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As a more streamlined way to restore a full set of teeth, All on 4 dental implants can be a suitable alternative to individual implants. The durability of the implants also make it a great alternative to wearing dentures.
While it can be a favourable option, we’ll need to consider if All on 4 dental implants is suited to your needs. Suitability for All on 4 will depend on factors like your general oral health, jawbone density and how many teeth you will need to replace.
If you need to replace missing teeth and are considering dental implants, read on to learn more about All on 4 and if it is suitable for you.
What is the difference between All on 4 dental implants and traditional implants?
All On 4 dental implants involves using only four implants to replace multiple missing teeth. It can support a full arch of teeth by placing the implants into the jawbone in strategic positions.
On the other hand, traditional implants involve replacing one missing tooth – however, it can be an option to replace one or more teeth, depending on your needs.
A notable difference between the two options is that All on 4 may reduce the need for bone grafting, due to the technique used and depending on your jawbone density. During the process, the back of the implants are tilted up to 45 degrees, which avoids interfering with anatomical structures like the inferior dental nerve or the maxillary sinuses.
At Oasis Dental Studio, we use high quality titanium implants for both All on 4 and traditional implant treatment options, meaning that each choice will leave you with a durable, functional result.
How the amount of teeth you’ll need to replace matters
When you’re deciding between traditional or All on 4 dental implants, the first factor that you’ll want to consider is how many teeth you need to replace.
If you’re missing most or all of your teeth in an arch, All on 4 may be a more practical, streamlined and cost-effective option. Since the approach uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full fixed bridge, it reduces the need for multiple implants while still providing stability.
Traditional implants, on the other hand, are typically used when replacing individual teeth or small groups of missing teeth. If you only need a few teeth replaced, individual implants with crowns or implant-supported bridges may be the more suitable choice.
Why your oral health and other health factors need to be considered
Oral health matters when it comes to determining if All on 4 is the right option for you – particularly when it comes to your gum health, any existing dental conditions, and your daily oral hygiene habits.
Since the implants will act as the foundation for a full set of teeth, the gums need to be in good condition. Active gum disease, such as periodontitis, can weaken the tissues that support implants and increase the risk of infection or failure. If gum disease is present, it typically needs to be treated before the procedure process can start.
Beyond gum health, any ongoing oral infections, such as untreated cavities in remaining teeth, will also need to be addressed before moving forward. Any lingering infections could affect healing and increase the risk of complications after the procedure.
Daily oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices also matter. Poor dental hygiene and habits like smoking can slow healing and increase the chances of implant failure. A commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular cleaning around the implant-supported teeth, will be essential for long-term success. If you’re a smoker, we recommend quitting to help maintain the quality of the implants.
Beyond oral health, your overall medical condition will also need to be assessed to determine whether your body can heal properly after surgery. Conditions that affect healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes, may need to be stabilised before undergoing the procedure. Patients who take medications that impact bone healing, such as certain osteoporosis treatments, will also need to discuss this during a consultation.
Understanding how jawbone density factors into treatment suitability
While the technique used for All on 4 dental implants can reduce the need for bone grafting, your jawbone density will still need to be assessed.
All on 4 dental implants are often chosen by patients who have already experienced some level of bone loss, as the technique allows implants to be placed at an angle to maximise contact with available bone. However, there still needs to be enough bone structure to support the implants.
Your consultation process will include tests to assess bone density. If significant bone loss has occurred, additional procedures like bone grafting may be needed before implant placement.
Bone grafting is a procedure used to rebuild or strengthen areas of the jawbone that have deteriorated due to tooth loss, gum disease, or other factors. The process involves adding bone material – typically from your own body – to a specific area. Over time, the graft integrates with the existing bone, creating a more stable foundation for implants.
All on 4 Dental Implants at Oasis Dental Studio in the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Pottsville
If you’re considering All on 4 dental implants or another implant treatment option, we can carefully assess your needs during a consultation process at Oasis Dental Studio.
We will discuss the number of teeth that will need to be replaced, assess your oral and general health, discuss factors like dental hygiene habits and assess your jawbone density. If you’re a suitable candidate for All on 4, we’ll then guide you through the process from consultation to recovery, outlining a suitable treatment plan.
If you will need any additional procedures before All on 4 to support your suitability, we’ll also discuss these during your consultation. At Oasis, we care about patient education – to make sure that you know how to care for your implants after your procedure, we’ll also discuss long-term dental hygiene habits and how to prevent complications.
When you’re ready to book your consultation, please contact our team at our Gold Coast, Brisbane or Pottsville locations.
