatment, which greatly reduces the risk of irreversible loss of alveolar bone.
Each patient must be assessed individually as it is necessary to evaluate their general health, habits, and the condition of the bone to determine if the existing amount of bone is sufficient to undergo this type of fixed treatment.
How long does it take for dental implants used in ALL ON 4 treatments to heal?
It is necessary to wait for complete osseointegration of the dental implant with the bone, and this healing time can range from 3 to 6 months, depending on whether it is in the upper or lower jaw. After this period, a radiographic image is taken to analyze the degree of fusion between the implant and the surrounding bone. If osseointegration is successfully achieved, the rehabilitation phase can proceed, which involves placing the definitive fixed prosthesis to achieve the desired aesthetic and functional result.
It is important to note that during the healing period, the patient will not be without teeth. From the moment the implants are placed, temporary fixed teeth are attached to these implants, allowing the patient to eat, speak, and smile normally while waiting for the corresponding healing time.
Prices for ALL ON 4 treatments in Costa Rica
The cost of an ALL ON 4 dental implant treatment in Costa Rica varies depending on each case. Factors such as the condition of the patient’s bone structure, the number of implants to be placed, and the material used for the fixed prosthesis (such as zirconia, metal-ceramic, or hybrid) are taken into account.
To provide a budget, it is essential to conduct an assessment and diagnosis through a clinical examination and complementary tests such as a 3D tomography. These assessments allow professionals to evaluate the current oral condition and determine the best treatment plan for each case.
If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for an ALL ON 4 dental implant treatment and rediscover the joy of smiling, please request an appointment for an assessment and treatment plan with a 3D tomography scan by calling 4010-3333 or via WhatsApp at 7031-7979. We would be delighted to assist you.
50 Frequently Asked Questions About
Dental Implants
Learn all about dental implants in Costa Rica. Check out our frequently asked questions section at the following link.