All on Four - Frequently Asked Questions

How are All-on-4 Dental Implants different from dentures?

As opposed to dentures, All-On-Four dental implants are a permanent set of teeth that look and feel natural, which means:

They are permanent teeth that look and feel like natural teeth
They are stable, allowing you to bite with increased force – allowing you to eat all of your favorite foods once again
No more discomfort, as they don’t press down on or move on your gums like dentures do
They allow you to taste and experience your food, as you no longer have to worry about slipping, and a denture covering the roof of your mouth.
The presence of the implants in the jaw stimulates the bone, thus preventing further bone deterioration
No more gagging
No more nightly removal and cleaning
No more messy, sticky adhesives!

How does the All-On-Four Dental technique compare to more traditional implants techniques?

The All-On-4 procedure utilizes only 4 implants to replace all teeth on an arch, whereas traditional implant techniques utilize anywhere from 6 to 10 implants in one arch. The angled placement of the posterior implants of the All-On-4 procedure allow for increased support by using the natural support of your bone. Also, traditional implants often require bone grafting, a process that can take 6 months or more. The All-On-4 Dental protocol requires no bone grafting for most patients, with a success rate that is equal to or better than traditional implants.

The All-on-4 procedure can save you from unnecessary surgery and discomfort, as well as time and money!

How do I know if i’m a candidate for All-on-4?

We utilize cutting-edge 3D imaging techniques to expertly assess which treatment option(s) will be right for you. Using the 3D image of your jaw, we evaluate bone quality, volume & quantity. We also perform a diagnostic workup before the procedure – meaning you will be able to see your results before we start, and each preplanned step will be executed with the utmost precision.

What technology is used?

We use computer guided planning before your procedure, which allows the highest level of precision, saves you time in the chair, and allows for your teeth to be made efficiently and to the highest standards. This means you will receive your new teeth very soon after the implants have been placed.

This technique can be used for both patients with some remaining teeth or patients with all teeth missing. What’s more, we are able to include an invisible framework in your new teeth, making them much stronger and long-lasting.

Will people be able to see the line between the fixed bridge and the jaw bone?

Our method eliminates this “line”; in most patients. As part of your initial examination we evaluate your smile to determine where the junction of the fixed bridge and the jaw bone will be. During the All-on-4 procedure, we make adjustments to ensure that your new smile is not too “gummy” and that the edge of your bridge is completely hidden.

Do you always use four implants?

Most of the time, 4 implants are used. If we find it is necessary (due to lack of bone quality or quantity), we will use 6 implants instead of 4 to ensure the strength and longevity of your new teeth.

Why don’t all dentists use the All-on-4 Procedure?

The All-on-4 technique is a sophisticated technique which involves advanced skill levels, expertise and experience. Not all dentists are comfortable performing this procedure.

When you attend for a comprehensiveconsultation, we evaluate your oral condition and explain to you what is happening,discuss your treatment options and allow you to decided which treatment is best for you.

Does it hurt?

The All-on-4 surgery can be carried out under general or local anaesthetic, and patients do not experience pain during the procedure. After the numbness wears off, you may experience swelling and soreness that can last a few days. We take precautions and prescribe medication before the numbness wears off to ensure that optimum comfort is maintained.

What about my post-surgery diet?

Your new teeth will be strong and stable. We recommend a soft diet for 6-12 weeks after the procedure and will provide you with a list of suitable foods and a recipe manual.

I was told I would need bone grafting to “build up” the bone before any implants could be placed. Does the All-on-4 Procedure involve bone grafting?

In the majority of cases, we are able to place 4 implants and restore a full arch of teeth without bone grafting. We use computer guided technology, which allow us to plan the exact placement of each implant at an angle to make maximum use of the existing bone, and avoiding bone grafting.

How long does an All-on-4 Procedure take?

After your initial consultation and diagnostic procedures your implants and new teeth will be placed all in one appointment, in most cases, even if you need extractions. With All-on-4, you arrive at our office with bad (or no) teeth, and leave the same day with a beautiful set of fixed, functional teeth.

What is the success rate of the All-on-4 Procedure?

Published scientific studies show a 98.2% success rate when using the All-on-4 technique in the lower jaw. Other studies show a 97 to 98% success in the upper jaw for the same procedure.

Occasionally, an implant will fail. Knowing this, we carefully evaluate bone quality and quantity prior to your procedure, and will place six implants if we feel it is a necessary precaution, making our success rate even higher.

All on Four – Frequently Asked Questions