All-on-4 Dental Implants
An implant-retained denture, also known as an overdenture, or All-on-4, is a complete denture secured by two or more dental implants. Unlike traditional dentures that rely on suction onto the gum, implant dentures clip onto abutments connected to dental implants.
The process begins with placing dental implants into the jawbone, which heal for three to six months. Once healed, abutments are attached to the implant, and the denture is adjusted to fit securely.
Benefits include enhanced stability, comfort, and durability. However, not everyone qualifies for dental implants, so an evaluation by an implant dentist is necessary.
Our implant-supported denture services are available from our Gold Coast, Logan, and Bray Park restorative dentistry clinics.
Full Arch Dental Implant process averages around six months*
What to expect when getting all-on-4 dental implants
At Amazing Smiles, our compassionate dental professionals ensure that your All-on-4 experience is comfortable and tailored to your needs. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards a brand new smile by scheduling a FREE first consultation at Amazing Smiles today. The procedure for getting implant-supported dentures typically involves several steps, including:
Initial Consultation
Treatment Plan
Placement of all implants
Temporary Teeth
Healing Period
Final Restoration
Follow-up Care
Implant-supported dentures improve the quality of life for those with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures. If you’re considering this option, it’s best to consult an implant dentist to see if it suits you.
Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants
Dental implant dentures offer fantastic benefits compared to traditional dentures. Here’s what makes them great:
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- Natural Appearance: They help restore your smile with a natural look, boosting your confidence.
- Strong Stability: Securely anchored in your jawbone, these implants won’t slip, giving you peace of mind while eating or talking.
- Speak with Ease: Enjoy the freedom of talking, laughing, and socialising without the worry or discomfort that can come with loose dentures.
- Simpler Care Routine: Cleaning is straightforward, helping you maintain a oral health and reduce the risk of future problems.
- Swift Treatment: The transformation can be completed in a few appointments for many people.
- Longer Lasting: With proper care, your new smile can stay strong and beautiful for many years, often a lifetime.
Implant-retained dentures are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. Be sure to consult with a dental professional to see if they’re right for you!
Cost of All-on-4 Dental Implants
The price of implant-supported dentures isn’t the same for everyone, it depends on several factors specific to your dental needs.
- Preparation Work and Individual Requirements: Some patients may need additional care before their implants, such as treating existing dental issues.
- Implant Quantity: The number of implants required significantly affects pricing. For example, the well-known All-on-4 method uses four implants, but certain cases may need extra support for maximum stability.
Although upfront expense is typically higher than traditional dentures, implant-supported options are valued for their long-lasting results, durability, and comfort.
At Amazing Smiles Dental Clinics, we offer a FREE first consultation so you can explore your options without any pressure. During your visit, our experienced implant team will review your oral health and create a plan for you.
Your journey to a new smile starts here.
SuperCare for Restorative Dental
Access to Super can be used for selected restorative dental treatments, including full-mouth rehabilitation options like implant-supported dentures. This option may help eligible patients fund essential procedures using their superannuation. For more details or to see if you qualify, contact our team to learn how SuperCare can assist you.
Risks and Recovery For All-on-4 Dental Implants
The All-on-4 dental implant procedure is a full-arch tooth replacement technique that uses four strategically placed dental implants to support a complete fixed bridge. It’s designed to restore teeth’s natural look, feel, and function for patients with significant tooth loss or those seeking an alternative to removable dentures. While All-on-4 is a proven and highly successful treatment, it involves a surgical process with specific risks and recovery expectations.
Potential Risks and Complications
- Infection or inflammation: As with any oral surgery, bacteria can enter the implant site and, if not properly managed, lead to infection.
- Implant failure or poor integration: In some cases, the implants may not fuse completely with the bone (Osseointegration), which can be influenced by smoking, poor oral hygiene, diabetes, or low bone density.
- Nerve injury or numbness: If nerves near the implant site are affected during surgery, temporary tingling or numbness may occur.
- Sinus complications: The implants may be close to or extend into the sinus cavity for upper jaw placements, potentially causing sinus irritation.
- Peri-implantitis: A gum infection that causes inflammation and bone loss around implants, often due to plaque buildup or insufficient oral care.
- Speech or bite adjustments: Some patients may require a short adjustment period to adapt to the new bite or speech pattern.
Recovery Expectations
- First Week: Mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common. Pain can usually be controlled with prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Patients are advised to eat soft foods and avoid disturbing the implant sites.
- Healing and Osseointegration (3–6 months): The implants fuse with the jawbone during this period, forming a stable foundation. Some patients receive a temporary fixed bridge immediately (“teeth-in-a-day”), which is later replaced by a permanent one after healing.
- Final Restoration: Once the implants have fully integrated, the final full-arch bridge is fitted, restoring complete chewing ability and a natural-looking smile.
- Long-Term Care: Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental check-ups are vital to prevent complications and ensure the long-term success of the implants.
With proper care, All-on-4 dental implants can last decades, providing superior comfort, function, and aesthetics compared to traditional dentures.
All-on-4 Dental Impant FAQ's
With the proper care, implant dentures, such as All-on-4, can provide a reliable smile for many years, often lasting well into the decades.
Daily cleaning is essential to getting the most from your implants. This means brushing twice a day, flossing carefully, and using an antibacterial mouth rinse to keep your mouth fresh and healthy. Just as important are regular dental check-ups, where your implant dentists can check the condition of your implants, gums, and surrounding teeth to prevent minor concerns from becoming bigger problems.
When appropriately maintained, implant-supported dentures offer a secure, long-term alternative to standard dentures.
If your implant-retained denture becomes damaged, contact your dentist or prosthodontist immediately. Acting quickly can prevent further issues that may worsen your oral health.
The solution will depend on the extent of the damage:
- Minor Damage: In some cases, your implant dentist can perform repairs during your appointment and restore your denture on the same day.
- More Significant Damage: If the problem is more severe, the denture must be sent to a nearby dental laboratory.
- Beyond Repair: If the denture cannot be fixed, a new implant-retained denture will be made, involving new impressions of your mouth to create a custom fit.
You might need to wear temporary dentures while waiting for a repair or replacement.
To reduce the risk of damage, maintain excellent oral hygiene and avoid biting down on very hard or sticky foods. If you play contact sports, wearing a well-fitted mouthguard can also help protect your dentures and implants.
After your All-on-4 procedure, it’s crucial to allow your mouth time to heal by following a recommended diet. For a few weeks, stick to a soft or liquid-based diet, avoiding hard or crunchy foods.
As you heal and adjust to implant dentures, you’ll gradually reintroduce more solid foods while avoiding extremely hard or sticky items to protect your implants. Maintaining good oral hygiene with brushing, flossing, and mouthwash is essential for healthy gums and implants.
With time, you can enjoy a wider variety of foods, and your implant dentist will guide you on safely transitioning your diet to ensure comfort and confidence.
Smoking and vaping can risk All-on-4 dental implants by interfering with healing. As a result, there is an increased risk of failure, primarily due to reduced blood flow and the potential for gum disease. These habits can also stain replacement teeth.
Good oral hygiene and your dentist’s advice are crucial for implant longevity. Therefore, patients are recommended to avoid smoking and vaping during the healing process.
Wearing a mouthguard is recommended for sports if you have implant-retained dentures. A custom-fitted mouthguard protects your dentures, natural teeth, and gums, while also reducing concussion risk. Consult your dentist for the right fit and care instructions.
Generally, these dentures can be worn continuously, including during sleep, which benefits those who find traditional removable dentures challenging. However, some may remove them for comfort or to maintain oral hygiene.
Consult with your implant dentist, who will guide hygiene practices. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the long-term success of your dentures, and your dentist can recommend effective products and techniques for care.
Proper care of your All-on-4 dentures is key to maintaining oral health and longevity. Recommended guidelines for cleaning include:
- Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid regular toothpaste, which can be too harsh.
- Rinse After Meals: Rinse your dentures to remove food particles after eating. For stubborn debris, use a Waterpik.
- Soak Daily: Soak your dentures in a denture cleaning solution to eliminate bacteria and stains. Rinse thoroughly after soaking.
- Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can warp your dentures, so stick to lukewarm or cool water for cleaning.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly to catch any issues early and receive personalised care instructions.
Adhering to these practices will help your All-on-4 dentures remain functional and comfortable for years.
Edentulous refers to a condition characterised by the absence of natural teeth. It can encompass the entire oral cavity, known as completely edentulous, or may refer to a singular arch, either the upper or lower jaw, in cases defined as partially edentulous. While this condition is predominantly discovered in older adults, it can manifest at any age due to factors such as periodontal disease, dental caries, trauma, or various other health-related issues.
Osseointegration is where bone cells grow and bond directly to a dental implant, typically made of titanium or zirconia. This fusion stabilises the implant, making it a reliable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures, similar to a natural tooth root.
Key Points About Osseointegration:
- Timeline: Takes about 3 to 6 months, depending on factors like bone quality and overall health.
- Importance: Critical for long-term stability; poor bonding can lead to implant failure.
- Factors Affecting Healing:
- Smoking or poor oral hygiene
- Medical conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis
- Inadequate bone density
- Excessive bite pressure during healing
After successful osseointegration, the implant provides a strong, permanent anchor that feels and functions like a natural tooth.
We accept all major health funds
Contact Us About All-on-4 Dentures
Our dental implant services are available at our Gold Coast, Logan, and Bray Park clinics. To learn more or arrange a complimentary first appointment for a personalised treatment plan, please complete the form below, and a friendly member of our team will contact you.