All-on-4 is an innovative way to replace missing teeth without the hassle of dentures. You can achieve an entire set of teeth that look, feel and function just like real teeth.
Yet, while there are plenty of advantages with All-on-4, there are also disadvantages. Keep on reading to find out about the pros and cons of All-on-4 dental implants.
Let’s start by taking a look at the advantages of the All-on-4 procedure for replacing missing teeth.
Several studies have shown All-on-4 to have an excellent long-term success rate. A 2011 study followed 245 patients treated with all-on-4 in the lower jaw (mandible) for a period of 10 years. After 5 years, 98% of the implants remained intact. After 10 years, 95% of the implants were still going strong. The tooth bridge fared even better, with a 99% success rate.
A key factor of the All-on-4 procedure is that you can restore your teeth and regain complete function in as little as three days.
The dental implants are placed into the jaw within about 3 to 4 hours. In most cases, the temporary acrylic tooth bridge is connected to the dental implants in as little as 1 to 3 days after surgery.
Strictly speaking, the complete process—from the consultation and manufacturing of the permanent tooth bridge to the final fitting takes around six months. But during this period, you can eat, drink and smile like normal.
Before the All-on-4 concept was introduced, patients had to wait months (sometimes up to a year) after surgery before teeth could be placed onto the implants. During which time, you would still need to wear a removable denture!
When replacing a full set of missing teeth, many people worry that their new teeth will look out of place. Performed by an experienced All-on-4 dentist, your implants can look just like natural teeth.
Expert planning ensures your dental implants match your natural tooth features. This includes the shape, size and even the shade of colour. High-quality materials, like zirconia, make certain your teeth look and feel real.
People with dentures often complain that they can’t eat what they want. They also find themselves struggling to deal with loose, slipping dentures.
All-on-4 uses titanium implants, which provide a rock-solid base for your tooth bridge. There’s no chance of slipping and more freedom to eat, laugh and smile with confidence.
Initially, you’ll need to avoid chewy and crunchy foods. But, once your final tooth bridge is placed you can eat whatever you enjoy (apples, nuts and steak included!).
And because All-on-4 dental implants are securely fixed onto your gum, they won’t loosen or shift like dentures can.
Without a tooth to stimulate the jaw bone, the bone structures that support the teeth disintegrate. Placing dental implants into the jaw stimulates the tissue, which prevents bone loss.
Caring for All-on-4 dental implants is like looking after natural teeth. A combination of durable materials are used for All-on-4. This includes porcelain, zirconia, and acrylic. Not only are these hard-wearing but also simple to clean and resistant to staining.
Twice daily brushing and flossing (we recommend the use of a water flosser) or interdental cleaning, along with the use of a gum stimulator and mouthwash is all that’s needed.
As you can see, there are lots of advantages to All-on-4. But when considering whether it’s right for you, it’s important to look at the potential disadvantages of All-on-4 dental implants too.
There’s no denying that All-on-4 is a costly procedure. A complete All-on-4 treatment can range from $18,000 to $35,000. Wondering what factors impact the cost? You can find out here.
But we believe it’s a worthwhile investment in your future happiness. Until you have the treatment, it can be difficult to imagine what a huge difference All-on-4 can make to your life and your self-confidence.
Before All-on-4, dental implant treatment for patients who had lost all or most of their teeth would often require multiple implants or a combination of treatments. This can mean more surgery time and, sometimes, complex bone grafting, making it even more expensive than All-on-4.
A surgery performed under sedation isn’t without risk. All-on-4 can be done under IV sedation. While you won’t be completely unconscious you will be very relaxed, and you won’t remember the surgery.
Still, potential side effects of IV sedation may include headache, nausea, and drowsiness. But the truth is, side effects are rare, and you will likely experience fewer effects than you would from general anaesthesia.
IV sedation is considered safer than general anaesthesia, as you remain semi-conscious. The recovery time is also faster.
Like all medical procedures, All-on-4 involves some recovery and healing time. You may have some swelling, pain and bruising in the days following surgery. Although, for most patients this is minimal and can be easily managed with OTC pain medication.
You will need to rest immediately after the procedure. Typically, most people resume their normal routine within a few days. Keep in mind though, it can take around six months for the jaw and gums to completely heal.
Around 5-10% of implants fail. A key reason for this is lack of osseointegration. In other words, the implant doesn’t fuse to the surrounding bone.
Luckily, the risk of implant failure is low. In cases where the implant doesn’t connect to the bone, a new implant can usually be placed. And the good news is that there’s a high chance of success the second time around.
Find out more about potential All-on-4 problems, including how to reduce the risk of issues.
As with any surgical procedure, dental implants carry the risk of complications. One of which is developing an infection at the implant site. Although, the risk of this happening is relatively low.
With prompt treatment, infection can be managed without causing implant failure. Following your dentist’s post-surgery instructions can also help keep infection at bay.
All-on-4 is a very popular treatment—and for good reason. It’s highly successful, quick, requires very little downtime and produces life-changing results. In fact, this study shows that 98% of All-on-4 patients would recommend it to a friend.
Plus, if you choose a reputable implant dentist many of the disadvantages can be avoided. At Dental Implants on Miller, we’re recognised as an All-on-4 Centre of Excellence by Nobel Biocare. This means that we use only genuine, high-quality All-on-4 components, backed by a lifetime warranty. We also have advanced training and 25+ years of surgical experience in performing All-on-4 treatments. For you, this means less likelihood of ever having to worry about the cons.
For us, the results we’ve witnessed are proof of just how exceptional the treatment is. We’ve seen hundreds of patients transform their smiles and their lives thanks to All-on-4. Ready to do the same? Book your free consultation today.
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