Who Qualifies for All-on-4® Dental Implants
5 minute read
If you’re missing many or all of your teeth, All-on-4® dental implants are a long-term and fixed alternative to conventional dentures or other implant systems. The All-on-4® approach uses just four implants to support a whole arch of fixed teeth, offering good stability and comfort. However, it’s not the best treatment choice for everyone.
From your medical history to your budget, there are factors to consider before you decide whether All-on-4® dental implants are right for you. Read this overview to find out who is generally suitable for All-on-4® treatment, what the procedure involves, how much it costs and more. To discuss your own teeth replacement solution, get in touch with our dentists in Kelmscott today.
Am I suitable for All-on-4® treatment?
All-on-4® dental implants replace a full arch of missing or failing teeth with a high-quality prosthetic bridge that is supported by dental implants. Consulting with a dentist can help you understand what to expect from treatment, including the healing process, maintenance requirements and ongoing follow-up care.
All-on-4® may be an option if you are missing all or most of your upper or lower teeth, or if your remaining teeth cannot be saved.
Many people who are suitable for full dentures may also be suitable for All-on-4® implants, however there are some key factors that influence eligibility:
- Healthy jawbone: All-on-4® implants are designed to maximise the available jawbone for support, however your jawbone still needs to be sufficiently thick and strong to hold the implants and bridge securely.
- Healthy gums: If you have gum disease or another oral health condition, your dentist will need to treat this before implant surgery. Gum disease can continue to pose a risk even after natural teeth have been removed.
- No smoking: Smoking and vaping can affect healing and increase the risk of implant complications. It is strongly recommended to stop smoking before the procedure and to avoid restarting afterward.
- Medications and medical conditions: Certain medications and health conditions can affect healing and implant success. If you are taking blood thinners, bisphosphonates or immunosuppressants, your dentist may need medical clearance before proceeding. Likewise, conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis and autoimmune disorders can impact bone healing and implant integration.
- Surgical considerations: Unlike dentures, dental implant treatment involves minor oral surgery, which may be performed under IV sedation or general anaesthetic. Some patients may not be suitable for sedation or surgery, depending on their medical history.
- Cost considerations: All-on-4® treatment involves a higher initial cost, as well as ongoing maintenance and potential repair expenses, compared to dentures. Your dentist can discuss the costs involved during your consultation.
All-on-4® implants don’t require as much support from the jaw as traditional implants do, so you might still be a candidate even if you were told that you couldn’t have other dental implants in the past.
A dentist can assess your suitability for All-on-4® implants or discuss alternative teeth replacement options. To book your All-on-4® consultation at Kelmscott Dental, call our friendly team on (08) 9495 7999.
Teeth grinding treatment
If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism), this could damage your new All-on-4® teeth or put them under pressure, especially during the healing period. All-on-4® implants can still be an option if you have bruxism, but your dentist will discuss bruxism treatments to help avoid damaging your new teeth.
One common treatment is a bite splint that your dentist can design to fit over your new teeth like a mouthguard. This should be worn at night to prevent your new teeth from coming into contact. Your dentist may also advise that you try to avoid sources of stress, anxiety or other teeth grinding triggers.
Do I need new teeth?
If you still have some of your natural teeth left, you may be facing the choice of whether or not to have them entirely removed and replaced with a full bridge of prosthetic teeth attached to dental implants. This can depend on how many teeth are remaining, their health, your treatment goals and budget.
Dentists prefer to restore natural teeth whenever possible. If your teeth have cavities or other damage, your dentist might discuss restorative treatments such as crowns or bonding to repair the damage and restore the tooth’s shape and function.
If you still have some healthy teeth, these may be used to support a traditional bridge that fills the gap where teeth have been lost, rather than implants. However, if you’ve already lost many teeth, and only have a few remaining, partial dentures or full mouth dental implants may be suitable options.
Your dentist will discuss your situation and make sure you know all of your options for replacing your teeth and restoring your smile. Remaining teeth are removed on the same day your All-on-4® implants are placed.
Is there an age limit for dental implants?
A common question people ask is whether they’re too old for All-on-4® dental implants. While it’s possible to be too young for implants (as the jaw needs to be fully developed), there’s generally no upper age limit for All-on-4® treatment. Suitability depends more on your bone density and overall oral health than your age.
It’s worth noting that oral health concerns such as gum disease become more common as we get older, due to the gradual build-up of bacteria and other risk factors over time. This makes it especially important to be able to keep your new teeth and gums clean and well maintained.
If implants aren’t suitable in your case, your dentist can discuss other options such as dentures.
What is the All-on-4® procedure?
Getting All-on-4® implants involves several appointments, but the surgical protocol involves having your teeth fitted within 3–5 days of implants being placed. Your dentist will place the implants in your jaw in a series of minor operations and work with a dental technician to design, create and attach your new set of natural-looking teeth.
Consultation and planning
The first step of All-on-4® treatment is a consultation with your dentist. They will explain the procedure, discuss your needs and concerns, and assess your suitability for the treatment, which will involve taking an x-ray and 3D bone scan. If you’re a candidate for All-on-4®, your dentist will create your personal treatment plan, including a breakdown of the costs. They will also explain your alternative treatment options should you wish to consider them.
Once you agree to go ahead, you’ll meet with the dental technician to choose the shape and shade of your new teeth.
Implant surgery
On the day of your All-on-4® surgery, your dentist will numb the local area and place a minimum of four implants in your jaw. Surgery is usually performed while you are under intravenous (IV) sedation in the chair, or under general anaesthetic in hospital. They will then place healing caps over the implants and take impressions to record their positions, which will be used to design your bridge. If you need teeth removed or a bone graft, this is typically carried out on the same day.
Teeth fitting
A few days after your dentist places your implants, they’ll try out a wax-up of your implant bridge (based on the impressions taken during surgery) to see how it fits. Your technician will then create your final bridge of All-on-4® teeth, which your dentist will attach to your implants within five days of surgery. They’ll check your bite (how your teeth come together) and ensure they feel comfortable and give you instructions about how to care for your new teeth and your oral health during your recovery and beyond.
Follow-up and recovery
Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments after four weeks and again at three months and six months to check that you’re healing well and not experiencing any unexpected complications. They’ll recommend that you eat a soft diet until your mouth has healed and you’re ready to try all your favourite foods again.
There can be an adjustment period after getting your new teeth, but most people get used to how they feel in a few weeks. All-on-4® titanium implants may last for decades or even a lifetime with proper care, but you can expect to replace your prosthetic teeth after a number of years, depending on how strong they are and how well you care for them.*
* Malo P, de Araújo Nobre M, Lopes A, Moss SM, Molina GJ. A longitudinal study of the survival of All-on-4® implants in the mandible with up to 10 years of follow-up. J Am Dent Assoc 2011;142:310-204
How much do All-on-4® implants cost?
Prices for All-on-4® dental implants at Kelmscott Dental start from $21,000 per arch or $40,000 for both arches*. This cost is inclusive of four Nobel Biocare titanium implants and abutments per arch, a complete bridge of titanium-reinforced acrylic teeth, implant surgery using the All-on-4® surgical protocol, clinical x-rays, and follow-up appointments. Your titanium implants and bar and acrylic bridge will also be covered by 5-year and 2-year warranties, respectively.
There are additional costs for the initial consultation ($8) and a 3D bone scan ($226). Your treatment might cost more if you need additional or longer implants, if you’re having teeth removed or additional procedures, and sedation. You’ll receive a detailed breakdown of costs in your All-on-4® treatment plan.
If you have private health insurance with hospital cover, it may work out more affordable for you to have treatment under general anaesthesia in hospital. You should speak with your private health fund to see what you’re eligible to claim.
*Treatment costs vary depending on individual needs and clinical circumstances. Your dentist will provide a detailed quote after your consultation.
Finance options
If you need some help covering the cost of your All-on-4® treatment, we have partnered with payment plan providers and dental loan providers Zip, Afterpay and Pretty Penny Finance to help you pay for your new teeth within your means. We can also help with early super access in partnership with Super Health Ensemble if you qualify.
Book a consultation today
If you want to know more about All-on-4® dental implants, or discuss whether this treatment is right for you, schedule a consultation with our dentists at Kelmscott Dental. Call us on (08) 9495 7999 or make an online booking so we can discuss your options. We welcome patients from all surrounding areas, including Armadale and Gosnells.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Treatment results vary between individuals and images and videos shown do not guarantee the same outcome. Not everyone is suitable for dental implants.
References
1. Malo P, de Araújo Nobre M, Lopes A, Moss SM, Molina GJ. A longitudinal study of the survival of All-on-4® implants in the mandible with up to 10 years of follow-up. J Am Dent Assoc 2011;142:310-204
