What is an All-On-4® Dental Implants Procedure? Our Dentist Explains

If you have multiple missing teeth or are a long-term denture wearer and are considering dental implants, then you may have come across the term ‘all-on-4’. The question is.. what does it mean and what is an all-on-4 dental implants procedure?

All-on-4 dental implants are designed to assist those who have lost full arches of teeth and feel embarrassed by their current smile. The procedure carried out in one sitting can replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth or indeed both. The result is a permanent and natural- looking alternative to conventional dentures.

All-on-4® dental implants – How They Work?

Traditionally a dental implant is used to replace a single missing tooth and consists of a titanium rod that a dentist places in the jaw bone at the site of the missing tooth. Once inserted any remaining bone tissue surrounding the implant fuses with it over time creating a solid platform. After several months, the implant is capped with a single false tooth filling the gap.

With all-on 4-dental implants, however, you don’t need to replace single teeth individually. Instead, an entire arch of missing teeth can be replaced using just 4 strategically placed implants that act as supports for a fixed natural-looking denture. The result is a flawless and complete smile in just one visit.   

By combining the precise technology of an all-on-4 dental implants procedure with the expertise of our highly skilled dentist, patients no longer need to be embarrassed by multiple missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures. Instead, they can take advantage of a permanent set of false teeth that stay in their mouth while looking just as good as any remaining natural teeth.

So now you know the answer to the question what is an all-on-4 dental implants procedure, it’s worth taking a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of this process.

Firstly the advantages…

Many people gain renewed confidence after undergoing an all-on-4 procedure and rightly so.

The procedure allows patients to fully restore their quality of life by gaining full dentition.

Benefits include:

• The ability to replace an entire arch of missing teeth in just one single surgical visit
• Because your restored teeth are held permanently in position by dental implants there is no chance of them shifting or moving in the mouth as conventional dentures do. This gives the patient complete peace-of-mind
• All-on-4® dental implants are a cost-efficient option when compared to replacing multiple missing teeth with individual implant-based restorations and although they are more expensive than conventional dentures, all-on-4 restorations can last for several decades or more if cared for properly. As a result, they offer good value for money in the long-term.  
• Because all-on-4 dental implants take advantage of areas where bone quality is better and denser in individuals, patients in most cases, don’t need to undergo a costly and time-consuming bone grafting procedure. 

Now the drawbacks or disadvantages…

• Just like conventional dental implants, the all-on-4 procedure won’t be for everyone. Those who have severe medical conditions like heart disease or uncontrolled diabetes, or those who are heavy smokers will not normally be eligible for this process.
• Because the all-on-4 procedure is carried out in one surgical session, patients won’t be able to test how their new teeth feel and look before the procedure. Although patients are fitted with a temporary set at the time of treatment with a permanent set coming some weeks later, it can take time to get used to the difference between the feel of natural tissue in your mouth and the man-made palate of a denture. This is something you should bear in mind.
• Just like when wearing dentures for the first time, patients may experience speech problems particularly with hard palatal consonants such as “D, T, N and S. That said, and just like dentures, the mouth tends to adapt and people find themselves speaking normally within a few weeks.   

So now you know the answer to the question ‘what is all on 4 dental implants’ and have a good idea of the advantages and drawbacks, let’s take a closer look at the procedure itself…

The consultation

During an initial consultation, x-rays are taken of any remaining teeth to gauge both health and bone depth. Digital Impressions may also be taken to create precise 3D models of your mouth. Photos, health history, and any other medical information are also gathered so your dentist has a clear and concise picture of your overall health. The consultation will normally end with a question and answer session, financial estimates, and arrangements for further appointments. 

Treatment planning

Before the surgical appointment, our team will review your records and plan for your all-on-4® procedure. This is to ensure both you and the team know what to expect. 3D images taken earlier of the jaw bone will then be used to create a surgical guide. This dictates the exact location, trajectory and depth of the dental implant placement. 

Surgery

On the day of surgery, the first step is to remove any decayed, damaged or diseased teeth that need to come out. Often this is done during a separate visit to allow for the mouth to heal. Assuming that healing is not needed or has occurred, the surgical guides are then used to drill precise pilot holes through the gum and into the jaw for the dental implants to fit. This is done four times for the all-on-4 procedure. 

The titanium posts are then inserted and in most cases, a temporary denture is fitted. This allows time for the implants to fuse with the bone properly. So while patients will leave with a complete set of teeth, they will need to be careful with their ‘temporaries’.

Final fitting 

Finally, after several months once the bone is fully healed, any temporary dentures are removed and replaced by your high-quality permanent custom-dentures. 

For many people, the elation of being freed from ill-fitting dentures or unhealthy or loose teeth is written all over their faces in the form of joyful smiles after treatment and this is what all-on-4 dental implants can deliver. 

To find out more, talk to the team at Sydney Laser Dental Care. We can help you restore your smile using our revolutionary all-on-4 dental implant technique. If you are fed up with loose uncomfortable dentures or missing teeth, book a consultation at one of our three clinics today. 

Phone: (02) 9158 6213
Pyrmont NSW 2009

Phone: (02) 9158 6756 
Illawong, NSW 2234

Phone: (02) 9159 6083
Sylvania Waters NSW 2224