The All-on-4 dental implant procedure is a treatment designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth using just four strategically placed implants. It begins with a thorough assessment of your oral health and a customised treatment plan tailored to your needs. During the procedure, four implants are surgically placed into the jawbone at specific angles to maximise support and stability. This typically takes a few hours.
A temporary set of teeth can then be attached to the implants in the following days, allowing you to leave with a functional smile. Over the next few months, the implants integrate with the jawbone, providing a strong foundation. Once healed, we replace the temporary teeth with a custom-made permanent bridge that looks and functions like natural teeth. The All-on-4 procedure offers a fast and efficient solution for patients seeking to restore their smiles with minimal implants, significantly improving both aesthetics and chewing function.
- Number of Implants: All-on-4 uses just four strategically placed implants to support an entire arch of teeth, whereas traditional implants typically require one implant per missing tooth.
- Invasiveness: All-on-4 is generally less invasive than traditional implants, leading to a simpler procedure.
- Healing Time: All-on-4 often reduces overall healing time, with many patients receiving a temporary set of teeth days after the implant placement.
- Immediate Loading: In many cases, All-on-4 allows for immediate loading of the temporary teeth, while traditional implants usually require a healing period before any restoration can be attached, which can take several months.
- Efficiency: All-on-4 provides a streamlined solution for full arch restoration, making it a popular choice for patients seeking effective tooth replacement.
A good candidate for All-on-4 implants is someone who is missing most or all of their teeth in an arch and is looking for a stable, long-term solution. Ideal candidates should have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density to support the implants. Those with existing oral health issues, such as gum disease or significant bone loss, may need to address these conditions before proceeding. Additionally, individuals who want a quicker recovery and are seeking a functional smile without the hassle of removable dentures are also great candidates. During your free implant consultation, we will evaluate your specific situation to determine if All-on-4 implants are the right choice for you.
- Permanent Solution: All-on-4 provides a permanent solution for replacing an entire arch of teeth with just four implants, making them less invasive than traditional implants that require multiple placements.
- Stability and Comfort: All-on-4 implants offer improved stability and comfort compared to removable dentures, which can shift, allowing for better chewing and speaking.
- Bone Preservation: These implants help preserve jawbone health by stimulating bone growth, preventing the bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth.
- Natural Appearance: All-on-4 implants provide a more natural appearance, enhancing your smile and boosting your confidence to eat, speak, and socialize without worry.
- Convenience: They offer a convenient and effective solution for those seeking a reliable way to restore their smile.
The success rate of All-on-4 implants is generally very high, typically ranging from 90% to 95% over a ten-year period. Factors contributing to this success include proper placement by an experienced dental professional, good oral hygiene practices, and regular dental check-ups. Additionally, patients who follow post-operative care instructions and maintain a healthy lifestyle tend to experience better outcomes. Overall, All-on-4 implants are considered a reliable and effective solution for restoring smiles and improving dental function.
The procedure for getting All-on-4 implants typically involves several key steps. It begins with a thorough consultation, where we assess your oral health, take necessary imaging, and create a customised treatment plan.
On the day of the surgery, the procedure starts with the administration of local anaesthesia to ensure your comfort. Should sleep sedation be preferred, My Implant Dentist also offers this option. We then surgically place four implants into the jawbone at specific angles to provide maximum support. This usually takes a few hours.
In many cases, a temporary set of teeth can be attached to the implants on the following day, allowing you to leave with a functional smile. After the surgery, you will enter a healing period of several months, during which the implants fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
Once healing is complete, a follow-up appointment is scheduled to attach the permanent custom-made bridge. Throughout the process, our team prioritises your comfort and provides support at every step to ensure a smooth experience.
Recovery from All-on-4 surgery typically takes several months, but the timeline can vary based on individual factors. Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, which can usually be managed with prescribed pain relief. Most patients return to their normal activities within a few days.
The initial healing phase lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, during which soft tissue heals. After this, osseointegration—the process of the implants fusing with the jawbone—takes around 3 to 6 months. During this time, you will likely have temporary teeth that allow you to eat and speak normally.
Once the implants have fully integrated, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to place your permanent custom-made bridge. Overall, while you can expect a significant recovery period, many patients enjoy improved function and aesthetics even during the healing phase. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery process.
The cost of All-on-4 implants in Australia can vary widely based on several factors, including the location of the dental practice, the complexity of your case, and any additional treatments needed, such as bone grafting.
At My Implant Dentist, All-on-4 treatment starts from $19,000 per jaw.
Insurance coverage for the All-on-4 procedure can vary depending on your specific plan and provider. Some dental insurance policies may cover a portion of the treatment, particularly for related procedures such as extractions or the crowns placed on the implants.
It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits and coverage options for dental implants. At My Implant Dentist, we can assist you in providing a personalised treatment plan which can be used to quote to your provider. We can also help you explore financing options to make the All-on-4 procedure more accessible.
Caring for your All-on-4 implants after the procedure is essential for their long-term success. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing regularly, using tools designed for implant care. For the first few weeks, avoid hard or sticky foods that could put pressure on your implants. Staying hydrated and following any aftercare instructions provided by our team will also aid in healing. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial not only for monitoring your oral health but also for maintaining the warranty on your implants. If you notice any unusual pain or swelling, be sure to contact us promptly.
For the bridge that goes on top, you can choose between acrylic or zirconia. Acrylic is a lightweight and cost-effective option, while zirconia offers a more natural appearance and greater durability. During your free implant consultation, we will discuss the benefits of each material to help you select the best option for your needs and preferences.
The timeline for getting All-on-4 implants typically spans several months, though it can vary based on individual circumstances. The process begins with a consultation and treatment planning, which may take a few weeks. The surgical placement of the implants usually takes about 1-2 hours, during which four implants are positioned in the jawbone.
In many cases, temporary teeth can be attached in the next days, allowing you to leave with a functional smile. After the surgery, a healing period of about 3 to 6 months is needed for the implants to integrate with the jawbone. Once healing is complete, a follow-up appointment is scheduled to place your custom-made permanent bridge. Overall, the entire process from start to finish can take anywhere from 4 to 8 months, depending on your specific situation. Our team will provide you with a detailed timeline tailored to your needs during your consultation.