Having a full set of teeth helps people live fuller, more comfortable lives, but unfortunately there are many ways that one’s oral health and teeth can deteriorate. Losing a tooth doesn’t need to be permanent though, with dental implants and other teeth replacement options able to supplant any lost parts of your smile with a stable replacement.
While many dental implants will only be used to replace a single tooth at a time, some patients require a more extensive solution. For those who have lost most or all of their natural teeth, full mouth dental implants are the revolutionary dental solution to immediately and permanently restore a full set of teeth.
What are full mouth dental implants?
There are many terms and descriptions used by different clinics and providers to describe treatments involving ‘full mouth implants’. Some of the common terms used are: All On Implants, All On 4 dental implants, All-On-4plus dental implants, AO4, AO4plus, or even All On 6. They all describe a sophisticated type of dental implant treatment, using a minimum of four implant posts to support a full arch of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Traditional implants use one implant for each missing tooth, but the ‘All On’ systems allow us to support an entire arch of teeth by placing the implant posts at strategic, stable points in the jaw where their stability can be achieved.
Each implant that is placed into the jaw then goes through a process known as osseointegration, where the natural bone in the jaw secures to the surface of the implant and keeps it firmly in place.
Why only four implants?
While most cases of full mouth dental implants only require four implant posts to be placed, it is possible to add more, often up to a maximum of eight. Adding more implants is recommended when the patient has poor quantity and quality of residual natural bone in their jaw. The additional implants create more stability for the new arch of teeth and can eliminate the need for bone grafting.
However, in most cases where there is enough existing bone, a full teeth replacement can be completed with four implants alone. Two implants will be placed at the front of the jaw underneath the front replacement teeth, and one will be placed on each side at the back of the jaw, providing an even spread to support the arch.
Who can get them?
As mentioned, whole mouth dental implants were developed to restore teeth to patients missing all or most of their teeth (terminal dentition), or for those whose existing teeth suffer from extensive decay and gum/periodontal disease. Additionally, patients who already have replacement teeth like dentures may benefit from full mouth implants where the teeth will be stable and fixed to the jaw bone. This is great for those patients who have tried using dentures but find them uncomfortable, difficult to eat with and unstable, causing ulcers and pain and then tend to fall out whilst eating, drinking or speaking without using sticky ‘denture adhesives’.
By being able to spread out the implant posts placing them in areas where there is still bone — occasionally in bone remote to the jaws (Pterygoid and Zygoma implants) — this is less of a problem than it would be for a single implant tooth replacement. Your dentist will use 3D scans of your jaw to identify the ideal areas to place the implants where they will be the most stable.
Timeline of procedure and recovery
Every treatment begins with a detailed consultation where the dentist assesses if full mouth implant restoration is a viable treatment option for you. This includes examining existing bone volume and density, as well as overall oral and systemic health, so treatment only begins if the dentist is sure it will be safe and lasting. When satisfied, the dentist will use 3D scans to choose the ideal locations for the implant posts. A series of digital dental imprints and photographs are taken and these are used to plan your new smile.
From there, the dentist will book you in for a surgical appointment to prepare the jaw for your titanium implants to be placed. This process may also include removing any remaining teeth that are still in the jaw to create room for the full tooth replacement bridge . Once your implants have been placed, it typically takes one or two days to fabricate the final replacement tooth bridge before it can be attached.
Once your new full mouth implants are placed, you should prepare for some minor discomfort in your jaw and maintain a soft diet for the first few months after surgery while the posts integrate.
Balancing cosmetic and surgical concerns
Full mouth dental implants offer many benefits to patients, particularly their balance between a cosmetic improvement to your teeth and a more comfortable and stable bite. When patients are considering Full Mouth replacement / All On Implants treatment, they should be conscious of the training of their dentist, how much experience he/she has and the type of implant and bridge material being used.
At CDIC, our principal dentist Dr Hillel New is highly experienced in both cosmetic and surgical dentistry, and knows how to strike the perfect balance to ensure that the results of your treatment look and feel good, and last as long as possible. There are few people practising dentistry in Australia who have been placing implants for as long as Dr New and he attended the first ever formal Australian training program for this type of treatment, way back in 2004. He has seen it all and can draw from his vast experience over many years when planning your treatment.
Full mouth vs standard implants
Traditional implants are still a very reliable and safe option for tooth replacement, but they are better suited to cases of one or only a few missing teeth. When there are lots of teeth in the upper or lower jaw missing, whole mouth dental implant treatments offer both a reduced time in surgery and a more streamlined recovery process, all while often requiring fewer implant posts. Your dentist will help you understand which implant solution would be most suitable to you based on your individual circumstances, bone structure, and financial situation.
Risks
While we do our best to maintain the highest safety levels and longevity in our treatments, there are risks associated with all surgical procedures and full mouth implant surgery does have some minor risks.The most common question asked by patients are related to implant failure or rejection where an implant struggles to fuse with existing bone, or becomes infected. There is minimal risk of either of these occurring, but it is important to have a conversation beforehand where your dentist will explain this and all other risks, and how to manage the aftercare period to prevent any adverse consequences.
How much are full dental implants?
The cost of full mouth dental implants will vary for each patient depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the treatment and the location of the implant posts. Additionally, needing to use more than four implants will increase the full mouth dental implants cost as well. Full mouth implants offer better longevity and greater reliability than other replacement options. Compared to dentures or single implants, full mouth implants are typically a more cost-effective, longer lasting teeth replacement solution, and do not require additional treatments.
How long do they last?
Proper aftercare will ensure your new teeth replacements last as long as possible. This includes attending your regular six-monthly check up at the dentist, so they can evaluate the health of your implants and prevent any complications before they arise. Additionally, patients need to be vigilant with their regular home oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing and flossing.
Your dentist will provide you with a comprehensive list of post-surgery care instructions. This usually includes following a soft diet for the first couple of months and using over-the-counter pain medication for a few days post-operation. If patients follow these important aftercare instructions, your implants can last a lifetime. However, the bridge does wear. Depending on the rate of this wear, the ‘teeth’ can be replaced in a day. This is done in a similar fashion to having the tyres changed on your car. The bridge can be removed in a morning appointment and in the afternoon they can be reinserted with brand new teeth.
The best in teeth replacement
Full mouth implant treatment is sophisticated and extensive, but also arguably the best option for those suffering with significant tooth loss. Dr Hillel New was one of the first dentists in Australia formally trained to deliver All On 4 implants, and the CDIC team are experienced and confident with the procedures involved in full mouth implants. We are ready to help patients get new teeth, a new reinvigorated smile and ensure lasting excellent oral care. Get in touch today to book a consultation and find out how we can help you achieve your dream smile.
