Can All-On-4 Address Severe Tooth Decay in Greenvale?

Case Note ID: Dec-2024-ASD
ocation: Greenvale Dental House (serving Greenvale, Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, Coolaroo, Attwood)
Primary Treatments: All-On-4 Plus Full Arch Restoration
Supporting Technology: Implant Placement Systems, Fixed Prosthetic Frameworks

Presenting Clinical Problem

• Severe tooth decay affecting multiple teeth across arch
• Compromised oral health and tooth structure
• Functional difficulties with eating and speaking
• Assessment determining extraction and full arch replacement as appropriate treatment
• Primary objective: Full arch fixed implant restoration using All-On-4 technique

Treatment Plan & Clinical Process

Phase 1: Assessment and Treatment Planning

• Comprehensive oral examination and radiographic assessment including CT scan
• Evaluation of decay extent and tooth salvageability
• Discussion of All-On-4 versus attempting individual tooth restoration
• Bone quality and quantity assessment for implant placement
• Treatment planning for full arch All-On-4 replacement

Phase 2: Extraction and Implant Placement

• Removal of all severely decayed teeth under appropriate anaesthesia
• Surgical placement of four implants using All-On-4 technique
• Immediate temporary prosthesis attachment on day of surgery
• Post-surgical care instructions and healing monitoring
• Assessment of implant integration during healing period

Phase 3: Final Prosthetic Fabrication and Delivery

• Impression taking for final fixed prosthesis fabrication
• Framework and tooth arrangement design
• Try-in appointment for fit, function and aesthetic verification
• Final All-On-4 prosthesis delivery and attachment to implants
• Post-delivery care instructions and long-term maintenance protocols

Clinical Outcome

All-On-4 treatment was completed with four implants placed and fixed prosthesis delivered following healing period. Treatment required multiple appointments over several months. The patient maintained appropriate oral hygiene practices following treatment completion.

Individual All-On-4 outcomes vary significantly. Success depends on bone quality, implant integration and systemic health. Fixed prostheses require regular professional maintenance and proper home care to prevent complications around implants. No guarantees can be made about specific outcomes for any individual patient.

Frequently Asked Questions for Greenvale and Craigieburn Patients

Why remove all teeth instead of fixing cavities?

When decay is extensive across multiple teeth, individual restoration may be less predictable than full arch replacement. Severely decayed teeth have compromised structure and may require extraction regardless. All-On-4 provides comprehensive solution when most teeth are affected. Treatment selection depends on decay extent and individual circumstances.

Will I be without teeth during treatment?

All-On-4 typically includes immediate temporary prosthesis placed on the day of surgery, avoiding being without teeth. Temporary prosthesis remains in place during 3-6 month healing period before final prosthesis delivery. Dietary restrictions apply with temporary prosthesis.

Can tooth decay affect dental implants?

Dental implants cannot develop cavities as they are made from titanium and ceramic materials. However, inadequate oral hygiene around implants can lead to peri-implantitis (gum inflammation around implants), which can compromise implant success. Regular professional maintenance and daily home care are essential.