Photo from Unsplash

Originally Posted On: https://smiledesignstudio.com.au/how-much-do-all-on-4-dental-implants-cost/

 

Australian adults have an average of 4.5 missing teeth, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Across the country, rates of gum disease are rising, which if left untreated can result in tooth loss. Missing teeth can have a major impact on a person’s oral health and can also affect many facets of their day-to-day life.

Missing one or more teeth can affect jaw function, speech, diet options, and facial appearance while causing issues with irregular teeth wear and bite alignment. Many people who are missing teeth naturally feel self-conscious about their appearance, which can hold them back in social, relationship, and career circles.

The good news is that there are solutions and in this blog post, we will focus on all-on-4 dental implants cost. All-on-4 dental implants are the premier solution for people who are missing teeth. They provide permanent results that give people back the appearance and stability of natural teeth.

In this blog post, we will look at the average cost of these implants in Australia and everything else you need to know. This includes suitable candidates, benefits, differences from traditional implants, the procedure, and the recovery phase. We will also share why Smile Design Studio is your number one choice in Perth, WA.

What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are prosthetic teeth. They are designed to replace all of the top and/or bottom teeth at one time. These implants are so-called because they are attached to the jaw using four surgically placed anchors.

We understand that losing teeth can seriously affect a person’s self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. This is true for everyone, regardless of age or the specific cause of the teeth loss.

For these people, all-on-4 dental implants allow for a permanent solution that looks and feels exactly like natural teeth. Depending on a person’s preferences and circumstances, they may choose either the top or bottom set of teeth, or both. Dr Vicky Ho and her team will be happy to discuss the option that is most suitable for you during your consultation.

How Much Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Cost?

When it comes to getting all-on-4 dental implants, a number of factors will determine the total cost. This includes, for example, any work that is first required to prepare the jawbone for the placement of the implants.

In Australia, the average cost of all-on-4 dental implants ranges from around $17,000 to $30,000. Every patient is different and every case will be unique, so it is not possible to give an exact cost without an assessment first.

While there is a significant initial investment for this procedure, it should be noted that it offers excellent value in terms of function, aesthetics, and durability. There are a number of variables that will play a role in determining the cost of all-on-4 implants, including:

• Type and quality of the tooth bridge
• Expertise, training, and skill of the dentist
• Type and quality of the dental implants
• Inclusions in the treatment plan

At Smile Design Studio, we provide a variety of financing options. These include MediPay, DentiCare, ZipMoney, and our own in-house payment plans so you can separate your payments into easy, bite-sized amounts. During your consultation, our team will be happy to answer all questions you have about the costs of all-on-4 dental implants.

What Are the Benefits of All-On-4?

For people with missing teeth, the primary benefit of all-on-4 implants is clear: a fully-functioning set of new teeth within a short amount of time. There is no need for the trauma that is involved with placing individual implants. Let’s highlight some of the many benefits of this procedure:

• Gives patients a perfect smile
• Restores and improves speech
• Reduces risk of infection (by removing any teeth that are severely damaged)
• Restores and improves confidence and self-esteem
• Restores chewing function and improves dietary options

When all-on-4 dental implants are properly cared for, they can last forever. This means they are perfect for people who are looking for a permanent solution to missing teeth and the oral health issues this can cause.

All-on-4 implants are also easy to care for; you will be able to follow the same routine as you would for natural teeth. Best of all, the above benefits can be immediately realised with all-on-4 implants.

Who Is a Good Candidate for This Procedure?

For the all-on-4 dental implant procedure, the best all-on-4 implant candidate is someone who is missing either most or all of their teeth (on one or both arches). In this case, tooth removal will be minimised.

Compared to traditional implants, all-on-4 implants require less bone density. That said, a certain amount of density will still be required to support the implants. In some cases, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary should a patient not have sufficient jawbone density (more on this below).

Another prerequisite for this type of procedure is that the patient does not smoke and is in good enough health to undergo surgery. In the case of smoking, it can jeopardise the recovery process and increase the likelihood of a range of oral health issues, which may result in implant failure.

What Does the Procedure Look Like?

As noted above, a big advantage of all-on-4 dental implants is that the procedure can be fully completed within a small amount of time. Here, we will highlight the step-by-step process of getting all-on-4 dental implants.

Step 1

When you choose to get all-on-4 implants, the first step involves a detailed examination of your medical and dental records. During our initial consultation, we will speak with you about what your facial structure needs are and any existing conditions you may have.

We will determine if you are a good candidate and you a detailed rundown of the overall procedure, from start to finish as well as aftercare, and answer any questions that you have.

Step 2

The next step will involve 3D photos (CT scans) of your jawbone. These scans are important as they give us important information on where the nerves, bones, and sinuses are located for the implants. We are then able to create a computer simulation of the dental implants.

At this point, additional procedures may also be required, such as removing teeth and/or bone grafting.

Step 3

Once there is a stable base for the dental implants, the next step is to insert the anchors securely into the jaw. Before the actual implants can be placed, it will be necessary to wait several weeks for healing to take place.

Step 4

When the jaw has healed from the initial surgery it will be time to place the dental implants. This process is relatively quick and once it is complete, our team will walk you through the aftercare process and schedule follow-up visits to check on your progress.

Step 5

The final step is the easiest of all: showing off your new beautiful new smile! Unless you choose to tell people, no one will even know that you have had dental implants, given how natural they appear.

Will a Bone Graft Be Necessary?

As we have noted, in some cases a bone graft procedure may be required prior to getting all-on-4 dental implants. Because the all-on-4 procedure is an advanced implant technique, in the majority of cases there will be no need but a decision will be taken on a case-by-case basis.

During the consultation phases, we will be able to advise on whether or not bone grafting is required.

What Does the Recovery Phase Look Like?

As a minimally invasive procedure, the recovery process after getting all-on-4 dental implants is straightforward and quick. In the immediate aftermath of the procedure, over-the-counter pain medication can be taken to remedy any soreness that patients may experience. In the case of swelling, patients can apply an ice pack to the outside of the jaw area.

As we have mentioned, patients will have complete and full functionality of their new teeth immediately following placement of the dental implants. For the first few days following the placement, it is recommended that patients limit their diet to liquids and soft foods. Within a few days, patients will be able to eat as normal and speak without issue.

Normal activities can also be resumed within a few days of placing the dental implants. To ensure that everything is healing properly, a number of follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the all-on-4 dental implants.

Are All-On-4 Implants Permanent?

All-on-4 dental implants are a permanent set of teeth. They have been proven to stand the test of time when proper oral health care practices are followed. The following practices can help to care for your dental implants:

• Scheduling routine dental checkups and cleanings
• Flossing and brushing your teeth regularly
• Wearing a protective mouthguard when playing contact sport
• Avoiding open bottles and other items using your teeth
• Avoiding grinding the teeth (including wearing a mouthguard at night)
• Limiting intake of sticky and hard foods

Our team will be happy to discuss the best practices for caring for your all-on-4 dental implants.

How Do They Different From Traditional Implants?

There are a host of benefits to opting for all-on-4 dental implants over traditional implants. With all-on-4, only one surgical procedure will be required, which simplifies and speeds up the overall process. Bone grafting is also less likely to be required compared to traditional implant procedures.

In the case of traditional dental implants, as many as 10 anchors may be necessary to hold the teeth in place. By avoiding the need for additional surgeries, those who choose all-on-4 implants can potentially save significant money and avoid longer recovery times.

What Are All-On-6 Dental Implants?

A quick word on all-on-6 dental implants, which are similar to all-on-4 except that they secure the row of prosthetics using six anchors. While it depends on the specific patient case, this type of implant may offer greater stability, though both options are seen as excellent long-term solutions for people who are missing teeth.

Why Choose Smile Design Studio?

Here at Smile Design Studio, we combine modern dental technology with artistry so that our patients can realise beautiful and natural smiles. We understand the importance of an aesthetic smile and how it can affect a person’s outgoingness and self-belief.

Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring that our patients’ smile goals are realised. We are committed to ongoing training so that we are able to provide our patients with the latest and best dental practices, including all-on-4 dental implants.

Our team is led by Dr Vicky, who has been working with dental implants for close to 30 years. Our state-of-the-art facility boasts the latest dental technology and provides a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere. We understand that many patients are apprehensive about dental procedures, so that’s why we are focused on ensuring you are completely at ease throughout your visits.

Everything You Need to Know About All-On-4 Dental Implants

The bottom line here is that all-on-4 dental implants are a highly-recommended treatment option for patients with damaged or missing teeth.

The cost of all-on-4 dental implants will vary from case to case and can range from $17,000 to $30,000. Given how long-lasting they are, they can be considered an excellent investment. We offer a range of financing options that help patients get the smiles that they deserve.

To learn more about your dental implant options and the cost, contact our team today and schedule a consultation. We look forward to speaking with you about your oral health goals.