DPS readers trust Nobel Biocare for their implant procedures, including the All-on-4 treatment concept, a full-arch solution that's efficient and patient-friendly
While dentistry has always been a highly rewarding profession, there is perhaps no greater feeling than restoring quality of life to patients who have admittedly run out of hope.
“Patients who seek us out are at their end stage tooth disease,” said Dr. Joe Mehranfar, who owns Aria Dental Implant Center in Phoenix, AZ. “They're at terminal dentition, and they’re frustrated. They just want a solution—a process that is safe, predictable, and cost-effective—and that's exactly what we offer them.”
Changing Lives, One Arch at a Time
Dr. Mehranfar leverages Nobel Biocare's All-on-4 treatment concept, a fixed full-arch treatment solution that allows patients to get extractions, implant surgery, and fitting of a temporary bridge all in one day. Averaging about 300 cases a year, he begins each All-on-4 treatment with a CBCT scan.
“With that, we do our initial planning, evaluate the available bone and implant positioning, and come up with a treatment plan that is designed for that patient,” he said. Next, an intraoral scan captures the teeth and soft tissue, and a facial scan records the patient's facial features and expressions. After that, it’s time for surgery with NobelParallel conical connection implants, followed by a 3D-printed provisional that’s delivered the very next day.
“The patient returns 2 weeks later, and we make sure they’re comfortable, speaking properly, and that the vertical dimension and occlusal scheme are aligned,” added Dr. Mehranfar. After 4 months of healing, the patient’s smile design is finalized based on their wishes, and a zirconia implant bridge is fabricated by the NobelProcera laboratory.
Digital by Design
Taking on more complex full-arch cases can feel daunting, which is why Dr. Mehranfar, who owns Implant Education Company, recommends getting trained on the digital implant workflow and investing in the right equipment—including what he deems the essentials: a CBCT unit, intraoral scanner, and 3D printer.
“We want to maximize the benefits to the patient and reduce their anxiety, and having a digital workflow in place allows us to do that,” he noted.
Another recommendation is choosing the right partner. “Nobel Biocare is a pioneer in implant dentistry, and all the literature is based on their work," he said. "Their process is incredible—every part, every component is dialed into microns. For example, a NobelProcera bridge will not leave the factory unless it's within 25 microns of the original file that was presented.”
A Solution in Sight
This level of authenticity allows him to avoid any unforeseen outcomes for his patients. And while the typical All-on-4 treatment in Dr. Mehranfar’s practice takes 8 appointments to complete, patients are more than happy to finally have a solution in sight.
“My goal is to make the patient experience as wonderful as it can be and make this a fluid workflow not only for them, but for our team members, lab, doctors, and front office,” he concluded.
