All-On-4 Dental Implants Melbourne

All-On-4 Dental Implants Procedure

Step 1. Comprehensive Consultation

Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation of your oral health, including 3D scans and digital X-rays to assess your jawbone density and structure. During this appointment, we’ll discuss your smile goals, explain the All-On-4 dental implants process in detail, and determine if you’re an ideal candidate.

Step 2. Customised Treatment Planning

Using advanced 3D imaging, our specialists develop a precise surgical plan for optimal implant placement. We’ll create a digital preview of your new smile, allowing you to see how your transformed teeth will look and function before treatment begins.

Step 3. Preparation Day

Shortly before your procedure, we’ll have a final preparation appointment where we’ll take additional impressions if needed and finalise the design of your temporary teeth. We’ll provide detailed pre-operative instructions to ensure your comfort during and after the procedure.

Step 4. Surgery Day

On the day of your procedure, we’ll ensure your comfort with appropriate anesthesia options. The surgical phase involves:

Removal of any remaining damaged teeth
Strategic placement of four dental implants in your jawbone
Immediate attachment of a temporary full-arch prosthesis

You’ll leave our office the same day with a complete set of fixed, functional teeth—no more gaps or removable dentures. While these are temporary, they look natural and allow you to eat soft foods and smile confidently during the healing period.

Step 5. Healing and Adaptation

During this crucial healing phase, your implants will gradually fuse with your jawbone (osseointegration), creating a stable foundation for your permanent teeth. We’ll schedule regular check-ups to monitor your healing.

Step. 6 Final Restoration

Once your implants have fully integrated, we’ll take new impressions to create your permanent prosthesis. This final restoration is crafted from high-quality, durable materials designed to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the procedure for getting All on 4 implants?

Initial Consultation and Planning

The first step in the All on 4 dental implant procedure involves a comprehensive consultation at a dental clinic. During this appointment, the dentist evaluates the patient's oral health, examines the condition of their gums and jawbone, and discusses their medical history. During this phase, X-rays, 3D scans, and impressions are taken to evaluate bone density and determine the best positioning for dental implants. The objective is to develop a customised treatment strategy tailored to the patient's individual requirements.

Preparation for Surgery

Before the surgical procedure, patients may need to undergo preliminary treatments to improve oral health, such as treatment for gum disease or extraction of remaining failing teeth. Patients are given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including dietary restrictions and medication guidelines.

The Surgical Procedure

The All on 4 implant surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia or sedation. The surgical procedure involves placing four dental implants in specific areas of the jaw – two at the front and two at the back at an angle to maximise the use of available bone. The precise placement is crucial for providing the foundation for the new teeth. The procedure usually takes several hours, and in many cases, temporary replacement teeth can be attached to the implants on the same day.

Healing and Osseointegration

After implant placement, a period of healing and osseointegration (the process by which the implants integrate with the bone) begins. This phase is crucial for the stability of the implants and can last several months. During this time, patients are usually provided with temporary teeth and must follow a soft food diet while the implants heal and fuse with the jawbone. Good oral hygiene practices are essential during this period to ensure successful healing and integration.

Attaching the Permanent Teeth

Once the dental implants have successfully integrated with the jawbone, the patient returns to the dental clinic to proceed with the final phase of the treatment. New impressions of the mouth are taken to custom-design the permanent prosthetic teeth, which will be attached to the implants. This set of teeth is crafted to match the natural appearance of the patient's gums, face, and remaining natural teeth, ensuring a comfortable fit and aesthetic look.

The All on 4 dental implant procedure offers a comprehensive solution to replace missing teeth, providing patients with a new set of permanent teeth designed to restore function, aesthetics, and oral health. By following the structured steps from initial consultation through to surgery and aftercare, patients can achieve a full smile transformation, enhancing their quality of life and boosting their self-confidence.

How do I care for All-On-4 implants?

Caring for your All-On-4 restoration involves:

Daily maintenance:

Brush around implants and the prosthesis twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush
Use a water flosser or specialised interdental brushes to clean under the prosthesis
Rinse with an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash

Professional care:

Regular dental check-ups every 6 months
Professional cleanings by your dentist or hygienist
Annual prosthesis evaluation to check for wear or needed adjustments

With proper care, All-On-4 implants can last many years, with the implants themselves potentially lasting a lifetime and the prosthesis typically lasting 10-15 years before needing replacement.

What can I eat with All-On-4 dental implants?

After undergoing an All on 4 implant procedure, adhering to specific dietary guidelines is crucial for ensuring the success of your new dental implants and promoting optimal healing. Here's what to eat and avoid post-surgery.

Initial Post-Op Period: The First 24-48 Hours

Soft Foods and Liquids. In the immediate aftermath of your surgery, stick to soft foods and liquids to avoid exerting pressure on your new implants. Options like lukewarm soup, broth, yoghurt, and smoothies not only provide nourishment but also minimise discomfort and the risk of irritation. It's crucial to avoid hot beverages and foods during this period, as they can increase swelling and bleeding.
Hydration. Stay hydrated by drinking ample water, but refrain from using a straw as it may impede the healing process. Steer clear of alcoholic, caffeinated, carbonated, or overly hot drinks in the initial days following your surgery.

The First Weeks Post-Surgery

Gradually Introducing Solid Foods. As your healing progresses, you can start incorporating softer, solid foods into your diet. Opt for dishes that require minimal chewing, such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and fish. These foods provide essential nutrients without endangering your implants.
Nutrient-Rich Foods. Focus on eating nutrient-rich foods to promote healing. Foods high in protein, vitamins A and C, and minerals like zinc can enhance the recovery process. Examples include lean meats, eggs, dairy products, leafy greens, and fruits like berries and melons.

Long-Term Dietary Adjustments

Balanced Diet for Healing. Following the initial healing period, continue to prioritise a well-rounded diet that promotes both oral health and the durability of your implants. Incorporate diverse fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your daily diet.
Avoiding Hard and Sticky Foods. To protect your teeth implants and avoid unnecessary strain, continue to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods such as nuts, caramel, and hard candies. These can damage the prosthetic components or exert undue pressure on your implants.
Minimising Sugary and Acidic Foods. Drinks and foods high in acid and sugar can increase the risk of decay in any remaining natural teeth and can affect the health of your gums. Limit consumption of sodas, sweets, and citrus fruits, and ensure you maintain excellent oral hygiene.

Following an All on 4 implant procedure, adhering to specific dietary recommendations is essential for ensuring successful healing and the longevity of your implants. By prioritising soft, nutrient-rich foods and avoiding hard, sticky, and sugary items, you can support your recovery and enjoy the full benefits of your new smile. Remember, each patient's recovery process is unique, so it's important to follow the specific advice provided by your dental clinic.

What makes someone a good candidate for All on 4 dental implants?

Extent of Tooth Loss. The All on 4 treatment is primarily designed for individuals who have lost one or more teeth and are looking for a durable tooth replacement option. It is particularly beneficial for those who have lost most or all of their teeth and are seeking an alternative to traditional dentures.
Oral Health Status. Suitable candidates should have relatively good oral health. Before considering All on 4 implants, it's essential to resolve any existing gum disease or tooth decay issues.
Overall Health. Good general health is essential for any surgical procedure, including dental implant surgery. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, significant heart disease, or immune deficiencies may affect the healing process and could make someone a less ideal candidate.
Commitment to Oral Hygiene. Candidates must be willing to commit to strict oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Proper care of the implants is essential for preventing infection and ensuring their longevity.
Expectations. Appropriate candidates should maintain realistic expectations regarding the results of the procedure. While All on 4 implants can dramatically improve oral function and aesthetics, the process requires time and, occasionally, adjustment to feel completely natural.

The ideal candidate for All on 4 dental implants is someone who has lost one or more teeth and is seeking a permanent, stable solution for tooth replacement. They should be in good general health and be committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. It is essential for potential candidates to consult with a dental practitioner who can provide a detailed assessment and discuss whether this treatment is the most appropriate option based on their specific needs and circumstances. Through this comprehensive evaluation, individuals can embark on a path to restore their smile and improve their quality of life with All on 4 dental implants.

Are All on 4 implants painful?

Most patients report that All-On-4 surgery is much less uncomfortable than they anticipated. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with sedation options available for anxious patients. You'll feel no pain during the surgery itself.

After treatment, you can expect some swelling and discomfort for 3-7 days, which is typically well-managed with prescribed pain medication. Many patients report taking only over-the-counter pain relievers after the first couple of days. Most people return to work and normal activities within 3-5 days, though healing continues below the surface for several months.

What are All-On-4 dental implants?

All-On-4 is an innovative dental implant solution that replaces an entire arch of missing teeth using only four strategically placed implants. Unlike traditional approaches that might require 6-8 implants per arch, All-On-4 takes advantage of the available bone structure by placing the posterior implants at an angle, eliminating the need for bone grafting in most cases.

Who is a good candidate for All-On-4 dental implants?

Ideal candidates for All-On-4 implants typically include:

People missing all or most of their teeth in one or both arches
Those with failing teeth that need to be removed
Patients unhappy with their current removable dentures
Individuals with some bone loss

Even if you've been told you don't have enough bone for traditional implants, All-On-4 may still be an option. During your consultation at Chic Dental, we'll perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if this treatment is right for you.

How long does the All-On-4 procedure take?

The surgical phase of All-On-4 treatment typically takes 2-3 hours per arch in a single day. This includes any necessary extractions, implant placement, and fitting of your temporary teeth. What makes All-On-4 revolutionary is that you'll leave our office the same day with a fixed set of functional teeth—hence the popular term "teeth in a day."

The entire treatment process, including healing and placement of your final restoration, takes about 6 months. This timeline allows for proper osseointegration (fusion of implants with bone) before placing your permanent prosthesis.

How do All-On-4 implants compare to traditional dentures?

All-On-4 implants offer significant advantages: they're fixed in place (no slipping), restore 90-95% of natural chewing capacity (versus 30-40% with dentures), have no diet restrictions once healed, preserve jawbone, allow full taste sensation, prevent facial collapse, and eliminate sore spots, adhesives, and speech problems associated with dentures.

While the initial investment is higher than dentures, most patients find the improved quality of life with All-On-4 implants well worth it.

Will my All-On-4 teeth look natural?

Absolutely! Your All-On-4 restoration is custom-designed to complement your facial structure, skin tone, and personal preferences. We use high-quality materials that mimic the translucency and color variations of natural teeth.

The prosthesis is designed with a gum portion that blends seamlessly with your natural gumline.

How long do All-On-4 implants last?

With proper care and maintenance, the dental implants themselves can potentially last a lifetime. The prosthesis (the visible part that looks like teeth and gums) typically lasts 10-15 years before needing replacement due to normal wear and tear.

At Chic Dental, we use premium-quality materials and precise surgical techniques to maximize the longevity of your All-On-4 restoration.

Can All-On-4 be done if I have bone loss?

Yes! This is one of the major advantages of the All-On-4 technique. By strategically placing the posterior implants at an angle, we can utilise available bone more effectively, often eliminating the need for bone grafting even in patients with significant bone loss.

Secure & Natural Smile