CUTTING EDGE ALL-ON-FOUR SINGLE VISIT TREATMENT

WHY IS OPERATIVE DENTISTRY IMPORTANT

OPERATIVE DENTISTRY is simply treating missing or malformed portions of the teeth caused by tooth decay, trauma, discoloration, or unusual development. There are several options for the material used to restore and correct these conditions – silver amalgam, tooth-colored composite resin or resin-modified materials, porcelain, gold, etc.

Cutting edge all-on-four Single Visit Treatment

Winyah Dental Group is excited to be one of the only providers in our area to offer the cutting-edge dental procedure known as the All-on-four. This surgical treatment concept is where implants replace the full arch of upper or lower teeth with fixed (screwed in) non-removable full-arch prosthetic teeth. This treatment eliminates the flange and palate of a denture.

Benefits

All-on-four offers several benefits that other common tooth restoration methods do not.

Single Visit

Patients can walk into Winyah Dental Group with little or no teeth and walk out with a complete smile the same day without ever wearing a denture.

Improved Quality of Life

All-on-four gives you natural-looking and long-lasting beautiful teeth. Talking and eating feel normal, unlike with dentures—even more reason to smile like you mean it.

Promote Jawbone Health

All-on-four helps reduce the risk for periodontal diseases because it restores and strengthens your jawbone.

Confidence to "Smile Like You Mean It"

Easy to Care For

Just as with your natural teeth, daily brushing, flossing, and regular visits to your dentist are all you'll need to care for your implant-supported bridge.

Cost-Effective

The All-on-four procedure that addresses a full arch with complete restoration in a single visit is less expensive than replacing each tooth. When you think about the confidence and healthy smile that results from this treatment, it's an investment worth making.

dental fillings

As mentioned, we have several options that can work when restoring your teeth. They type of material chosen can vary based on several factors like the location of the filling and the extent of the damage to your teeth.

How are All-on-four Dental Implants different from dentures?

As opposed to dentures, All-On-Four Dental Implants are a permanent set of teeth that look and feel natural, which means: 1. They are permanent teeth that look and feel like natural teeth 2. They are stable, allowing you to bite with increased force – allowing you to eat all of your favorite foods once again 3. No more discomfort, as they don’t press down on your gums like dentures do 4. They allow you to taste and experience your food, as you no longer have to worry about slipping 5. The presence of the implants in the jaw stimulates the bone, thus preventing further bone deterioration 7. No more gagging 8. No more nightly removal and cleaning 9. No more messy, sticky adhesives!
How do All-On-Four Dental Implants compare to traditional implants?

The All-On-four procedure utilizes only 4 implants to replace all teeth on an upper arch, whereas traditional implants utilize anywhere from 5 to 8 implants in one arch. The angled placement of the posterior implants of the All-On-4 procedure allow for increased support by using the natural support of your bone. Also, traditional implants often require bone grafting, a process that can take 6 months or more. The All-On-4 Dental protocol requires no bone grafting for most patients, with a success rate that is equal to or better than traditional implants. The All-on-four procedure can save you from unnecessary surgery and discomfort, as well as time and money!
How do I know if I’m a candidate for All-on-four?

We utilize cutting-edge 3D imaging techniques to expertly assess which treatment option(s) will be right for you. Using the 3D image of your jaw, we evaluate bone quality, volume & quantity. Virtually 95% of patients, with or without teeth, are candidates for the All-on-4 procedure. We also perform virtual surgery before you are in the chair – meaning you will be able to see your results before the surgery, and each pre-planned step will be executed with the utmost precision.
How is our All-on-4 different?

We use computer guided planning & we perform computer guided surgery, all before your procedure. This allows the highest level of precision, saves you time in the chair, and allows for your teeth to be pre-manufactured. In other words, there will be no need for a lab & no wait after your procedure; you will leave with your new teeth on that very same visit. This technique can be used for both patients with a few teeth remaining or patients with all teeth missing. What’s more, with our prefabrication method, we are able to include a hidden metal framework in your bridge, making your new teeth much stronger and longer-lasting. If we find it necessary (due to lack of bone quality or quantity), we will use 6 or 8 implants instead of 4, to ensure the strength and longevity of your new teeth.
Will people be able to see the line between the fixed bridge and the jaw bone?

Our method eliminates this line in most patients. As part of your initial examination, we evaluate your smile to determine where the junction of the fixed bridge and the jaw bone will be. During the All-on-4 procedure, we make adjustments to ensure that your new smile is not too “gummy” and that the edge of your bridge is completely hidden.
Do you always use four implants?

Most of the time, 4 implants are used. If we find it to be necessary after accessing the specific situation, we will use 6 or 8 implants to ensure the strength and longevity of your new teeth. To read more about the situations in which each procedure would be needed, click here. We will perform the procedure that is best for your specific needs in order to provide you with the longest lasting, premium teeth.
Why don’t all dentists use the All-on-4 Procedure?

The All-on-4 technique is fairly new, and not all dentists are comfortable performing this procedure. The Advanced Periodontics team are All-on-4 specialists, and have been performing the procedure since it became available. Other more traditional treatments can sometimes be a viable option as well. In some cases, All-on-4 is a better treatment option. When you come in for a consultation, we evaluate your condition and make a custom diagnosis to see what option/method is the best treatment for you.
Does All-on-4 hurt?

The All-on-4 surgery is virtually painless. After the numbness wears off, the patient will experience a little swelling and soreness that will last a few days. Many patients return to their normal routine (work, etc.) 1-2 days after their surgery. This time is needed not because of pain, but because they need to adjust to the presence of their new teeth, as it may slightly affect their speech.
What about my post-surgery diet?

Because of the hidden metal framework that we are able to include in our prefabrication process, your new teeth will be strong and stable. You will be able to eat most foods right away except for hard, brittle or chewy foods. You will be able to return to a regular diet within 6-10 weeks.
I was told I would need bone grafting to “build up” the bone before any implants could be placed. Does the All-on-4 Procedure involve bone grafting?

In the majority of cases, we are able to place 4 implants and restore a full arch of teeth without bone grafting. We use computer guided techniques, which allow us to plan the exact placement of each implant at an angle to make maximum use of the existing bone, avoiding bone grafting.
How long does an All-on-4 Procedure take?

After your initial consultation and diagnostic procedures (CT scan, etc.), your implants and new teeth will be placed all in one appointment, even if you need extractions. With All-on-4, you arrive at our office with bad (or no) teeth, and leave the very same day with a beautiful set of fixed, functional teeth.
What is the success rate of the All-on-4 Procedure?

Published studies show a 98.2% success rate when using the All-on-4 technique in the lower jaw. Other studies show a 97- 98% success in the upper jaw for the same procedure. Occasionally, an implant will fail. Knowing this, we carefully evaluate bone quality and quantity prior to your procedure, and will place six implants if we feel it is a necessary precaution, making our success rate even higher.
What is the cost of an All-On-4 Procedure?

The cost of an All-On-4 Procedure varies from patient to patient. We offer a complimentary consultation to evaluate the patient in order to give them a better idea of the total cost. Payment plans can be set up, interest free. All-On-4 is an investment that will leave you with a beautiful, new smile for the rest of your life!
What type of fillings do you offer?

We offer Gold, Silver (Amalgams), and Tooth Colored Composites.
What are the benefits of a gold filling?

Gold fillings will last longer because it's a stronger material.
What are the benefits of a silver (amalgam) filling?

Silver fillings are typically less expensive than gold and they tend to last longer than composite fillings because of the durability.
What are the benefits of a tooth colored composite filling?

The tooth colored composite fillling not only bonds to the tooth structure offering additional support but they blend with the color of your teeth giving a more natural apperance.