(Oral Implants)
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What is All-on-4?
From long-time denture wearers and people with damaged teeth to those with missing teeth— All on 4 has helped countless people achieve natural-looking teeth.
The All-on-4 dental procedure replaces all your missing teeth on 4 dental implants. The four (in some cases six) small titanium implants are placed with expert precision into the jaw. These provide rock-solid support for your new set of fixed teeth.
And the best news? In most cases, the teeth (upper, lower or both) can be fitted to the dental implants in as little as 2-3 days after surgery. This means you don’t have to be without your teeth. You can restore your smile and get on with living your best life in no time at all!
What are the alternatives to All on 4?
Poorly fitting dentures can cause gum irritation and mouth ulcers. Not to mention problems eating and talking clearly. Worrying about your dentures slipping takes its toll on your confidence and enjoyment of life.
Despite the improvements to modern dentures, they’re not the lasting solution that all-on-4 offers. Dentures only replace the teeth, not the roots. Loss of jawbone over time is one of the most common complications with dentures.
Do nothing
It’s easy to be fooled into thinking that doing nothing will save you money and reduce your risk of complications. This isn’t the case. Here’s why:
- Leaving gaps in your mouth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, become crooked and endure added stress, increasing your risk of cracked teeth and decay.
- Missing teeth can have a negative impact on your emotional wellbeing. Feeling embarrassed when talking or smiling can make you self-conscious and may lead to anxiety about socialising with family and friends.
- Tooth loss and bone loss to the jaw can affect your facial structure, causing sagging and a sunken appearance.
So, not replacing teeth may seem like an easy fix, but the truth is it’s likely to cause much bigger problems.
replacement options - what is
the difference?
Fixed:
Means that the teeth are fixed into the mouth with special dental screws and can only be removed by your dentist. All-on-4 is a fixed option, which means it’s super strong and won’t move - but you will need to have it taken out by a dentist for cleaning and maintenance every 12-24 months.
Removable:
Means you can take your teeth out when you like— such as for daily cleaning. Generally, removable teeth replacement options work by using ‘snap-on’ fixtures (like with implant-supported dentures) or glue (this is the case with dentures).
What does the All-on-4 procedure involve?
During the consultation we’ll take a look at your teeth and mouth and talk through your medical history to assess your suitability. We take some photos and digital scans of your teeth to ensure All on 4 is the best treatment for you. If we feel it isn’t, we’ll discuss the alternative options for restoring your terrific smile. Plus, you’ll have the chance to get all your questions answered (no matter how many you have).
Typically, we'll also present you with your individual treatment plan—including costs (no surprises here!). We'll also follow up with an email so you don't have to worry about trying to remember everything.
This stage of the treatment requires any existing teeth to be removed. With IV sedation you’re awake but feel no pain. You’ll be completely at ease and relaxed throughout the whole all on 4 procedure. However, it also means you won’t be able to drive, so you’ll need a family member or friend to take you home. We’ll see you in 2-3 days to fit your temporary tooth bridge
We recommend you eat only soft foods for the first few days following treatment. This helps avoid putting too much pressure on your new implants. It’s a good idea to stock up beforehand on your favourite soups and yoghurt.
Just like a fingerprint we all have different bites, and we need to ensure we get your bite just right! During this stage, 2 or 3 dental visits may be needed to check how well the bridge fits and tweak it, if needed. This will help ensure the final bridge feels, functions and looks perfect.
Aftercare
The good news? Recovery time after All-on-4 surgery is minimal. You may notice some swelling and bruising and feel mild pain or discomfort. This is completely normal and can be eased with OTC pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Panadol. We recommend taking things easy by doing the following:
- Rest and avoid heavy lifting
- Drink plenty of fluids (avoid hot drinks)
- Eat soft, nourishing foods and avoid hard or sticky foods
- Keep your teeth and dental implants clean
While the gums and jawbone will take around 6 months to completely heal, you can get back into your usual daily routine after a few days. Here are a few tips to help ensure you get a lifetime of smiles from your All on 4 dental implants.
- Treat your implants like natural teeth
Carefully clean around your implants and teeth twice a day.
- Don’t skip regular dental check-ups
We recommend scheduling a professional teeth check and clean every 6 months.
- Try a gum stimulator
Willing to go the extra mile to take care of your All-on-4 dental implants? A gum stimulator is a handy rubber tool that massages the gums. This helps to dislodge trapped food, promote blood flow to assist the healing process, and support healthy gums.
Not only is it quicker and less fiddly than using dental floss, it’s also 50% more effective for cleaning around implants than string floss. This is why Dr Connel gives a water flosser to every All-on-4 patient.
What are the pros and cons of all-on-4
By far, one of the biggest pros for All-on-4 is that you can have a new set of fixed, natural-looking teeth in as little as 3 days. There’s very little downtime and the recovery period is relatively quick.
There’s also the innovative angled placement of the implants. This makes All-on-4 a fantastic graft-free solution. It gives patients with osteoporosis or loss of jawbone an effective alternative to dentures.
If you’re a denture wearer you’re no doubt familiar with feeling them slip and causing discomfort and mouth sores. Dentures are porous too, so they tend to discolour over time. This may leave you feeling shy about your smile—especially when there are cameras around!
There is no one-size-fits-all solution in dentistry. But for people who are tired of loose, uncomfortable dentures, All-on-4 dental implants have proven to be a good alternative. They're also a great option for people who want to avoid dentures altogether—but want to rediscover the joy of smiling.
Replacing missing teeth can help you regain your smile and your happiness.
Am I a good candidate for all-on-4?
The all-on-4 treatment is suitable for most healthy people, regardless of age. Even patients with diabetes or osteoporosis, who are ineligible for traditional implants, can have All-on-4 dental implants.
Still unsure whether you’re a good candidate for the All-on-4 implant procedure? Answer the following questions to help find out.
- Have you lost most or all your natural teeth?
- Do you have severely broken down, damaged or loose teeth?
- Do you have gum disease?
- Do you have jawbone loss?
- Are you looking for an alternative to dentures?
If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, there’s a good chance you’re a suitable candidate for All-on-4.
Come in for a judgement-free consultation and we can chat through your eligibility, plus answer any questions you have. Book your implant consult online here.
How successful are All-on-4 dental implants?
*According to numerous studies in dental journals
How much does
All-on-4 cost?
The cost for your treatment is $32,000 per top or bottom jaw. To get more information on pricing and payment plan options, download our Tooth Replacement Price List here.
There’s no ignoring the fact that All-on-4 is a costly treatment. But truthfully, it’s an investment in your happiness. Most people can’t even imagine the difference it will make to their self-confidence and quality of life until it’s done.
Imagine the joy of seeing yourself in the mirror with beautiful natural-looking teeth. Think of the freedom you’ll feel smiling for the camera or just being out with friends—laughing and chatting without having to cover your missing teeth.
Worried about the cost? Don’t stress about having to pay the cost upfront or even in one lump sum. Our flexible payment options can help ease the pressure on your wallet. We can also chat with you about your eligibility for accessing your super to pay for your dental treatment.
How do I choose an All-on-4 dentist?
All-on-4 can be a life-changing treatment. You’ll want to choose a dentist who understands the emotional toll of tooth loss and will discuss any concerns you might have. This way you can rest assured your beautiful, natural-looking smile is just days away!
To help you find a dentist you can trust, that has plentiful training and a proven track record in successful All-on-4 procedures, here are a few factors to consider.
While using a less expensive implant might reduce the cost of your treatment, potentially you could pay more in the long term. Cheaper implants use less robust materials, and their success rate may be lower.
Don’t worry, your smile is in great hands at Green Door Dental. Dr Connell has a Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Dip.Clin.Dent — Oral Implants), which means he's completed a 1.5 year graduate diploma from Sydney University, alongside countless other dental implant courses over the course of his 15+ years of providing dental implants to his patients.
You’re choosing All-on-4 to get your smile and your life back. But not just for a few years. You want to keep smiling confidently now and well into the future. Finding a dentist who’s All-on-4 work has stood the test of time is a great big tick √
There are many reasons for the difference in price. The main reason is whether or not the price includes the final tooth bridge. When quoting, many clinics only include the temporary tooth bridge, which should be worn for a maximum of 12 months and will need to be upgraded to a final bridge eventually. So, when considering the cost for All-on-4 make sure you ask “Does it include the final tooth bridge?”
What are the potential risks?
Having any surgical or invasive procedure can pose a risk. Choosing a highly qualified, experienced dental implant surgeon that uses only the highest quality, reputable dental implant materials will help keep potential risks to a minimum.
Issues that can occur with dental implants include the following:
Implant failure
Around 5% of implants fail. In other words, they don’t fuse to the bone or have been incorrectly placed. The risk is low, and even if the implant fails, a new implant can be placed. The good news is that there’s a high chance of integration the second time around.
Infection
Again, the risk of infection is low. It can occur because of contamination during surgery or due to a pre-existing condition. If treated early, infection isn’t too big of a worry. The signs to look out for include:
- Implant feels loose or wobbly
- Redness or swelling around the gums
- Bad taste or breath
- Pain or bleeding around the implant
- Pus
- Fever
On the plus side, by practising good at-home oral care and booking in for a professional clean every 6-12 months you can help keep infection at bay.
A delay in healing
Healing can take longer than planned due to an underlying health condition or an allergic reaction to the medications. You’ll be glad to hear this isn’t a common occurrence though.
Experienced dentists can identify patients at higher risk of complications and work with them to avoid potential issues.
There are also things you can do to reduce your risk. This includes:
- Choosing an experienced All-on-4 dentist
- Following your dentist’s aftercare advice
- Practising good oral hygiene
- Avoiding smoking
All-on-4: FAQs
How long do All-on-4 dental implants last?
Good question! Our All-on-4 dental implants are made from high quality titanium, which are designed to be practically permanent. The tooth bridge is made from zirconia, another strong, long-lasting material. Zirconia bridges can last 10 to 15 years—in some cases a lifetime.
But in honesty, the survival rate for your new teeth largely depends on you. If you follow your dentist’s guidelines (avoid eating hard, sticky, or chewy foods at first) and practise good oral hygiene, it’s likely you can enjoy your fabulous smile now and well into the future.
Do you always use four implants?
Most of the time, four implants are all that’s needed. If we think it’s necessary (to ensure successful treatment), we’ll place six implants. This is decided on a case-by-case basis and is included in the cost.
Can I skip the temporary bridge and go straight to the final one?
Wow, wouldn’t that be amazing—but the short answer is no. After treatment your jawbone needs to cosy up to the implants (a process called osseointegration). We use an acrylic bridge because it’s less rigid than the final material. Acrylic absorbs some of the force from your bite, so as not to disturb the important process of integration.
The temporary bridge acts as a snazzy stand in. It gives you time to get used to your new teeth and provide any feedback. If tweaking is needed, we can factor this into the final design.
Is the All-on-4 procedure painful?
Absolutely not. We understand that pain is a concern for many people who are considering All-on-4 dental implants. But don’t let this stop you from saying goodbye to your gaps. You can choose to be sedated during treatment. This means you won’t feel, or remember, a thing. Following the surgery, most patients feel fine. Any discomfort is mild enough to be eased with OTC pain relief.
What if I’m unhappy with the result?
We can honestly say this is highly unlikely. No longer will gaps and missing teeth define who you are. All-on-4 doesn’t just replace your missing teeth, it helps you regain your sense of self—now that’s something to smile about!
During your initial consultation we’ll talk you through the whole process, answer any questions you have. Even better, our Smile Design technology can show you how you’ll look with a new set of natural teeth. Imagine seeing your dream smile in real life!
Is All-on-4 worth the cost?
They say you can’t put a price on happiness, but we understand All on 4 dental implant costs need some thought. If our previous patients are anything to go on, we know that once you get your All-on-4 dental implants you’ll find it hard not to smile.Many people are blown away by how different, how amazing, how confident they feel. They are excited to eat, laugh, talk, and socialise—and we think that’s worth every cent.
I haven’t visited a dentist in years. Does that mean I’m ineligible for All-on-4?
Not at all. Whether you visit Green Door Dental at Moss Vale or Gregory Hills, you’ll get judgement-free dental advice! We will happily assess your eligibility just like we would our regular patients. And one of the great things about All-on-4 is that it’s suitable for most people.
Before and after
Real patient reviews
Teeth replacement options price guide
Download our guide and get a general cost breakdown on single and multiple-tooth implants and All-on-4 costs. Including information on:
• Key factors affecting All-on-4 cost
• Payment plans
• Sedation
Good honest dental care by experts with decades of experience in Gregory Hills and the Southern Highlands in Moss Vale (near Bowral and Goulburn) - comprehensive dental services under one roof.
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Gregory Hills
The Hub, Level 1, 1102/31 Lasso Rd
Gregory Hills, NSW 2557
(02) 4604 5505
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Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified surgeon
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