Am I Suitable for All-on-4® Dental Implants?

5 minute read

In the past, dentures were the only option for replacing a whole arch of missing or failing teeth. That's no longer the case, with full arch dental implant systems like All-on-4® offering a more comfortable and permanent alternative for full teeth replacement.

Modern full mouth dental implants including All-on-4® are less invasive and more affordable than conventional full mouth implants ehere an implant was placed for every tooth. With modern full arch surgeries, between four to six implants are strategically placed to maximise bone volume and avoid or reduce the need for bone grafting.

Most healthy adults are suitable candidates for treatment however, individual suitability depends on the condition of your jaw bone, medical history and lifestyle factors, which your dentist will explain.

To find out whether full mouth (All-on-4®) implants are an option for you, book a consultation at Perth Dental Implant Centre. Your highly-accredited and experienced surgeon will assess your suitability and explain all of your options for restoring your smile. Call our team today on 1300 108 133 or book online.

What is All-on-4® treatment?

All-on-4® refers to the technique of supporting a full bridge of replacement teeth on four specially-configured dental implants. These are inserted into the jaw bone during surgery following any remaining tooth extractions.

Your new teeth are fitted the next day after your surgery. Unlike dentures, a full arch implant bridge is permanently fixed in place, and can look and function just like natural teeth.

The unique way that implants are placed into the jaw reduces (or avoids) the need for bone grafting, making All-on-4® an option for people who have gone without teeth for some time and are missing jawbone volume.

The All-on-4® protocol was developed by Professor Paulo Malo for Nobel BioCare and has a clinically-proven 98% success rate* for full arch replacement.

Who qualifies for treatment?

Full arch dental implants (All-on-4®) may be an option if:

• you're missing most or all of your teeth
• you have badly decayed, damaged or failing teeth
• you want to a permanent alternative to dentures

While most people are suitable for full arch treatment, there are some factors that can affect eligibility. Your dentist will determine whether you’re suitable for treatment by examining your mouth, taking a 3D bone scan and discussing your medical history and other relevant factors.

Some conditions that may affect your suitability are:

Poor oral health

Your gums and mouth should be healthy and free from disease before dental implants can be placed. Problems like advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can increase the risk of implant failure and complications, and will need to be addressed as a priority.

Poor bone quality

All-on-4® implants don't require as much bone density in the jaw as standard full mouth dental implants, but they may require more support and planning for particularly small or weak jaws. If this is the case, our dentist may offer solutions, such as using longer pterygoid or zygomatic dental implants for the upper jaw.

Medical history and conditions

Certain medical conditions and medications could affect your suitability for dental implants, or related procedures such as bone grafting and general anaesthesia. Implant treatment should also not be performed during pregnancy.

Lifestyle factors

Heavy smoking, excessive alcohol and drug use can all affect the success of implant treatments and should be avoided after treatment.

What are the benefits of full arch (All-on-4®) implants?

Missing teeth can cause a number of problems, from speech issues and appearance to preventing you from eating certain foods needed for a healthy diet. Badly decayed or damaged teeth can also affect oral health, which is linked with overall health.

Full arch (All-on-4®) dental implants have many advantages over dentures for full teeth replacement, including:

• Superior chewing function and stronger biting forces
• Feeling more comfortable
• Support for the jaw and face
• Longer lasting
• More natural appearance
• Don't need special care
• May help prevent gum recession and bone loss

Implant-retained dentures are another alternative to traditional removable dentures. These dentures attach to dental implants for added support and stability, while still remaining removable for cleaning.

Although they can offer improved comfort compared to conventional dentures, they generally do not last as long as a fixed implant bridge. Fixed titanium and ceramic implant bridges may last 15 years or more with proper care.

Removable dentures also typically require more daily maintenance and ongoing adjustments over time.

Book a consultation with our Perth implant surgeon to find out what your options are for replacing teeth. Call 1300 108 133 to speak with our treatment coordinator today.

When might full arch implants not be suitable?

Even if you are eligible for full arch (All-on-4®) teeth replacement, there could be other reasons why this treatment isn't right for you.

Surgery

Some people may prefer to avoid surgery and the associated clinical risks, though risks can be minimised when the procedure is carried out by a qualified and experienced dentist using high-quality materials.

Prefer dentures

Others may be able to tolerate wearing dentures and not want to change. While dental implants are more supportive for the jaw and face, a denture or implant-retained denture features a thicker flange (pink gum section making up the walls of the teeth) which can offer more lip support.

Cost

The cost of All-on-4® treatment is also higher than standard dentures. Although a bridge can last longer than dentures, the long-term maintenance costs are higher overall, which can put the treatment cost beyond reach for some.

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we'll help you to find the most suitable treatment option for your needs and your price range. We offer flexible payment plans from trusted finance providers including Zip, Humm and Pretty Penny Finance that could help you manage your treatment cost by paying in more affordable instalments.

All-on-4® treatment process

With full arch (All-on-4®) treatment you'll receive a new set of teeth within 24 hours of surgery. Our five-step process helps to ensure that your new teeth will fit comfortably and that you have the long-term care and support you need.

Step 1: Consultation and 3D smile planning

As with any dental procedure, the first step in the full arch dental implant treatment process is a consultation with one of our implant dentists. This is the chance to find out more about the treatment and whether it's right for you, so you can make an informed decision about whether you want to proceed.

Our experienced implant surgeon will discuss your teeth replacement needs and goals and will examine your mouth and jaw to determine whether you're a candidate for full arch implants. This will involve taking x-rays, a 3D bone scan and digital impressions of your mouth.

If you are suitable for treatment, your surgeon will provide you with a personalised treatment plan outlining the process and total costs.

We offer a complimentary implant consultation and scan to new clients wanting to understand whether treatment is right for them. The offer is valued up to $609 and includes:

• Consultation (#014)
• Diagnostic 3D model #071×2
• Intraoral photographs #072
• Extraoral photographs #073
• 3D (CBCT) bone scan^ and written report #026; #089 (if required)

^An OPG x-ray and CBCT scan will only be taken if clinically required. If you have a current OPG / CBCT (taken within the past six months) from another dental provider, we may use this at no additional charge. View full terms and conditions of this offer and treatment considerations and risks here.

Step 2: Implant Placement and immediate teeth

On the day of your surgery, Our dentist will first remove any unwanted teeth, including any infected bone and create a flat surface to support your new bridge.

He will then place between four to six dental implants into your jawbone. Two implants are carefully placed at the front of the mouth and two at the back on a 45-degree angle. If your plan includes bone grafting or pterygoid or zygomatic implants, this is done at the same time.

Abutments and healing caps are attached over each implant, and digital impressions are taken so our in-house lab technician can begin custom-milling your custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge to be fitted the next day.

Treatment is typically provided under IV sedation at the clinic, or under general anaesthesia in hospital. Both options are provided by a qualified anaesthetist.

Step 3: Healing & guided reviews

Healing takes place gradually over several months as your implants become securely integrated with the jaw bone.

During this time, you’ll attend regular follow-up appointments so we can:

• Monitor healing
• Check implant stability
• Adjust your temporary teeth if needed

We’ll also show you how to care for your new smile at home, including:

• Maintaining long-term implant health
• Cleaning around your bridge
• Using your water flosser correctly

Step 4: Crafting your long-term teeth

Once you’re ready for your long-term teeth, we take precise digital scans and work closely with our laboratory technician to design your ceramic bridge.

Using advanced technology, we refine the shape, shade and fit to complement your facial features, smile and bite—delivering a natural, balanced result.

Step 5: Ongoing care & maintenance

The final and most important step in the treatment process is ongoing maintenance of your dental implants and new teeth. We recommend you attend a professional check-up and clean appointment every 6 to 12 months and dental x-rays every one to two years to help keep your new teeth and your oral health in the best condition.

Prosthetic teeth are susceptible to gum disease in the same way natural teeth are, which is why we encourage our clients to look after their oral health in the following ways:

• Avoid smoking
• Consume a healthy diet
• Maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine
• Attend your professional check-up and cleans

All-on-4® Centre of Excellence in Perth

Perth Dental Implant Centre is one of only a handful of Australian dental clinic to be named an All-on-4® Centre of Excellence by Nobel BioCare. This recognises our training and expertise in providing full arch teeth replacement.

Our dentists Dr Dave Norcross and Dr David O'Dowling have completed residences all over the globe mastering advanced full-arching techniques to be able to offer the highest standard of care to our clients.

We apply this expertise across a range of implant systems to deliver full mouth dental implant treatment.

Book an All-on-4® consultation today

For more information about All-on-4® implants in Perth, or to get started on your treatment, call Perth Dental Implant Centre to book an appointment.

Call 1300 108 133 to speak with our treatment coordinator today. You can also contact us with any questions.

References

1. * Malo P, de Araújo Nobre M, Lopes A, Moss SM, Molina GJ. A longitudinal study of the survival of All-on-4®® implants in the mandible with up to 10 years of follow-up. J Am Dent Assoc 2011;142:310-204