All-On-4® Dental Implants

Most patients we see at Smile Solutions are suitable for All-On-4® dental implants. Before starting treatment, you will undergo a full dental and medical assessment by one of our clinicians to evaluate your suitability.

An ideal candidates requires sufficient bone density in the jaw to support the implants. In some cases, bone grafting may be necessary to build up the bone before implants can be placed. Patients must have healthy gums be free of conditions like gum disease, which can affect the success of the implants.

Good overall health is also important, as certain medical conditions (such as uncontrolled diabetes or immune disorders) and habits (like smoking) can affect healing and implant success.

All-On-4® dental implants has a very high success rate. Traditionally, dental implants and single implant-supported dentures require three to six months’ healing time before the prosthesis can be attached to achieve oral function. By contrast, Smile Solutions’ All-On-4® procedure allows this to occur almost immediately, without jeopardising the success rates of the implants.

Some of the benefits of All-On-4® treatment include: fully fixed functional teeth, long-lasting restoration, healthy-looking gums, improved appearance, easy maintenance, and the one that most patients appreciate: that they look, feel and function like real teeth.

When you come in for your consultation, your specialist will discuss the cost of your individual treatment plan with you. As a guide, All-on-4® treatment starts from $29,000 for a single arch, and $54,000 for dual arch.

Various factors influence the costs involved with All-On-4® dental implants. As with any dental procedure, the costs can vary with the different complexity levels for different patients. Because part of this procedure takes place in a hospital, there will be some hospital fees, but these will be included in your initial quote, and some Medicare rebates will apply.

There is no pain during surgery as it is performed under general anaesthetic. After surgery you may feel slight discomfort in the area, or have swelling (which can vary from patient to patient), but this typically goes away within a few days of surgery.

With All-on-4® dental implants, you typically receive a full arch of 12 to 14 teeth.

With All-on-4® dental implants, you can eat a wide range of foods, similar to natural teeth.

During the healing phase, stick to soft foods to avoid pressure on the implants and avoid hard or sticky foods.

After full recovery, most foods are permissible, but be cautious with very hard or sticky items to prevent damage. Avoid biting directly into very hard or tough foods like apples or steak. Instead, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

Chew evenly, maintain good oral hygiene, and attend regular dental check-ups. Following these guidelines can help ensure the longevity and functionality of your All-on-4® dental implants. Always consult your dentist for personalised advice.

Some ongoing maintenance is necessary for your All-On-4® dental implants. For example, a dental hygienist will need to remove the bridge and clean your implants twice a year. Some patients require a realignment of the prosthetic bridge every five to seven years as tissues and bone change. If ceramic crowns were chosen, the porcelain is likely to need repair or replacement over time.

Like natural teeth, it is important that you maintain good oral hygiene to prolong the lifespan of your implants.

Brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Use gentle, circular motions to clean around the implants and along the gumline.

Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between the implants and around the base of the prosthesis. This helps remove plaque and food debris that may accumulate in hard-to-reach areas.

Consider using a water flosser (oral irrigator) to flush out food particles and debris from around the implants and under the prosthesis.

Adjusting to speaking with All-on-4® dental implants may initially feel different, but most people adapt quickly. The time it takes to fully adjust varies from person to person. Some people feel comfortable speaking with their implants within a few days, while others may take a few weeks.

You may experience some difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or speaking clearly during the first few days or weeks. Your tongue, lips, and facial muscles will gradually adapt to the new structure of your mouth and prosthesis.