Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Your journey to complete oral rehabilitation with the ‘All-on-4™’ dental implant technique represents an extremely exciting time in your life. Not only will you face the world with a renewed confidence and self-esteem, but your quality of life is to undergo an extreme make-over for the better! Of course – as with any important life change – this period can also be a little scary and it always helps patients to know what to expect. Here are some important questions you should ask your doctor when considering the ‘All-on-4™’ as your solution to tooth loss and edentulism.

1. Who will be performing the ‘All-on-4™’ procedure and what are their qualifications?

The specialists at the MALO Dental Implants Facility are all educated and qualified to the highest possible degree in their respective fields. The placement of ‘All-on-4™’ dental implants is carried out by our specialists who all have extensive training and many years of dental implant experience. Your new teeth are fabricated and affixed to these dental implants by our prosthodontists who have advanced degrees and training in their specific field of restorative dentistry.  Additionally, each of our specialists has personally trained with the innovator of the ‘All-on-4™’ technique himself, European implantologist Dr. Paulo Malo. Furthermore, our team now helps to train other dental professionals, alongside Dr. Malo, at educational courses and events hosted at our facility each year. Our specialists frequently work with patients’ existing dentists and are happy to assist your in the planning and delivery of your care.

2. How experienced are the oral surgeons at MALO Dental Implants ?

The specialists at the MALO Dental Implants have treated thousands of patients with missing teeth. The oral surgeons who will be placing your implants have treated an incredible number of patients just like you in the past… many presenting with more complex oral problems. In fact, several members of our team are recognized to be among the very best practicing professionals in their field as voted by their peers for several years running!

3. Will I be anesthetized during my surgery and if so, how?

In order to ensure your optimal comfort during the placement of the ‘All-on-4™’ implants, you will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic before the surgery. Additionally, here at the MALO Dental Implants Facility you may request or we may suggest the use Nitrous oxide or  intravenous (I.V.) sedation, which enables us to sedate you for the procedure to alleviate any fear or anxiety.

4. Do I need to go to different facilities or clinics for the ‘All-on-4™’ procedure?

The MALO Dental Implants is a comprehensively stocked, state-of-the-art facility that houses absolutely everything you will need to undergo the ‘All-on-4™’. From start to finish, your unique case will be handled by our team of highly trained specialists all in one location. Even the initial prosthetic dental bridge that is used to give you a new set of beautiful teeth is fabricated on-site in our cutting-edge laboratories.  We are always delighted to work with your existing dentist so that after care, maintenance, hygiene visits and the delivery of the final prosthetic bridge can all be performed in their office.  Should they be unfamiliar with the ‘All-on-4™’ technique, we will be happy to train them and see they receive all the support they need to ensure your satisfaction and our high standards of care.

5. Will I require 3D CAT scan images in order to receive ‘All-on-4™’ implants? If so, where do I go to get these?

The team at MALO Dental Implants use 3D CT scan images to create a detailed plan for your surgery. This incredible technology provides our specialists with an intimate knowledge of the condition of your jaw bone as well as the location of all the vital structures in your mouth, such as your sensory nerves and sinus cavities. Armed with this essential knowledge, we are able to perform the ‘All-on-4™’ using as non-invasive techniques as possible while ensuring the optimal success of the procedure. The MALO Dental Implants has its own 3D CT scanner and on site lab, so you will undergo all necessary preparation for the ‘All-on-4™’ procedure at our facility.

6. Where do I go if my new teeth require adjustment or repair?

The MALO Dental Implants features a fully operational laboratory complete with all the very latest in cutting-edge technology. Once you have received your beautiful new teeth with the ‘All-on-4™’ procedure, you can either return to our facility or we can work along with your existing dentist to maintain perfect oral aesthetics and optimal bite functionality. It is within the on-site lab that we custom fabricate the prosthetic dental bridge we will be using in your ‘All-on-4™’ procedure. If you ever need any adjustments or reparations – which are in any case very rare once you have received your new teeth – you can come straight back to the MALO Dental Implants or you dentist can do them for you right in their own office.

7. Once my dental implants have been placed, how long do I have to wait before I can have my teeth put in?

In just about every case, the ‘All-on-4™’ procedure can be performed on the same day, and almost always without the need for bone grafting surgery. This means that patients almost always can get both the dental implants and their beautiful new teeth placed in a single day! In the unlikely event you present with such advanced bone loss, or bone of poor quality or density not able to withstand the force of placing fixed teeth the same day,  you will come back to have your permanent bridge fixed in place after complete healing or implant ‘integration’.

8. How much will the ‘All-on-4™’ procedure cost me?

The cost of the ‘All-on-4™’ can vary substantially from patient to patient depending upon the extent of the damage present, the complexity of the procedure, and the materials used in the prostheses (fixed bridges). However, you will receive a comprehensive treatment plan upon completion of your full clinical examination at MALO Dental Implants… and be given comprehensive fees. In other words, there is no need for you to worry about the imposition of hidden costs or additional charges at a later stage. We also offer flexible financing options for our patients that are tailor made to suit your pocket.

9. What does the follow-up care entail?

Once the ‘All-on-4™’ procedure is complete, your bridge is functioning optimally and we are satisfied with your outcome, you will continue to need to see us on an occasional basis for periodic maintenance and follow up.  Should you prefer, we are happy to work along with your existing dentist for these things as well as the delivery of your definitive prosthesis right in their own office! You are, of course, always free and welcome to come back to the MALO Dental Implants for any adjustmments, repairs and even advice if needed.