When you are considering ways to replace your missing teeth, it can feel overwhelming. You may be embarrassed that you didn’t practice good oral hygiene, or maybe you don’t think you can afford to replace your teeth. Perhaps a dentist told you that traditional dentures were your only option. Whatever your concerns may be, if you're missing an entire upper or lower arch, we recommend considering the treatment concept known as all-on-4®, or all-teeth-on-4, implant-supported dentures from the dental team at Painfree Dentistry. Here’s why.
What Are All-Teeth-on-4 Dental Implants?
We can strategically place four dental implants into your jaw and then attach a dental restoration to those implants, giving you a secure and natural-looking set of teeth. Even if you have experienced a decrease in jawbone density, you may be a candidate for all-on-4 dental implants. Instead of placing one dental implant for each missing tooth, we can now replace an entire arch of teeth with only four implants.
How Does the All-on-4 Procedure Work?
The All-Teeth-on-4 treatment is a sophisticated dental solution that your dentist in Parramatta can often complete in a single day, revolutionising the traditional implant process. Here's a step-by-step look at what happens:
- Comprehensive consultation and planning
- Thorough numbing of the area using a strong anaesthetic
- Tooth extraction, if needed
- Strategic placement of four to six implants
- Attaching the full arch tooth replacement
- Healing period (osseointegration), which takes three to six months
- Placement of custom-designed final denture
Advantages of All-on-4 Implants
There are many reasons why all-on-4 dental implants have become increasingly popular with patients who want to replace their missing teeth; the dental implant advantages include the following:
- Quick Procedure ‚ Because your four implants are on a single framework, your Parramatta dentist can complete the dental implant procedure in just a few hours, eliminating the need for several appointments.
- Affordable — only four to six implants are needed to replace an entire upper or lower arch, costing less than an implant for each missing tooth.
- No Bone Graft — Because your dentist can determine where your jawbone has the most density and strategically place your four implants in those areas, you can avoid lengthy bone graft procedures.
- Fast Results — Because getting a complete set of teeth in one dental procedure is possible, All-on-4 is preferred by many patients over other tooth replacement options.
- Easy Maintenance — Because your All-Teeth-on-4 implant-supported dentures don't have to be removed for cleaning, you can brush and floss them just like natural teeth.
How All-on-4 Compares to Other Tooth Replacement Options
When considering tooth replacement solutions, understanding how All-Teeth-on-4 implants compare to alternatives helps you make an informed decision with your dentist in Parramatta.
Compared to Traditional Dentures
- Stability and Function — All-on-4 implants are permanently secured to your jawbone, providing stability similar to natural teeth,
- Comfort and Confidence — All-on-4 eliminates the pressure points of removable dentures and doesn't require messy adhesives
- Bone Preservation — Unlike implants that sit on the gums, All-on-4 implants provide the stimulation needed to maintain bone structure, preserving facial contours
Compared to Individual Dental Implants
- Cost Consideration — A full arch of individual implants (10-12 implants) costs significantly more than the All-on-4 approach.
- Treatment Timeline — The process for individual implants for a full arch can require multiple surgeries over 12-18 months, while All-on-4 typically requires just one surgical procedure with immediate tooth placement.
- Bone Density Requirements — Traditional implants may require grafting for patients with bone loss; All-on-4 maximises the use of available bone, often eliminating the need for grafting.
Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4 Implants?
All-teeth-on-4 implants are an excellent solution for many patients, particularly those who:
- Are missing most or all teeth in one or both arches
- Are unhappy with traditional dentures
- Want to avoid extensive bone grafting
- Need a faster solution than conventional implants
- Have good general health
Your dentist in Parramatta will evaluate factors such as your overall health, bone structure, oral hygiene habits, and specific needs to determine if All-on-4 is right for you.
Caring for Your All-on-4 Implants
Proper maintenance ensures your All-Teeth-on-4 implants will provide years of service:
- Brush twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Clean around the prosthesis—your hygienist will show you how
- Consider an antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent infection
- Schedule regular check-ups with your Parramatta dentist (typically every 4-6 months)
- Avoid smoking, which significantly impacts healing and long-term implant success
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
Will All-on-4 Implants Look and Feel Natural?
One of the most common questions patients ask about All-Teeth-on-4 implants concerns their appearance and function. Fortunately, modern All-on-4 restorations are designed to closely mimic natural teeth in both look and feel.
Aesthetics — Prosthetic teeth are custom-designed to complement your facial features, skin tone and overall appearance
Functionality — The stability of implant anchoring allows you to bite and chew confidently. While All-on-4 implants feel different from natural teeth at first, most patients quickly adapt to their new teeth.
Thinking About Tooth Replacement in Parramatta?
If you would like to talk to our dental team about your tooth replacement options, we look forward to hearing from you. At Painfree Dentistry, we want to help you form a treatment plan you’re comfortable with while giving you back your smile. You can call us on (02) 5711 2317 to arrange a consultation or appointment.