Am I Too Old for All-on-4® Dental Implants

5 minute read

If you are thinking about replacing badly damaged or missing teeth, or want to upgrade from removable dentures to a fixed solution, full mouth dental implants (including All-on-4®) may be an option. Some people worry that they might be too old for dental implants, or may have been previously told that dental implants are not right for them, but the revolutionary All-on-4® concept makes restoring a full set of teeth more accessible than ever before.

Read this guide to learn the facts about age suitability for All-on-4 dental implants and other factors that affect eligibility. If you want to talk to an experienced dentist about All-on-4® or other options for teeth replacement, get in touch with our team at Perth Dental Implant Centre today.

Does age affect suitability for All-on-4®?

Age itself doesn’t affect someone’s eligibility to receive dental implants, but some risk factors for dental implants can increase with age. This is due to some oral health and general health risks accumulating over time, making older adults more likely to have conditions such as gum disease and poor bone quality (especially in the upper jaw) compared to younger adults.

However, these concerns can often be managed by your dentist to help reduce risks and improve the likelihood of successful treatment. Full mouth dental implants using the All-on-4 technique are also less invasive than conventional full mouth implant treatment, as fewer implants are typically required and healing times may be reduced. Due to the unique design and placement of All-on-4 implants, this treatment may also be suitable for patients who do not have enough jawbone to support conventional dental implants.

High success rate for all ages

Since its introduction in 1998, the All-on-4® approach has demonstrated a high success rate for patients of all ages in long-term clinical trials.

One study of 245 patients aged up to 85 years found that the implants had a 98% survival rate after 5 years and 95% after 10 years of follow-up care. The prosthetic teeth attached to implants had a 99% survival rate over the same period.*

The success of implant treatments depends on factors such as the expertise of your dentist, the quality of the implants used, how well you follow your dentist’s advice after surgery and your commitment to keeping a proper oral hygiene routine long term.

*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

Am I suitable for All-on-4® implants?

There is no upper age limit for All-on-4® treatment, but there are some factors that could affect your suitability for dental implants, particularly:

Bone quality and density

Full mouth dental implants may still be an option for clients who have experienced bone loss. If bone loss is more severe, your dentist may recommend bone grafting or longer implants such as pterygoid or zygomatic implants.

Oral health

Gum disease and poor oral hygiene can affect the success of implant treatment. Your dentist will need to address any existing oral health problems as a priority before implants can be placed.

Oral hygiene

You should be willing to commit to maintaining good oral hygiene long term (brushing twice a day and flossing daily) and attending six-monthly check-ups and professional dental cleaning. If a lack of mobility or dexterity restricts you from properly cleaning your All-on-4® bridge, bacteria can accumulate and increase the risk of developing peri-implant disease (gum disease around dental implants) if left untreated.

General health

Certain medical conditions (such as uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, or cardiovascular disease) and medications (such as bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, blood thinners, or immunosuppressants) can affect a person’s suitability for undergoing implant surgery or may affect healing capacity. A thorough health assessment is needed, and your dentist will need to know about your relevant medical history so they can suggest the best options for you.

Surgery and sedation

If you experience dental anxiety or have other concerns about surgery, talk to your dentist about sedation options such as sleep dentistry or general anaesthesia to help you feel calm and comfortable during your procedure. All-on-4® dental implant surgery is usually performed whilst you are under general anaesthesia however, general anaesthesia carries higher risks for patients with obesity, and some hospitals have weight restrictions that can affect your suitable for this type of sedation.

Lifestyle factors

Smoking and heavy drinking can affect your mouth’s ability to heal after implant treatment. If you smoke, you should be prepared to quit prior to surgery and for the long-term success of your implants. Alcohol should also be avoided after surgery as it inhibits healing. A nutritional diet that is low in sugar and starch will help to lower plaque build-up and is encouraged by your dentist.

Cost

All-on-4® dental implants are a considerable investment and treatment is irreversible. Prosthetic teeth that are attached to implants require repairs and replacement from time to time and your ability to maintain the cost All-on-4® teeth needs to be factored into your decision.

What if I'm not suitable?

Your dentist will discuss your suitability for All-on-4® implants during your consultation and after assessing your jaw and your health.

Many patients come to Perth Dental Implant Centre for a second opinion after being told they are not suitable for full mouth dental implants. Even in more complex cases, it may still be possible to restore your smile with a tailored long-term treatment solution.

Your dentist may also suggest ways to lower your risk factors, such as:

• Improving your oral health with a combination of dental treatments and daily oral hygiene care
• Talking to your doctor about managing a health condition
• Committing to avoid smoking and alcohol
• Bone grafting to build up a thin or soft jaw bone
• Longer implants such as pterygoid or zygomatic implants

Full arch implant bridge designed for pterygoid implants.

To talk to our team about your risk factors and suitability for All-on-4® dental implants, call our clinic in Applecross today on 1300 108 133.

How do All-on-4® implants work?

The All-on-4® approach follows the same fundamental principles as traditional dental implants, where implants replace the roots of missing teeth in the jaw. However, it differs significantly in its design and efficiency. While conventional implants can support several teeth, All-on-4® allows a full arch of prosthetic teeth to be secured with just four to six implants.

Typically, two implants are placed at the front of the jaw, while the other two are positioned at a 45-degree angle toward the back. This strategic placement maximises available bone and avoids interference with nerves and sinuses, reducing the number of implants needed for full-arch restoration compared to the traditional one-implant-per-tooth method.

Because of their precise positioning, All-on-4® implants provide immediate support for replacement teeth. Unlike conventional dental implants, which require a healing period before a crown or small bridge can be placed—often several months with a temporary bridge in the meantime—full mouth dental implants using the All-on-4® technique can be fitted the next day after surgery, offering a fast and convenient solution for clients wanting to restore their smile.

What are the benefits of All-on-4® implants?

All-on-4 dental implants may be suitable for many healthy adults looking to replace a full arch — or both arches — of failing or missing teeth. They can be particularly beneficial for patients who have experienced jawbone loss or are struggling with loose or uncomfortable dentures.

Some of the advantages of full mouth dental implants using the All-on-4® technique include:

• Immediate teeth: A custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge is fitted within 24 hours of surgery for almost immediate function.
• Tailored schedule of appointments: A schedule of appointments can be tailored to your needs. Video and phone consultations are available, and for clients travelling long distances, pre-surgery records and planning can be completed on the day of surgery. Fewer appointments allow for reduced waiting times throughout treatment.
• Reduced Surgical Complexity: Using four to six implants per arch may reduce the number of surgeries required when replacing multiple teeth, compared to some conventional implant approaches.
• Suitable for complex cases: Due to the All-on-4® technique, full mouth dental implants might be an option even if you’re not a candidate for standard dental implants, due to the unique way they are placed in the jaw.

Compared to dentures, All-on-4® offers a number of advantages including:

• Strong biting forces: For long-term denture wearers, All-on-4® teeth will increase your bite strength and feel more like natural teeth, so you will be able to enjoy a wider variety of foods and a balanced and nutritious diet.
• More comfortable: Your replacement teeth are permanently fixed to dental implants, and do not rely on the palate and gums for suction to stay in the mouth, so you won’t have to worry about them coming loose, feeling uncomfortable or taking them out.
• Promotes bone health: Dental implants act like tooth roots and help stimulate the jawbone when chewing food. This action keeps the jaw bone from deteriorating prematurely.
• Low maintenance: With full arch implant bridges, you brush twice-daily and floss once a day as if they were your natural teeth.
• Long-lasting: With good care, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime and a bridge can last many years before it needs replacing.

What to expect from treatment

Your treatment journey will begin with a consultation to discuss your needs and for your dentist to assess your oral health, bone health and medical history.

If you’re eligible for treatment and decide to go ahead, your dentist will work with you to develop your personal treatment plan and take pre-surgery records to begin designing your new teeth.

Your teeth are fitted the day after surgery and your dentist will check that you’re happy with your new teeth and bite and give you guidance on the best way to look after them.

Generally, this involves following a soft food diet for 8 to 12 weeks, while following good oral hygiene care every day.

Your dentist will arrange follow-up appointments at two and four weeks, to check your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your bite as it settles.

Read our guide on What to eat after dental implant surgery.

How much does full arch dental implants cost?

Full mouth dental implants are a long-term investment. Your dentist will give you an accurate estimate when they develop your treatment plan. The guide below shows 'from' prices per arch.

Revive Basic from $17.250

What’s included

• Four to six titanium dental implants
• Titanium abutments
• Next-day custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge*
• Custom-fitted night splint
• Oral hygiene kit
• 12-month warranty on custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) teeth

Designed for

• Clients seeking a cost-effective solution
• Suitable for clients with minimal bone loss
• Unsuitable for clients with heavy teeth grinding habits

Additional costs may include

• Extractions
• Bone grafting (if required)
• IV sedation or general anaesthetic
• Hospital excess (if applicable)
• Jaw muscle therapy (if required)

Optional upgrade pricing

Custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) teeth typically last 1 to 2 years before needing to be replaced. Option to upgrade to zirconia teeth from 3-4 months post-surgery.

• Zirconia bridge: $10,500 per arch
• Custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge: $2,000 per arch

Ongoing maintenance

• Hygiene maintenance visits (removal, cleaning & refitting the bridge every 6-12 months $350 per arch or $500 for both)

Revive Essentials from $25,000

What's included

• Four to six titanium dental implants
• Titanium abutments
• Next-day custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge
• Monolithic zirconia bridge (after 3 months)
• Extractions
• Custom-fitted night splint
• Oral hygiene kit
• 5-year warranty on zirconia teeth

Designed for

• Clients seeking a comprehensive solution
• Suitable for clients with moderate bone loss
• Suitable for clients with teeth grinding habits

Additional costs may include

• Bone grafting (if required)
• IV sedation or general anaesthetic
• Hospital excess (if applicable)
• Jaw muscle therapy (if required)

Ongoing maintenance

Zirconia bridges offer increased strength, aesthetics, stain-resistance and durability and typically last between 10 and 15 years on average, or longer with proper care.

• Hygiene maintenance visits (removal, cleaning & refitting the bridge every 6-12 months $350 per arch or $500 for both)

Revive Advanced from $30,000

What’s included

• Four to six titanium dental implants
• Titanium abutments
• Next-day missed custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge
• Monolithic zirconia bridge (after 3 months)
• Extractions
• Pterygoid or zygomatic implants (if required)
• Custom-fitted night splint
• Oral hygiene kit
• 5-year warranty on zirconia teeth

Designed for

• Clients seeking an advanced solution
• Suitable for clients with significant bone loss, gum disease or requiring corrective surgery for previous failed treatment
• Suitable for clients with teeth grinding habits

Ongoing maintenance

• Hygiene maintenance visits (removal, cleaning & refitting the bridge every 6-12 months $350 per arch or $500 for both)
• Custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge repairs (if required)
• Zirconia bridge replacement $10,500 per arch

Additional costs may include

• Bone grafting (if required)
• IV sedation or general anaesthetic
• Hospital excess (if applicable)
• Jaw muscle therapy (if required

Payment plans

Patients may wish to pay upfront for treatment or use a payment plan to break down the cost of treatment into smaller installments.

We offer payment plans from trusted providers, including Zip money, Humm and Pretty Penny Finance. Your implants and bridge are also covered by warranty to give you peace of mind.

Success stories: All-on-4® later in life

Watch other clients who’ve taken the journey with full arch dental implants at Perth Dental Implant Centre.

Find out more about full arch dental implants in Perth

If you’re considering All-on-4® and want to know if it’s an option for you, or you still have questions, contact our dedicated treatment coordinator today.

Call to book your complimentary consultation today on 1300 108 133 or book online.

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