However, it’s normal to feel anxious about the surgical process and its associated risks. At Advanced Dental Artistry, we believe in equipping our patients with comprehensive, clear, and factual information to help address any queries and ease any concerns.
Wanting to know more about the risks associated with All-on-4 dental implants and what the surgery entails? Continue reading as we provide a detailed breakdown of both the procedure and its potential risks.
What are All On 4 dental implants?
All-on-4 dental implants offer a fixed solution for patients suffering from extensive dental issues or complete tooth loss.
This procedure involves placing four strategically positioned implants in the jaw, which serve as a foundation for a full arch of prosthetic teeth.
All On 4 is essentially complete tooth replacement, as it involves the removal of all natural teeth, in order to place the implants. It is considered a complex procedure, which is why the experience of your treating dentist and their team is so important.
How can All On 4 implants help people?
The All-on-4 method is particularly beneficial for patients who have lost significant bone volume in their jaws and may not be suitable candidates for traditional implants without bone grafting. This is because the four implants can be carefully placed in areas where the bone usually resorbs, and be angled strategically to hold a new set of teeth.
By using fewer implants, the All-on-4 procedure reduces complexity, treatment time, and often, the cost compared to a full set of individual implants.
What are the All On 4 dental implants risks?
The All On 4 procedure is one of the most complex procedures one can get, so it does carry its own set of risks. These include:
1. Permanent and irreversible
Once you receive this treatment, there is no turning back. Whether the patient has no existing teeth, or is getting natural teeth removed, once the implants have been fixed, they are there for life.
2. Implant failure
Although implant failures are quite rare, there’s a small chance (about 3-5%) that the implant might not settle properly within the first few months. This risk increases if you have certain health issues like diabetes, if you smoke, or if you tend to grind or clench your teeth a lot. It’s really important to talk about these risks during your consultation. If you smoke, for example, quitting before your surgery can help lower the risk.
If an implant fails, it’s important to address the issue within the first 3 to 4 months so that it can be replaced by your dentist. Delaying replacement for 6 to 12 months can lead to more serious complications such as bone loss and infection, which might spread and jeopardise other implants. This can make further treatment difficult or even impossible. That’s why regular maintenance visits are crucial to check on the success of the implants and to catch any problems early.
A risk of getting All-on-4 dental implants overseas is the lack of follow-up care. If an implant fails after you’ve returned home, you might not have any scheduled maintenance or follow-up appointments. Without regular checks, there’s a higher risk of implant failure going unnoticed.
3. It is a complicated surgery
This procedure is complex, regardless of the amount of preparation and planning involved. That’s why the experience of the dental team is crucial, as it significantly enhances the success rate. Even minor adjustments during the surgery can greatly impact the outcome. Teams with more experience in these procedures tend to pay closer attention to details, which greatly contributes to a successful result.
4. Being unprepared for bridge replacement
Dental implants are made up of two main components: the implant that is anchored into the bone and the bridge, which is the part that looks like your teeth. The bridge is exposed daily to varying temperatures, chewing, bacteria, and grinding, making regular maintenance and cleaning essential. Depending on the material used, bridges can last between 5 to 7 years. It’s important for patients to be aware of the ongoing costs associated with maintaining both the implant and the bridge, including the potential need for bridge replacement.
5. Being unprepared for ongoing maintenance
Regular maintenance of both teeth and implants is essential. It’s important to have a maintenance check every six months. These appointments can range from minor upkeep to more significant maintenance every two years, during which the bridges are removed, cleaned, and the implants are tightened if needed.
6. Rushed planning impacting bite, function and aesthetics
If the bridges are poorly crafted or the implants are incorrectly positioned, resulting in bridges that are too thick, patients may experience difficulty pronouncing certain words. This underscores the importance of careful planning in smile design and bite analysis before the procedure. Such preparation ensures the implants function properly and look aesthetically pleasing for the patient.
To hear Dr Adrian discuss these risks, watch the video below.
What is involved with the All On 4 surgical process?
Understanding what happens during the All On 4 process can often help to alleviate some of the anxiety associated with the procedure. Here’s what to expect:
1. Initial consultation
During the first visit, the dentist conducts a thorough examination of the patient’s oral health, which typically includes dental X-rays, 3D scans, and photos. This helps in assessing the bone density and volume, and health of the gum tissue, crucial for implant placement, and in planning the procedure. It is also really important for the patient to have all their questions and concerns answered, and a thorough understanding of the risks involved.
2. Treatment planning
Using the data collected during the consultation, the dentist or oral surgeon plans the precise placement of the four dental implants. Diagnostic photos are also used to complete the smile design. This phase often involves software simulations to determine the optimal positions for the implants.
3. Preparation
Before the surgery, patients may be advised on preoperative preparations such as fasting, stopping certain medications, and protocols for anaesthesia. The patient will choose a responsible carer to pick them up from their surgery and care for them as they recover.
4. Surgical procedure
The surgery is performed under IV sedation, and sedation is carried out by a Specialist Anaethetist.
- Teeth extraction: If the patient has remaining teeth where the implants will be placed, these are extracted.
- Implant placement: The dentist makes incisions in the gum to expose the jawbone where the implants will be inserted. Four implants are placed strategically in areas with the best bone volume—two in the anterior (front) and two angled in the posterior (back) to maximise use of available bone.
Once the surgery is complete, the patient’s companion will speak to the dentist and be able to take the patient home to rest and recover.
5. Bridge (teeth component) inserted
The day after the surgery, a set of 3D printed teeth are inserted to test the aesthetics, bite, and speech. The patient then goes home again to rest, while the final design adjustments are made, and will come back two days later to have their bridge inserted.
6. Healing period
Patients will attend a 1 week appointment to check everything is healing well. Most patients return to work the week after their surgery. However, any potential swelling or bruising will ease in the first fortnight post-surgery, so some may choose to take a little longer off to be fully comfortable.
Over the following four months, the implants bond with the jawbone, a critical phase for the stability of the implants. Patients are usually advised on dietary restrictions (such as a soft food diet – food you can cut with a spoon) and oral hygiene practices to aid healing and prevent complications.
At around the 4 month post-surgery mark, the implants should be fully healed. An x-ray will be taken to confirm this. If confirmed, the patient will be signed-off and go into your regular maintenance phase including normal diet and ongoing hygiene and checkups.
7. Follow-up and maintenance
Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor the implants and the overall health of the patient’s smile. Regular check-ups and maintenance (6-monthly cleans and 2-yearly removals) are crucial to the long-term success of All-on-4 implants.
Our expertise and safety measures at Advanced Dental Artistry
Our clinic is renowned for its commitment to safety and quality. Our dental team comprises highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in implant dentistry. We employ the latest technology and techniques to ensure the highest standards of care, significantly reducing the risk of complications and enhancing the success rates of our procedures.
We ensure to discuss the details of the procedure with you thoroughly beforehand, so you are fully informed about every aspect of the surgery. We recognise and understand any apprehension you may have about a significant procedure like All-on-4 implants, and your peace of mind is our priority.
To read more: How To Choose The Right Dentist For Dental Implants
Why Choose Advanced Dental Artistry
Choosing the right clinic is crucial, and at Advanced Dental Artistry, your oral health and satisfaction are our top priorities. We are dedicated to providing a compassionate, supportive environment from your first consultation through to your follow-up appointments and beyond. With us, you get;
- Customised care: Every patient’s needs and conditions are unique. We tailor our treatments to ensure the best outcomes for each individual, which contributes to our high success rate.
- Post-surgical support: We offer comprehensive post-operative care and detailed instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Our team of dentists possess extensive experience, having successfully performed numerous implant procedures throughout their careers. Each surgeon is highly skilled and continuously updates their expertise through advanced ongoing training. This depth of experience not only enhances the precision and effectiveness of each procedure but also ensures that our patients receive the highest standard of care tailored to their specific needs.
Have more questions?
While the decision to undergo All-on-4 dental implant surgery is significant, understanding the process and knowing you are in capable hands can provide immense reassurance.
We invite you to reach out to our friendly team at Advanced Dental Artistry with your questions or to schedule a consultation.