All About 4 Dental Implants: Costs, Procedures, and Risks | smile.com.au (2023)

How Much Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of all-on-4 dental implants varies based on a number of factors, including the material used and the number of teeth that need to be replaced. In Australia, all-on-4 dental implants typically cost between $23,000 and $27,000 per fixed arch. This cost includes the initial consultation, all pre-operative procedures, the surgical procedure, the fitting of an acrylic prosthesis, the follow-up examinations and x-rays. With smile.com.au dental insurance, you get reduced and limited fees for all-on-4 implants.

How can I get all-on-4 dental implants?

There are three phases to the All-on-4 treatment:

1. Surgical placement of the implants
2. Placement of the first teeth
3. Placement of the final teeth after the healing period

So why do you need first teeth? There are three reasons why your permanent teeth cannot be fitted immediately:

1. Your gums will continue to change for up to 12 months after your first teeth come in, requiring you to line your new false teeth. After putting in your first teeth, it will take some time to get used to the new way you talk and eat. Your bite will change after the first teeth are placed and you will need to re-evaluate the fit and function of the bridge. Any changes required can be incorporated into the fit of the final teeth.
2. After the implants are placed, your jawbone attaches to the implants through a process called osseointegration. An acrylic bridge is more forgiving of the bite and can absorb some of the impact of the bite, aiding osseointegration. Due to its high rigidity, a zirconia bridge absorbs less of the force of the bite and could impede the healing process.
3. Your final dentures can take several weeks to be fabricated and you will be left without teeth while you wait.

The standard All-on-4 treatment option includes the application of an initial fixed acrylic bridge. As a guide, this fixed bridge will last three to five years before it needs to be replaced. Many patients choose to replace the originally fixed bridge with a long-term restorative solution made of zirconia or porcelain.

Where can I get all-on-4 dental implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are a lifetime investment. Therefore, it is important to seek out an excellent dentist who offers an exceptional standard of care and a reliable dental solution to your dental needs. Poorly placed implants can lead to further costly dental procedures. When you see a dentist at smile.com.au you can be assured of quality care and receive reduced and capped dental implant fees. With over 3,000 smile.com.au dentists across Australia, there's bound to be one near you.

Find a smile.com.au dentist near you!

What are the benefits of All-On-4?

Implant dentistry is an excellent dental solution for missing teeth. The benefits of All-on-4 implants include:

• Less installation time than other dental implants
• The treatment was done in one day
• Less invasive procedure
• Prevents future bone loss
• Full arch restoration
• Improved oral health
• Strong natural bite
• Increased self-confidence

Who is a good candidate for All-On-4?

Patients with severely decayed teeth, broken teeth, or teeth severely affected by gum disease are often good candidates for All-on-4 treatment. All-on-4 can be performed on patients who would not normally be eligible for dental implants due to diabetes, osteoporosis, or other health conditions. Patients who lack the bone density for a large number of dental implants could be ideal candidates for All-on-4. Unlike dental implants, patients do not have to undergo expensive and time-consuming bone grafting prior to All-on-4 treatment.

If you have a lot of teeth left or just need an implant for a single tooth, this may not be the best treatment for you. There are many alternatives to replace natural teeth including adental bridge,partial denture, orsingle dental implant.

What are the differences between All-on-4 and dental implants?

With both all-on-4 and traditional dental implants, implants are surgically placed into your jawbone. These implants are used to support fixed or removable ball prostheses.

The biggest difference between All-on-4 and dental implants is the number of implants placed. Replacing an entire set of teeth with dental implants can require a jawbone transplant and many months of healing before your mouth is ready for crowns or dentures. However, with All-on-4, the healing time is much faster because there are fewer implants and you can have temporary dentures put in until your permanent dentures are ready.

Compared to dental implants, the All-on-4 treatment entails lower costs, less patient involvement, and fewer visits to the dentist.

What are the differences between All-on-4 and removable dentures?

The All-on-4 technique provides patients with non-removable teeth, so patients do not have to remove their dentures after eating or before going to bed. Instead, patients can care for their All-on-4 dentures in a manner similar to how they would care for their natural teeth. Whether you choose a fixed bridge or denture, it's important to follow your smile.com.au dentist's instructions on how to properly clean your denture or All-on-4 fixed bridge.

Unlike removable dentures, with All-on-4 you don't have to worry about the denture adhesive either. The fixed bridge of the All-on-4 is stable and does not slip because it is attached to the implant. Removable dentures often adhere to the palate and have additional support from existing teeth. All-on-4 dental implants avoid the potential wobble, slippage, or instability of removable dentures.

Patients are often advised to avoid certain foods that are difficult to chew or bite when wearing removable dentures. Patients do not need to avoid these foods when wearing all-on-4 dental implants.

Removable dentures need to be replaced every few years, but all-on-4 dental implants can last for decades without the need for restoration or replacement.

The fixed bridge of all-on-4 dental implants also does not cover the palate, unlike removable dentures. This results in numerous advantages, including:

• Less irritation in the gums and tissues
• No problems with the gag reflex
• No negatively altered sense of taste or temperature

What are the risks with All-On-4?

All-on-4 dental implants have a very high success rate. No wonder, because the success rate for dental implants is around 95% and for bridges almost 100%. However, as with any procedure, there are potential risks and complications with the All-on-4 treatment, including:

• Surgical complications such as infection, poor healing, excessive bleeding, or discomfort
• Although rare, dental implants can fail
• Dental implants do not integrate due to factors such as smoking, poor bone density, diet or pre-existing conditions

Several factors can affect the success of all-on-4 dental implants, including:

• Poor oral hygiene after treatment
• Plaque build-up, which can lead to periodontitis, bone loss and ultimately implant failure
• Smoking that prevents proper healing
• Grinding of teeth, which primarily affects the longevity of the fixed bridge

Are the risks associated with All-on-4 avoidable?

The risks associated with an All-on-4 treatment are avoidable. For example, dental implants can fail due to peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease that affects the implant. However, peri-implantitis can be prevented with proper care, including brushing, flossing and regular check-ups with your smile.com.au dentist. Some patients may be at higher risk of developing peri-implantitis, such as those with partial edentulism, smoking habits, poor plaque control, or pre-existing chronic periodontitis. By discussing your medical history with your nearest smile.com.au dentist, you can determine if this procedure is right for you.

Does All On 4 hurt?

As with any procedure, there will be some discomfort during the healing process after the All-on-4 treatment. During the procedure, patients are often given general anesthesia (if they are completely asleep) or intravenous sedation (if they are in a twilight state). This ensures that the treatment is as painless as possible. The All-on-4 treatment is minimally invasive Since bone grafting is not required, the recovery period is shorter than with conventional implants.

How long does All-On-4 last?

All-on-4 dental implants can last for decades. The duration of your All-on-4 treatment may vary depending on your age, the quality of your implants, your medical condition and whether you floss and brush your teeth properly.