This article, part 3 of 4, addresses some of the questions most

frequently asked about dental implants and the All-on-4 protocol for

complete oral rehabilitation. In our previous two article posts, we have been providing answers to some of the questions frequently asked about NJ dental implants; what they are, how they work and the benefits they offer patients. In this, the third installment of a four-part series, we shall begin to provide answers to some of the questions patients ask about the ‘All-on-4’; a revolutionary dental implant protocol for the treatment of rampant tooth loss and edentulism (not having a single original adult tooth left). Question: How many teeth can NJ dental implants replace? Is there a limit to the number I can have placed? Answer: There are 32 teeth in the adult mouth (wisdom teeth included) and NJ dental implants can be used to replace all of them! However, instead of using 32 implants, which would not only be incredibly expensive for the patient, but traumatic on the mouth too, oral surgeons follow surgical placement protocol that have specifically been designed for the treatment of edentulous (toothless) and near-edentulous patients. In particular, the ‘All-on-

4’ approach has become vastly popular for its unprecedented advantages for oral rehabilitation. Question: What is the ‘All-on-4’ protocol? Answer: The ‘All-on-4’ is a surgical plan for the placement of NJ dental implants in patients presenting with advanced tooth loss and a resultant loss of bone

volume in the jaw. Through the precise placement of only four dental implants in regions of the jaw that naturally contain a greater volume of atrophy-resistant bone tissue, oral surgeons can find enough support to permanently place a customized, non-removable prosthetic dental bridge in the mouth. Moreover, this can be done almost never needing expensive, painful and lengthy bone grafting surgery beforehand. This in turn enables oral surgeons to complete the procedure – from the extraction of failing teeth to the placement of NJ dental implants – in a single surgery. In other words, ‘All-on-4’ NJ dental implants make it possible for patients to go from being edentulous to having a full set of immediately functional, aesthetic and non-removable teeth in one day! It’s no wonder this protocol has been described as a break-through in dental implantology and fixed oral rehabilitation! Question: Does it hurt having NJ dental implants placed? Answer: Whether you are missing a single tooth or are having an entire set of old, failing teeth replaced, NJ dental implants are always placed under the effects of anesthesia. The oral surgeons that carry out the procedure always make patient comfort a priority, which

means the complete elimination of pain and anxiety; the former through the use of anesthesia and the latter, through the use of oral or intravenous sedatives. As a result, patients need not worry about experiencing any pain or discomfort during the placement of NJ dental implants. Post-operatively, prescription analgesics (painkillers) are used to effectively manage pain, which in any case, dissipates a few days subsequent to the surgery. It also serves to bear in mind that, contrary to popular belief, the placement of NJ dental implants is less traumatic and painful than

having a tooth extracted! Question: How long will I need off from work if I’m having ‘All-on-4’ NJ dental implants placed? Answer: Every patient is different. Some find it easy to cope with the post-operative discomfort while others would prefer to weather out the worst of it at home, preferably in front of the TV! Having said this, many patients return to work the very next day after having ‘All-on-4’ NJ dental implants placed. It is generally recommended though that patients book themselves about two days off from work following the procedure. Then, should you require more or less time away from the demands of work, you can make the appropriate arrangements. NJ Dental Implants: Stay Tuned For the answers to more of your questions on ‘All-on-4’ NJ dental implants, stay tuned for the fourth and final installment of this article series.