Frequently Asked Questions on Teeth Replacement

Is All On 4 a well-established procedure?

Although All On 4 is a relatively new procedure, it is the most popular form of full set teeth replacement that we perform at teethreplacement.com.au. It allows for a faster smile make over process. At CAID we have been performing All On 4 smile make overs and immediate teeth replacement since 2005, and many other forms of implant therapy since 1996.

Teeth replacement on dental implants has been successfully performed for decades. As with all surgical and dental procedures, achieving an aesthetic outcome does depend on the implant surgeon’s skills and insight that can only come with experience.

Dental implant techniques are not new, but the approach to treatment is changing to reflect patient demands and meet their aesthetic and functional expectations. In the past we placed 6-10 implants because we were not sure if all would work out. But what we found was that while the implants survived, more fixtures just made it complex to keep clean, and thus affected the long term results. Today we know that 4 is enough, in most cases, to support a full set of fixed replacement teeth, and it also facilitates cleaning and maintenance.

Our All On 4 results compare more favourably to our results from the past using older teeth replacement methods using more implants and delaying the fitting of the teeth for a few months. Thus teeth replacement with All On 4 has become an increasingly popular treatment for smile make overs.

How can a smile make over take so little time?

In the past we used to wait 3-6 months after implant placement before fitting the replacement teeth. The patients would wear a denture during healing. But we found that the temporary dentures worn during the healing period rocked over the implants and imparted concentrated pressure on the implants that disrupted the healing process. We know today that by splinting the implants to each other via the fixed replacement teeth, the load is distributed between all the implants, thus reducing the potential for an adverse impact on the healing process.

So, whilst the replacement teeth today are fitted within 2-3 days after surgery, patients are instructed to keep to a soft diet during the 3 months period of the biological bonding of the implants to the bone so as to further reduce disruption to the healing process. The soft diet includes foods with the consistency of fish, pasta, rice, and eggs. Most patients who need teeth replacement often tell us that they have been restricted to those types of foods for sometime already because of their loose dentures or deteriorated teeth.

New technology, called Nobel Guide, allows patient x-rays to be transformed into a 3D digital model, allowing the surgeon to pre-plan the operation. The implants are then placed using a computer guided surgical stent, which results in minimal manipulation of soft tissue.

This technology, along with other scans and photos, also assists in the fabrication of teeth to be fitted.

The reduced requirement for invasive soft tissue work, means that the recovery time from your smile make over is drastically reduced.

Guided surgery is not possible in all cases and a careful assessment by an experienced implant surgeon is required to effectively apply this technology where appropriate.

Will you remove my healthy teeth in an All On 4 treatment?

Teeth replacement treatments are developed on a case-by-case basis. Whilst we always try to offer conservative solutions, we always take into account the long term prognosis, limitations and patients’ needs and desires. In certain cases it may be that one or two healthy teeth may need to be sacrificed to obtain the most favourable smile make over with an aesthetic and functional result. Your dentist will discuss the possible options during your consultation and will explain the reasons for his recommendations. It is important to note that the dental implants used in teeth replacement are strong and stable and are not susceptible to tooth decay. The titanium fixtures bond to the jawbone over time and provide the necessary anchorage for the prostheses.

To view examples of smile make over treatments using All On 4, view our gallery .

How do I find out if I’m eligible for teeth replacement?

While certain conditions may affect your suitability for teeth replacement, ultimately your dentist is the only one who can determine if a treatment like All On 4 is right for you. Some of the issues that may affect your ability to receive teeth replacements include:

  • Certain chronic diseases, for example diabetes if it is uncontrolled due to Jaw bone density and condition
  • Certain medications that you may be taking

Note that old age is not a factor! Teeth replacement with All On 4 can be particularly helpful to maintain or improve chewing function and quality of life even in old age.

Teeth replacement treatment with All On 4 is aimed to improve the appearance of your smile, maintain your jawbone and support your lips, whilst letting you eat whatever you like and allowing you to smile with confidence.

For more information or to arrange a consultation, call teethreplacement.com.au today or (03) 8845 5444 or send a contact form.