Patient Came to Us Because of Our Reputation for Performing All-On-4® Type of Procedures Emphasizing Bone Preservation

Evaluating All-On-4 Options: Why Dr. Marlin Was the Right Choice

Mr. R from the Washington DC area had heard about various All-On-4 type dental implant procedures and the promise of having replacement teeth in a single day without bone grafting. However, he possessed a critical understanding about his own anatomy that made him skeptical of the conventional approach offered by some implant centers.

Mr. R had severely receding gums, which indicated significant bone loss in the upper jaw. He recognized that a procedure designed to place four implants and immediate temporary teeth without addressing bone loss would likely result in accelerated bone resorption and eventual implant failure. He was looking for a prosthodontist who would prioritize long-term success through bone preservation over the marketing appeal of immediate results.

The Problem: Bone Loss and Limited Structure

Many patients who are candidates for All-On-4 type procedures have experienced significant bone loss due to years of missing teeth, periodontal disease, or other causes. The traditional All-On-4 approach attempts to work with whatever bone remains by angulating the implants backward to gain purchase in the posterior bone. However, this approach does not address the fundamental problem, which is inadequate bone volume to support long-term implant success.

Mr. R understood that without first restoring adequate bone volume, his implants would eventually begin to fail. The bone loss would continue after implant placement, the implants would become exposed, and the crowns would no longer fit properly. He wanted a solution that would provide lasting results, not one that merely solved his immediate problem while creating future complications.

The Solution: Bone Grafting First, Implants Second

Mr. R came to Elite Prosthetic Dentistry because of our reputation for performing All-On-4 type procedures while emphasizing bone preservation and bone regeneration. Our approach prioritizes long-term success, which sometimes means investing time and effort in bone grafting before implant placement.

In Mr. R’s case, we first performed extensive bone grafting to recreate his bone structure and restore adequate bone volume in the areas where the implants would be placed. This staged approach ensured that when the implants were eventually placed, they would be supported by healthy, adequate bone tissue that would maintain its volume and support the implants throughout his lifetime.

Implementation: Strategic Implant Placement

Once the bone grafting phase was complete and the bone had matured, we carefully extracted the teeth that could not be saved. We then inserted the implants in strategically planned positions, supported by the newly restored bone structure. This approach ensured that the implants would be stable, secure, and well-supported.

The final restorations were custom-crafted to create a beautiful, natural-looking smile that would function perfectly and maintain its appearance and stability for decades to come.

Results: A Smile That Will last for decades with proper care

After the procedure was complete, Mr. R expressed his satisfaction with the comprehensive approach he had received. He stated that he is happy he avoided what he called “assembly-line-type treatments, which, I’m convinced, could never have produced the results I’ve had. I now wake up every morning with a gorgeous smile, and one I don’t have to take out and put in a glass to soak overnight.”

Mr. R’s comment highlights a critical distinction. Some implant centers focus on speed and convenience, promoting the ability to place implants and provide teeth in a single day. While this approach has marketing appeal, it may not address the underlying bone loss that caused the patient’s problems in the first place.

Long-Term Success Through Proper Planning

Dr. Marlin’s approach prioritizes long-term success and patient satisfaction. By investing the time to properly restore bone structure before placing implants, we ensure that our patients enjoy beautiful, functional smiles that will serve them well for many years.

If you have significant bone loss and are considering dental implants or All-On-4 type treatment, contact Elite Prosthetic Dentistry today at 202-244-2101. We will discuss your specific situation and develop a treatment plan that prioritizes your long-term success and satisfaction. We serve patients from Washington DC, the surrounding areas of Maryland and Virginia, and beyond who seek expert prosthodontic care.

When posterior bone volume permits, All-on-6 adds two implants to the standard four-implant protocol, distributing chewing forces across a wider span. See the All-on-4 vs. All-on-6 comparison for the clinical trade-offs that determine which protocol fits a given patient.