All-On-4 Dental Implants - Your Questions Answered

 

All-On-4® Treatment Concept is the name of an effective and efficient technique using 4 dental implants in the upper or lower jaw to secure a set of replacement teeth so they cannot come out. Dental implants support not only a substitute tooth, but create replacement root which connects with your jaw bone. This allows for a long term, permanent solution encouraging strong, sturdy support and a more natural smile. The All-on-4® Treatment Concept was pioneered and trademarked by Nobel Biocare, a world leader in innovative dental solutions, with collaboration by noted European implant dentist Dr Paulo Malo. Our extensive clinical research has resulted in a successful procedure which uses the fewest implants possible, thus avoiding the need for bone graft surgery, and delivers a permanent and natural smile solution in the shortest time possible

 

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are metal posts inserted into the jaw bone to replace the roots of missing teeth. They are made of commercially pure titanium—the same material used for replacement joints. Titanium is highly compatible with the human body and fuses with bone, which makes the implant immovable and allows it to act as a solid anchor for prosthetic teeth.

 

How do they differ from dentures?

Unlike denture wearers, those with the All-on-4® Treatment Concept enjoy:

  • A permanent set of teeth that both look and feel natural

  • A permanent set of teeth that won’t fall out at embarrassing moments

  • An uncovered upper palate allowing for more taste when enjoying meals

  • A stable bite force allowing them to eat any types of foods they enjoy

  • Reduced sagging around the mouth which would normally make the face look older

  • No more adhesives, creams or nightly removal

  • No more sore spots or gagging

 

Does the procedure hurt?

The All-on-4® Treatment Concept is designed to minimise pain. The dentist offers a local anesthetic or sedative in most cases and afterwards there will be minimal swelling and soreness. Patients are often surprised at how little pain they feel and how quickly they recover. Your dentist may recommend returning to work or their normal routine within 2-3 days, but many patients return to work the very next day.

 

What is the cost?

Though cost varies by dentist, the average cost of an All-on-4® Treatment Concept is approximately £12,000-15,000 per jaw. You may have seen adverts for less, but use caution. Sometimes the lower cost is due to dentists who are not very well qualified or certified to do the procedure and/or they use untested products and implants which are not well scientifically documented. This could be one reason for complications, pain, and failure of the procedure in the long run.

Since the All-on-4® Treatment Concept was designed to reduce the need for bone grafting, which can take over a year of expensive and painful procedures, and since only 4 implants are normally used the cost can be less than other options. The All-on-4® Treatment Concept is an investment not only in your appearance, confidence, and oral health but also in your overall quality of life.

 

Will they look natural?

YES! All of the dentists listed on our site are highly trained specialists and will work with you to make the ideal replacement teeth, both in shape and shade, as to be virtually indistinguishable from natural healthy teeth. In addition, moulds are carefully taken of the natural contours of your jaw to ensure a perfect fit resulting in a winning smile in both look and feel.

 

What are the success rates?

The success of the All-on-4® Treatment Concept has been remarkable, not only based on the positive testimonials of those who’ve had the procedure, but on the scientific proven effectiveness. Published success rates currently stand conservatively at 93.8% and that’s with a 10 year follow-up*. (*Malo P, de Araujo Nobre M, Lopes A, Moss SM, Molina GJ. A longitudinal study of the survival of All-on-4 implants in the mandible with up to 10 years of follow up. J Am Dent Assoc 2011; 142(3); 310-320

 

Is age a concern?

Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Please contact your dentist for an analysis and diagnosis related to your particular case.

 

Can any dentist place these?

No. Any dentist surgically qualified to place implants can attempt this type of procedure. However, at S3 Dental we are fortunate to have an approved implant dentist who has received the proper training, has the surgical experience with this technique, and has an agreement that only high quality products from Nobel Biocare will be used for both the implants and the patient’s new set of teeth.

 

All-On-4® is available at all three of our s3 Dental practices.  To book in for an implant consultation please visit your local s3 Dental practice below.  The dentists will go through what the process involves and whether they are suitable for you.

Source: All-On-4

 
Sami Butt