All-on-4 is an innovative dental procedure that replaces or restores all your upper or lower teeth using just four implants in your jawbone. Two straight implants are placed in the front of the jaw, and two tilted (angled) implants are placed in the back for extra support and to avoid the sinus cavities.
These four implants are the anchors for a full prosthetic arch. The arch consists of resin “gums”, a support bridge, and ceramic or porcelain teeth, permanently fixed in your mouth and supported by the implants. Think of All-on-4 implants as the ideal combination of dentures and full arch implants.
Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants
Choosing All-on-4 dental implants offers many advantages over other types of implants, like:
- Immediate, stable function: Your new set of teeth will work like natural teeth from day one! While there will be a healing period, you’ll be able to eat and talk immediately after your procedure is complete.
- Less Invasive Than Other Implants: All-on-4 implants reduce the need for extensive bone grafting, making it much less invasive than others.
- Same-day aesthetic improvement: You can walk out of our practice right after your All-on-4 procedure with a bright, confident smile! It’s one of the fastest ways to improve your appearance.
- Preserved bone health: Implants stimulate and support healthy bone growth, unlike dentures. You can look forward to better oral health and improved bone density.
- Enhanced comfort: You’ll never have to deal with the pain, pressure, or discomfort of traditional dentures again! Once you’re used to the feeling of your All-on-4 dental implants, you won’t even notice that they are there.
- Permanent restoration: When the healing process is complete, you’ll have a natural-looking, near-permanent set of teeth that perform just as well as your original ones! They’ll last for a lifetime if you take care of them.
- Cost Effective: All-on-4 implants are an affordable way to treat multiple missing teeth.
Are You a Suitable Candidate for All-on-4?
All-on-4 is a fantastic choice if you’re wondering how to deal with:
- Severe tooth loss with multiple missing teeth
- Badly damaged or decayed teeth
- Uncomfortable or painful dentures
Does All-on-4 seem like the right choice for you? Book a FREE consultation and our dentists in Melbourne will guide you through the next steps.
How Does the All-on-4 Procedure Work?
One of the best things about All-on-4 is how fast it is. Here’s what you can expect when you go in for All-on-4 dentures.
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth and ask about your dental and medical history. If they agree that you’re a good candidate for All-on-4 dentistry, they will use 3D imaging to get a detailed view of your teeth and jawbone so they can create a treatment plan specifically designed for your needs.
If you require any extra procedures, such as bone grafting or teeth extractions, your dentist will discuss these with you so you can make an informed decision about your All-on-4 dental implant procedure.
2. Implant Procedure
If you don’t need to have any additional procedures, your All-on-4 implants will be placed during a single appointment. This involves a surgical procedure to insert the titanium or zirconia anchors (aka, posts or screws) into your jawbone, which may be done under local or general anaesthetic, depending on your preferences and your dentist’s recommendations.
3. Temporary Dentures
During the same appointment, a set of temporary teeth will be attached to the implants. This means you’ll walk out of the dental clinic with a new smile! You’ll be able to eat, talk, and grin with this temporary set of teeth, while your implants heal and fuse with your jawbone.
If additional procedures are required, your dentist will discuss it upfront during your initial consultation so you can make informed decisions about choosing an All-on-4 dental implant procedure.
4. Healing & Osseointegration
You’ll wear these temporary teeth for 2 to 6 months while your jawbone heals and fuses with the implants. It’s important to take good care of your oral health during this time to help your mouth heal as fast as possible.
5. Follow-Up
Once your jaw has healed, you’ll return for a dental health check-up and get your permanent prosthetic teeth attached. You’ll leave with a new, permanent set of custom-designed pearly whites and a natural smile that will keep your confidence up.
Advantages of All-on-4 Over Other Options
- Quick and Efficient: Unlike traditional implant methods, which can span months, All-on-4 is a fast process. In many cases, you can walk away with a new set of teeth in a single day, even if they are temporary ones until you can get your permanent teeth.
- Preserves Your Jawbone: Traditional dentures leave your jawbone open to deterioration. All-on-4 implants actually strengthen your jawbone. They help preserve your facial structure and prevent bone loss, leading to a healthier and more youthful appearance.
- No More Messy Adhesives: Forget the hassle of adhesives and the fear of dentures slipping or falling out. With All-on-4, you have a stable and secure tooth replacement for easy talking and eating.
- Enjoy the Foods You Love: All-on-4 dental implants provide the biting power to savour your favourite foods without restrictions. Whether it’s pasta or an apple, you can bite and chew confidently with All-on-4.
How Long Does the All-on-4 Procedure Take?
The All-on-4 surgery will take between 3 and 5 hours, while the whole All-on-4 implant process can take 3 to 6 months in total. However, you’ll walk out of the All-on-4 clinic on the same day with the hardest part behind you – the remaining 3 to 6 months are for the implants to integrate with your jawbone and heal.
If you need damaged teeth to be extracted or need bone grafting before you can have your All-on-4 dentures placed, the entire process will usually take 3 to 6 months longer.
What is the All-on-4 Dental Implant Procedure Recovery Time?
The full recovery after having an All-on-4 dental procedure is between 2 and 6 months. This can vary from person to person. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect as you recover:
Initial Recovery
Expect some discomfort, swelling, and potentially minor bleeding in the first few days following surgery. Your dentist will prescribe pain medication, and you can use ice packs to manage the ache and swelling. You may experience discomfort and pain for up to a week following the procedure.
Osseointegration
It will take between 2 and 6 months for the implants to fuse with your jawbone. You’ll wear temporary dentures during this period. You should be able to eat, smile, and live normally during this period, although you may experience discomfort occasionally.
This recovery period should go smoothly if you take care of your new teeth. However, if you feel severe pain or discomfort, you should go back to your dentist for a check-up.
After Final Placement
There may be some sensitivity immediately after your final permanent teeth are placed, but it should subside quickly. After a few days of getting used to your new teeth, you should be fully healed.
All-on-4 Dental Implants’ Cost
All-on-4 dental implants’ cost starts from $25,000 per arch, which means $50,000 and upwards for full mouth implants. The total cost will depend on factors such as how much pre-treatment work needs to be done (tooth extractions, bone grafts, etc.), whether you need local or general anaesthetic, and the quality and type of materials used.
At With U Dental, we offer several payment plans to help make All-on-4 implants more accessible and affordable for our clients. You can ask your dentist about our financing options or contact us for more information.
How to Care for All-on-4 Implants
The key to keeping your All-on-4 dental implants safe and healthy is looking after them like you would your natural teeth. That means proper care, good oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and paying attention to how they feel every day.
Daily Care
Just like you would brush your natural teeth twice a day, you’ll need to brush your new teeth twice a day too. We recommend flossing every day, too, as food particles can easily get stuck between your teeth and lead to inflammation or plaque build-up.
Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
See your dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and a clean. Regular dental check-ups can make a big difference in extending the lifespan of your All-on-4 dentures. Your dentist will be able to assess the health of your implants and arch, make sure each tooth is still in good condition, and clean them thoroughly.
Pay Attention to How Your Dental Implants Feel
If you feel discomfort, pressure, or pain at any time with your All-on-4 dental implants, contact your dentist or an All-on-4 clinic near you for a check-up. If there’s a problem, the sooner it’s addressed, the better.
Things to Consider Before Choosing All-on-4 Implants
All-on-4 dental implants are an excellent, near-permanent choice for teeth replacement to restore your dazzling smile, function, and oral health quickly. But it’s not always sunshine and roses – here are some things you should be aware of before deciding on this course of dental treatment.
There May Be a Learning Curve
As the All-on-4 arch is placed over your gums, it can feel a little bulky. This might feel strange, as your gums and teeth will no longer be in quite the same position as they were before.
You may also find it more difficult than expected to speak naturally at first. Specifically, the “S”, “D”, “T”, and “N” sounds might be hard to make, so you might need some time to get used to speaking with your All-on-4 implants.
Implants May Feel Unnatural
When you get All-on-4 implants, a thin resin layer is placed over your gums, which means when you run your tongue over your teeth, you feel “fake” soft tissue. For some, this can feel extremely strange and unnatural.
All-on-4 Is Not Reversible
Once you’ve had the All-on-4 surgery, there’s no way to reverse it. Unlike removable dentures, the zirconia or titanium implants osseointegrate with your jawbone, so they are difficult, if not impossible, for dental professionals to remove later. However, there should be no need to remove them – they’re usually very comfortable and effective.
All-on-4 FAQs
How Long Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Last?
- The Implants: The titanium implants themselves last a lifetime with proper care. After they fuse with your jawbone, they become a permanent part of your mouth.
- The Bridge: The prosthetic bridge attached to the implants may need replacing every 10 to 15 years. This is due to natural wear and tear.
Am I Qualified For All-On-4 Dental Implants Procedure?
You might be a good candidate for All-on-4 implants if you:
- Are missing all or most of your teeth in a single arch (upper or lower jaw).
- Have loose or uncomfortable dentures that you’re unhappy with.
- Have good jawbone density to support the implants (your dentist will assess this).
- Are in good overall health and can handle a surgical procedure.
Disclaimer: Only a qualified dental specialist can definitively say if you’re a suitable candidate for All-on-4. Schedule a consultation to get personalised advice.
What Is The Success Rate Of The All-On-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants boast a high success rate, typically around 95 to 98%. This is an indication that they offer a reliable and long-lasting solution to missing teeth.
Will I Look Swollen After My Implant Procedure?
Minor swelling is normal after All-on-4 surgery. It usually lasts a few days and then subsides. Your dentist will provide instructions to manage swelling and discomfort.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From All-On-4 Implants?
Once your temporary dentures are fitted, you can expect to recover in a few days. However, the full healing process can take up to 6 months. This is due to the time it takes for your jaw bone to fuse with the implants.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Back to top: What is All-on-4?