All on 4 dental implants problems: what are they and what can you do about them?

Deciding to get All-on-4 treatment is a major decision. No doubt you’ve researched the cost. You’ve probably read up on what the procedure entails. But what about potential all-on-4 problems?

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No surgical procedure is without risk. It’s the same story for dental implants. Complications can include implant failure, infection, and nerve damage. But don’t let these alarm you. Know that the risk is very low. Let us explain more about the possible problems and what you can do to avoid them.

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What can go wrong with All-on-4 dental implants?

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Dental implants have a 98% success rate. Yet, understanding All-on-4 complications is part of the decision-making process. Here are some of the potential (albeit rare) problems to consider.  

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Implant failure

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With All-on-4 there’s a minimal risk of implant failure. This only happens in around 3-5% of cases. Wondering what implant failure actually means? It simply refers to the fact the implant has not fused to the bone. (The techy term for this process is osseointegration.) 

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Signs of a failed implant include:

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- It wobbles when you eat, speak or touch it

- Pain at the implant site

- Swelling of the gums

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The good news is that a new implant can usually be placed and there’s a high chance of success the second time around.

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Infection

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Studies have shown that the risk of infection after All-on-4 treatment is rare (4-10%). If infection occurs, it usually happens within the first month after treatment. Common symptoms of infection (AKA peri-implantitis) include:

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- Pain

- Swelling around the gum

- Bad breath/taste in the mouth

- Fever

- Bleeding when brushing around the implant

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There are a few reasons why infection may occur. This includes poor oral hygiene, a compromised immune system, and not following post-operative care instructions.

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Sinus issues

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When getting all on 4 implants in the upper jaw, there’s a risk of damaging the nasal cavity. The problem can occur if the implants are placed too deeply and puncture the sinus wall. This can cause sinus-related problems, such as:

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- Pain or pressure

- Swelling

- Bleeding

- Nasal congestion

- Runny nose 

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A detailed assessment of bone density and sinus position can help avoid this all-on-4 complication from happening in the first place. In some cases, a bone graft or sinus lift may be needed to avoid the problem

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Nerve damage

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This is a rare issue that can occur if the implant is placed too deep into the jaw, or if it compresses the nerve. Symptoms of nerve damage include:

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- Numbness

- Tingling

- Pain

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Want the good news? Excellent training, treatment planning, and investing in the latest technology can prevent this all-on-4 problem.

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Gum recession

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Incorrect placement of the dental implant can cause the gum tissue to recede. This can affect the appearance of your new smile and lead to implant failure. Aside from the implant placement, gum recession can be caused by pre-existing gum disease, smoking, and overzealous brushing.

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Problem with the tooth bridge

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The most common issues with the tooth bridge are cracking and loosening. It may be that inaccurate impressions resulted in a misaligned bridge. Or the problem could be caused by using low-quality materials. 

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A broken tooth bridge can usually be fixed. However, it may cause you some inconvenience—not to mention the cost.

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How to close the door on All-on-4 problems

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Feeling alarmed? Don’t be. There’s very little chance of these problems happening to you. And the really great news? There are things you can do to further reduce your risk of running into all-on-4 complications. 

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Choose an experienced and reputable dentist

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‍Truth bomb: The experience of your dentist is The. Most. Important. Factor — when it comes to problem-free all-on-4 treatment.

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Did you know that dental implant surgery is not taught at dental school? Shocked face A dentist can take a 1-2 day course and start placing implants with little experience. Don’t worry, that won’t happen behind this door.

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Dr Connell has a fellowship from the Australian College of Dental Surgeons and a Diploma in Clinical Dentistry — oral Implants. He is a surgical mentor for post graduate implant training, has studied in the United States and has attended countless other dental implant courses over his 20+ years of providing dental implants to his patients.

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Choose a clinic that uses quality implants

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Not all dental implants are equal. Some dentists may use less expensive implants. Sure, this might mean a lower all-on-4 treatment cost — but you could end up paying more in the future. Cheaper implants mean poorer quality materials, more chance of breakage, and implant failure. 

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Here, we only use implants from reputable companies (Nobel Biocare, Straumann and Astra Tech). These brands have an excellent reputation for high quality and longevity.

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Your dentist will provide you with specific cleaning instructions to help promote healing and avoid problems.

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Here at Green Door Dental, we highly recommend using a water flosser. What’s a water flosser, I hear you ask. It’s a device that spurts out a stream of high-pressure water. This dislodges plaque and food debris from in between the teeth. It’s also 50% more effective for cleaning around implants than string floss. Clever, huh?

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Maintain good oral hygiene

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Excellent oral hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection and support the long-term success of your implants. After all, dental implants should be cared for in the same way you would natural teeth. This means daily brushing and interdental cleaning.

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Get regular check-ups

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With regular check-ups your dentist can assess the health of your implants and spot any potential issues early. A professional clean goes beyond your regular brushing and flossing. This can help prevent future all-on-4 complications.           

While complications can occur with All on 4, they’re very rare. Choose the right dentist and follow their aftercare advice, and you can lower your risk. This means you can show off your beautiful new smile carefree!