Treating Missing Teeth with All-on-4 in Kallangur| Kallangur dentists

The All-on-4 treatment replaces a full arch of teeth, upper or lower, on just four dental implants. It is a well-researched approach to full-arch rehabilitation that has been in use for more than 20 years. In most cases the implants are placed, and any remaining teeth removed, in a single surgery, and a fixed temporary bridge is often fitted within a day or so, so you do not go home without teeth. The gums and bone then heal for several months before the final bridge is made. Some common situations where All-on-4 treatment may be suitable include:

Many missing teeth because of an accident or oral disease
Extensive decay affecting most of the teeth in a jaw
Loose or uncomfortable dentures
Badly worn or broken-down teeth
Several failing root canal treated teeth, crowns or bridges
Advanced gum disease that has loosened most of the teeth

The All-on-4 approach was developed partly to reduce the need for bone grafting. The two back implants are placed at an angle, which lets them use the denser bone further forward and avoid structures such as the sinuses and the nerve in the lower jaw. This can make treatment possible for people who have lost bone, and can shorten the overall treatment time compared with grafting first. It still depends on having enough bone at the implant sites, which a 3D CBCT scan shows.

Some Benefits of All-on-4

Permanent Solution

All-on-4 teeth are fixed. The bridge is screwed to the implants and only your dentist can remove it, so it does not come out at night like a denture. With good home care and regular reviews, implants can last for many years, although the bridge on top may need maintenance or replacement over time. As with any treatment, results vary, and implants can fail, particularly in people who smoke or have uncontrolled diabetes.

Minimally invasive

Compared with placing an implant for every missing tooth, or grafting bone before implants, All-on-4 uses fewer implants and often avoids grafting, so there is less surgery overall. It is still oral surgery, and some smoothing of the jawbone is often needed to make room for the bridge. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, and your dentist will explain these, along with the recovery, before you decide.

Eat and Drink Normally

Because the teeth are fixed, many people find they can bite and chew more comfortably than with a loose denture, and enjoy a wider range of foods once healing is complete. Traditional dentures can trap food underneath and move when you chew. In the first weeks after surgery you will be on a soft diet while the implants settle, and food can still collect under the bridge, so cleaning around it with a water flosser or small brushes is part of daily care.

A fresh start for failing teeth

When most of the teeth in a jaw are failing, All-on-4 can deal with them in one plan rather than tooth by tooth. Teeth that cannot be saved are removed, infection is treated, and the new teeth are fixed in place. It does not treat every dental problem, and the teeth in your other jaw still need their own care and check-ups.

A natural-looking smile

The new teeth are designed for your face, with their shape, length and shade planned with you before the bridge is made. Many people feel more confident smiling and speaking once treatment is complete. Results vary from person to person.

Paying for All-on-4

At Kallangur Dental Surgery, All-On-4 starts from $19,000 per arch with an acrylic bridge, and from $25,000 per arch with a zirconia bridge. Your final fee depends on extractions, grafting, sedation and the bridge material, and it is set out in writing after your free consultation. The consultation itself is free; a $75 deposit holds the booking and comes back to you at the appointment, or if you cancel with 48 hours' notice.

Payment plans through humm and Afterpay may help you spread the cost of treatment, and your health fund may cover part of it. See our payment plans page for the options, fees and conditions.