67 year old, Female

67 year old, Female

• Missing most teeth and loose remaining teeth – cannot tolerate conventional full / complete dentures due to strong gag reflex.
• Seeking opinion on “All-on-4^® ” implant procedure for the replacement of all her teeth.

• Multiple missing teeth – severe shortened dental arch – inadequate number of teeth and denture use for satisfactory masticatory (eating and chewing) function.
• Severe periodontal (gum and bone) disease.
• Strong gag reflex – precludes the construction of conventional full / complete denture in upper jaw with full palate coverage.

• Extractions (removal) of all teeth and surgical implant placements by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
• Construction of upper and lower full arch implant (conus abutment) supported and retained removable overdentures.
• In agreement with patient, removable overdentures were preferred over fixed implant bridges (i.e. “All-on-4^® ” implant procedures due to:
  • Improved lip and cheek support from removable overdenture flange
  • Better access to clean around dental implants to minimise peri-implantitis (gum and bone loss, infection and inflammation).
  • Ease and lower maintenance cost relating to future repair or design modification.