All-on-4®

What is All-on-4®?

All-on-4® is an advanced dental implant technique designed to replace a full arch of missing or damaged teeth with just four strategically placed dental implants. Typically, this involves placing two implants vertically in the front of the jaw and two implants in the back, tilted at an angle (often up to 45 degrees). This angulation is a key feature, as it maximises the use of available bone, often reducing or eliminating the need for complex bone grafting procedures that might be necessary with traditional implant methods.

Unlike traditional methods that may require more implants (sometimes 6 to 8 per arch) and lengthy treatment times, All-on-4® offers a quicker, more efficient solution. This groundbreaking approach ensures a secure, natural-looking smile with minimal discomfort and recovery time, often allowing for the attachment of a provisional (temporary) set of teeth on the same day as the surgery.

How Does Our All-on-4® Treatment Work?

The All-on-4® treatment can provide you with functional, natural-looking teeth in as little as one to two days with a temporary bridge.

The Implant Foundation

The revolutionary All-on-4® treatment replaces missing teeth using four or more (if deemed necessary by your clinician for optimal support) titanium implants. These implants are biocompatible, meaning they integrate with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, which provides a secure and stable base for optimal oral biomechanics.

Your New Smile

The All-on-4® implants then support a custom-made bridge of up to 10-12 fixed replacement teeth, instantly giving you back your smile and the ability to enjoy all kinds of foods. After a healing period of approximately 3-6 months, during which the implants fully integrate with your jawbone, your initial provisional teeth will be replaced with your final, long-lasting bridge.

Addressing Jawbone Deterioration

In certain cases, missing teeth can lead to deterioration of the jawbone over time, meaning some patients require minor reconstructive bone grafting before they can have dental implants. Fortunately, as mentioned, the All-on-4® technique is designed to minimise this need. When reconstruction is unavoidable, it can often be done at the same time as the implant surgery, rather than prior, so that the treatment process is not prolonged.

Advantages Over Dentures

Additionally, as All-on-4® typically requires a minimum of four titanium implants, it is sometimes possible to provide non-removable teeth, even with some degree of jawbone deterioration, that function and look far better than traditional removable dentures.

The All-on-4® Procedure: What to Expect

Understanding the journey can help you feel more prepared. Our All-on-4® treatment process generally involves the following steps:

Initial Consultation and Planning

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. This includes a thorough dental examination, a review of your medical history, and advanced imaging such as X-rays and 3D CBCT scans. This allows us to assess your suitability, determine bone quality and quantity, and meticulously plan the precise placement of your implants. We’ll discuss your aesthetic goals and answer all your questions.

Implant Placement Surgery

The surgical procedure is typically performed under sedation dentistry options or general anaesthesia to ensure your comfort. The four titanium implants are precisely placed into your jawbone according to the predetermined plan. Any necessary tooth extractions or minor bone modifications can often be performed during this same appointment.

Attachment of Provisional Teeth

In many cases, a temporary, yet functional and aesthetic, set of teeth (a provisional bridge) can be attached to the implants on the same day or within 24-48 hours. This means you can leave our clinic with a renewed smile immediately after the placement phase.

Healing and Osseointegration

Over the next three to six months, your jawbone will heal and fuse with the dental implants. During this period, you’ll use your provisional teeth, taking care to follow specific dietary and hygiene instructions.

Fitting of Your Final Bridge

Once osseointegration is complete and your gums have fully healed, we will take new impressions to create your final, permanent bridge. This bridge is meticulously crafted for optimal fit, function, and aesthetics, custom-designed to look natural and beautiful, ensuring a natural and beautiful result.

Who is an Ideal Candidate For All-on-4®?

All-on-4® can be a suitable solution for a wide range of patients, particularly those who:

• Have lost most or all of their teeth in one or both jaws.
• Currently wear dentures and are looking for a more stable, permanent solution.
• Suffer from severely decayed, broken, or periodontally compromised teeth that require full arch rehabilitation.
• May have experienced some bone loss but might not be suitable for, or wish to avoid, extensive bone grafting procedures required for traditional full-arch implants.
• Those who are in good general health. Certain conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking, may affect healing and implant success, so a thorough assessment is crucial.

A detailed consultation with our experienced dental team will determine if All-on-4® is the best option for your specific circumstances and dental health needs.

What Are the Benefits of All-on-4® Dental Implants?

If you’ve been concealing your smile, feeling disheartened due to past dental challenges, or struggling to enjoy your favourite foods, All-on-4® implants could be the life-changing solution you need. The key benefits include:

• Immediate Results: Often, you can have a full set of functional, fixed teeth in just one to two days.
• Reduced Need for Bone Grafting: The strategic placement and angulation of implants often make it possible to proceed without extensive bone grafting.
• Improved Quality of Life: Regain the ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. All-on-4® feels and functions much like natural teeth.
• Permanent Solution: Unlike dentures, All-on-4® provides a fixed, non-removable set of teeth, eliminating worries about slipping or discomfort.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: Your new teeth are custom-designed to look natural and complement your facial features.
• Preservation of Jawbone: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent further bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to replacing each tooth individually with an implant, All-on-4® can be a more affordable full-arch solution.
• High Success Rate: This is a well-established procedure with a proven track record of long-term success when properly planned and maintained.

These implants reduce the necessity for complex bone grafts or costly, time-consuming treatments, providing comprehensive mouth rehabilitation in just a few appointments, often with minimal recovery time.

Usually performed under sedation or general anaesthetic, the All-on-4® procedure is fast, effective, has a quick recovery time, a high success rate and will have you looking and feeling your best. By negating the need for uncomfortable, poorly-functioning dentures, it is set to enhance your overall health and well-being.

Aftercare and Maintenance For Your All-on-4® Implants

Maintaining your All-on-4® implants is crucial for their longevity and success. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are key:

• Oral Hygiene: Just like natural teeth, your All-on-4® bridge requires regular cleaning. This includes brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using special cleaning aids like water flossers (e.g., Waterpik), interdental brushes, or superfloss to clean beneath the bridge and around the implants.
• Regular Dental Visits: Professional cleanings and check-ups are typically recommended every six months, or as advised by your dentist. These visits allow us to monitor your implants, the health of your gums, and the integrity of your bridge, making any necessary adjustments.
• Diet: While your All-on-4® teeth are strong, it’s wise to avoid excessively hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage the prosthesis. Initially, after surgery, you will be on a softer diet to allow for healing.
• Protecting Your Implants: If you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism), a nightguard may be recommended to protect your new teeth.

Following these guidelines will help ensure your All-on-4® smile remains healthy and beautiful for many years to come.

Understanding the Investment in All-on-4®

The cost of All-on-4® treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the materials used for your final bridge (e.g., acrylic, composite, or zirconia), and whether any preparatory procedures are needed. While it represents a significant investment, it’s important to consider the long-term value and the transformative impact on your quality of life.

Transparent Pricing and Payment Options

During your consultation, we will provide a detailed treatment plan and a comprehensive breakdown of all associated costs. We can also discuss various payment options or financing plans that may be available to help make this life-changing treatment more accessible. Remember, All-on-4® can often be more cost-effective in the long run compared to ongoing expenses associated with traditional dentures or multiple individual implants.

Potential Considerations and Risks

While All-on-4® has a high success rate, like any surgical procedure, it carries some potential risks and considerations:

• Implant Failure: Although rare (typically, success rates are above 95%), an implant may occasionally not integrate with the bone.
• Infection: Proper oral hygiene and following post-operative care instructions minimise this risk.
• Nerve-Related Sensation Changes: Temporary or, very rarely, permanent numbness or altered sensation can occur if a nerve is close to an implant site. Careful planning with 3D imaging greatly reduces this risk.
• Prosthesis-Related Issues: The bridge may require adjustments or repairs over time due to wear and tear.
• Healing Time: Individual healing times can vary.

Choosing an experienced and qualified dental team significantly minimises these risks. We will discuss all potential considerations with you during your consultation to ensure you can make a fully informed decision.

Contact Us For Your All-on-4® Dental Implants in Adelaide

At Kensington Dental Care, we prioritise your health and well-being, which is why we offer only the latest dental technology, treatment and innovation, such as All-on-4® implants. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalised care and exceptional results.

We have helped countless patients with All-on-4® dental implants Australia-wide, and we want to find the best solution for your dental needs too. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discuss whether All-on-4® dentistry is the right treatment for you. Let us help you rediscover your smile and confidence.

We’re Preferred Partners

Our services are provided as a preferred partner of Bupa and HCF health funds. We also accept all other health funds, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).