Not everyone qualifies for full mouth dental implants, but if you have multiple missing or failing teeth and are looking for a permanent, life-changing solution, you may just be the perfect candidate.
If you’ve been told by another provider in the past that you’re not a candidate– don’t lose hope– you may still qualify. Each procedure at Nuvia is performed by an oral & maxillofacial surgeon whose additional 4+ years of residency after dental school equip them to handle more complex cases.
The first step to see if you may qualify for All-on-4® dental implants is to take the 60-second quiz. From there, you’ll be able to set up a consultation to confirm if you’re a candidate.
Keep reading to find out the qualifications that will determine if this procedure is right for you.
The All-on-4® Dental Implant Treatment
The following qualifications will make more sense when you understand what All-on-4® dental implant treatment is like.
All-on-4® dental implants consist of a full row of teeth supported by just four dental implants which are strategically in the jawbone. These implants look similar to a screw and after placement, fuse with the bone over time.
The strategic placement of these implants is what makes it possible for those who have experienced some bone loss to still get a brand new smile without worrying about bone grafts or sinus lifts.
Who is a Good Candidate For All-on-4® Dental Implants:
So who all is a candidate and who is not a good candidate for All-on-4® dental implants? Here are the determining factors.
A. Missing Teeth or Failing Teeth
The primary candidates for All-on-4® dental implants are individuals with missing teeth, multiple failing teeth, or those currently using dentures [3]. Because any remaining teeth need to be removed for full mouth dental implants, patients must meet this requirement. If you’re better off with your natural, healthy teeth you likely won’t be a candidate.
Many people who wear dentures eventually opt for dental implants once they experience the frustrations and drawbacks of temporary solutions.
Dental implants offer a stable, long-lasting solution that are more likely to have a higher level of comfort and functionality compared to traditional dentures [4].
B. Adequate Bone Density:
To be a candidate, patients must have enough bone for dental implants [5].
However, All-on-4® dental implants utilize an innovative technique to take advantage of available bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting [6]. Your restorative dentist at Nuvia can assess your bone density through a CT scan for dental implants [7].
It isn’t uncommon for those who have worn dentures for many years to have experienced significant bone loss. At some point, even using the All-on-4® method isn’t enough to successfully place dental implants.
However, for the top arch of teeth, zygomatic dental implants may still be a possibility. These require a higher level of technical skill to do, so you’ll want to make sure your provider has experience (we recommend having an oral & maxillofacial surgeon if you’re getting zygomatic implants).
C. Good Oral & Overall Health:
While gum disease or infection can complicate dental implant procedures, they don't necessarily exclude you from All-on-4® treatment [8].
Patients should address existing oral health issues with a dental professional to determine if they need to undergo treatment before getting dental implants.
All-on-4® is a surgical procedure that patients are able to sleep through at Nuvia; however, this means that patients must not have any uncontrolled medical conditions prior to getting dental implants. Conditions like unmangaged diabetes or ongoing treatment for cancer can significantly increase chances of dental implant failure.
Who is Not a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
There is a chance you may be someone who is not be a good candidate for dental implants if any of the following apply to you:
- Too many healthy teeth: If you have too many healthy teeth, other dental procedures may be more effective for you.
- Habit of smoking: Those who smoke are usually not great candidates for dental implants unless they quit. This is because smoking can hinder the healing process and increase chances of dental implant failure.
- Poor bone density: Not only do patients not qualify if they don’t have enough bone (frequently from wearing dentures too long and experiencing bone loss), but also if they suffer from osteoporosis and don’t have enough bone density.
- A compromised immune system: Whether this is from sickness, autoimmune disorders, or undergoing radiation therapy, it’s not usually recommended that individuals with a compromised immune system have a procedure like full mouth dental implants.
Worried you may fall into this category? Don’t lose all hope. If treatment is still possible or if a plan can be put in place, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to change your life with dental implants. Take the 60-second quiz to see if you may be eligible and get set up for a consultation.
Common Questions About Qualifying for All-on-4® Dental Implants:
What About My Age? Am I too old or too young?
There is no specific age limit for All-on-4® dental implants [9]. However, it is essential to remember that younger patients (below 18-20 years) should wait for their facial growth to complete before considering the procedure [10].
Additionally, while age isn’t a qualifying factor, health is. Patients need to meet a baseline standard of health to be eligible for a surgery.
What About Bone Loss:
Bone loss in the jaw can be a concern for patients considering dental implants. Especially if they’ve worn dentures for a long time.
However, the All-on-4® procedure is specifically designed to maximize existing bone tissue and often eliminates the need for bone grafting [11]. Your dental professional will determine if you have sufficient bone for a successful procedure or if other treatment options like zygomatic implants are needed.
What About Medical Conditions:
Certain medical conditions or medications may affect the success of dental implants [12]. It is essential to disclose your full medical history to your provider, who will assess your individual situation and determine if any adjustments are needed for a successful outcome.
Truly Determining Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants A Consultation:
A consultation with an experienced restorative dentist is key to determining if you are a candidate for All-on-4® dental implants. Your Nuvia team will carefully evaluate your oral health, medical history, and personal goals to develop a tailored treatment plan that best fits your unique needs.
All-on-4® dental implants change lives. They make it possible for people to eat, smile, and live free of dental pain after years and decades of not being able to.
If you’re ready to start a new chapter of life – one where you aren’t held back by your teeth – take the 60-second quiz below to see if you may qualify for a new smile.
Sources:
[1] Maló, P., de Araújo Nobre, M., Lopes, A., & Ferro, A. (2015). All-on-4® treatment concept for the rehabilitation of the completely edentulous mandible: A 7-year clinical and 5-year radiographic retrospective case series with risk assessment for implant failure and marginal bone level. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 17, e531–e541.
[2] Soto-Penaloza, D., Zaragozí-Alonso, R., Penarrocha-Diago, M., & Penarrocha-Diago, M. (2017). The All-on-4 treatment concept: Systematic review. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, 9(3), e474–e488.
[3] Maló, P., de Araújo Nobre, M., Lopes, A., & Ferro, A. (2015). All-on-4® treatment concept for the rehabilitation of the completely edentulous mandible: A 7-year clinical and 5-year radiographic retrospective case series with risk assessment for implant failure and marginal bone level. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 17, e531–e541.
[4] Lopes, A., Maló, P., de Araújo Nobre, M., Sánchez-Fernández, E., & Gravito, I. (2015). The NobelGuide® All-on-4® treatment concept for the rehabilitation of edentulous jaws: A prospective report on medium- and long-term outcomes. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 17(Suppl 2), e406–e416.
[5] Branemark, P. I., Hansson, B. O., Adell, R., Breine, U., Lindstrom, J., Hallén, O., & Ohman, A. (1977). Osseointegrated implants in the treatment of the edentulous jaw. Experience from a 10-year period. Scandinavian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 16, 1–132.
[6] Maló, P., de Araújo Nobre, M., Lopes, A., & Ferro, A. (2015). All-on-4® treatment concept for the rehabilitation of the completely edentulous mandible: A 7-year clinical and 5-year radiographic retrospective case series with risk assessment for implant failure and marginal bone level. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 17, e531–e541.
[7] Misch, C. E., & Resnik, R. (2012). Mandibular nerve neurosensory impairment after dental implant surgery: Management and protocol. Implant Dentistry, 21(5), 366–374.
[8] Monje, A., Catena, A., & Borgnakke, W. S. (2014). Association between diabetes mellitus/hyperglycaemia and peri-implant diseases: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 41(6), 627–638.
[9] Frencken, J. E., Sharma, P., Stenhouse, L., Green, D., Laverty, D., & Dietrich, T. (2017). Global epidemiology of dental caries and severe periodontitis – A comprehensive review. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 44(Suppl 18), S94–S105.
[10] Hu, K. S., & Tiwana, P. S. (2011). Craniofacial growth and dental implants. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America, 23(1), 89–98, vii.
[11] Maló, P., de Araújo Nobre, M., Lopes, A., & Ferro, A. (2015). All-on-4® treatment concept for the rehabilitation of the completely edentulous mandible: A 7-year clinical and 5-year radiographic retrospective case series with risk assessment for implant failure and marginal bone level. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 17, e531–e541.
[12] Balshi, T. J., & Wolfinger, G. J. (1997). Immediate loading of Branemark implants in edentulous mandibles: A preliminary report. Implant Dentistry, 6(2), 83–88.
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