What is it?  Full arch implant prosthetics involve replacing all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw using a fixed bridge anchored by dental implants.

Who can benefit?  Anyone missing all teeth in an arch (either upper or lower) and looking for a stable, durable and long-term solution.

How long does it take?  This process can be largely completed in a few days or take several months due to the healing time required after implant placement and the starting condition of the mouth.

How is it done?  This treatment often involves extracting any remaining teeth in the jaw, placing several implants, and then attaching a full-arch prosthesis. This process is carefully planned using advanced diagnostic imaging, and it often allows for temporary teeth to be worn while the implants heal and integrate with the bone.

All-On-4 Dental Implants and Related Full Arch Implant Treatments at Peninsula Dental Specialists

The All-On-4 Dental Implants treatment is a complex surgical and prosthodontic procedure that has gained significant attention as a "swift and minimally invasive procedure" due to its successful and broad-based marketing efforts. This has led to its increasing popularity and in some cases, has been considered the "default" treatment option for potential patients. Some dental practices even brand themselves as exclusive All-On-4 Dental Implants clinics or centres.

At Peninsula Dental Specialists, we assert that the All-On-4 Dental Implants procedure is just one of several surgical and prosthodontic methods accessible to patients who have either lost all their teeth or have a terminal dentition - a condition where teeth are deemed unrestorable or hopeless with absolute certainty.

If your teeth prognosis ranges from fair to sound, we believe in preserving your natural teeth using high-grade dental materials and innovative techniques. This challenging task requires the advanced knowledge and expertise that a specialist prosthodontist offers. Patients should not default to the irreversible steps of tooth extraction, bone removal, and prosthetic replacement embodied in the All-On-4 implant procedure, unless all other treatment options have been explored. We firmly believe that each treatment should be customized to the patient's needs – even if it involves the more demanding task of saving your teeth.

Our Specialist clinicians at Peninsula Dental Specialists are objective in their understanding of this intricate procedure. In comparison to other treatment alternatives, they are well-equipped to provide professional advice on the benefits, drawbacks, risks, and potential complications of this treatment.

To ascertain your suitability for the All-On-4 implant procedure and related treatments, we conduct a detailed analysis of your dento-facial skeletal profile. This assessment includes evaluating the quality and quantity of your gum (soft tissues) and bone tissues, the relationship between your jaw and lip line at rest and during a smile, the ideal positions for your tooth/teeth, the ability to control factors that led to tooth loss (i.e. gum and bone (periodontal) disease, tooth wear, poor oral hygiene measures), and stability of any underlying medical conditions (i.e. diabetes).

Full Arch Fixed Implant Treatments - Understanding the Procedure

If you are deemed a suitable candidate for the All-On-4 implant procedure or an alternative Full Arch Implant Procedure as a solution to your terminal dentition, our team at Peninsula Dental Specialists will collaborate with highly skilled dental specialists, such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons and periodontists to map out:

1. The extraction of all remaining teeth

2. The removal of jaw bone to create a stable platform

3. Immediate surgical placement of 4-6 implants covering the front and back of the jaws respectively

4. Immediate installation of a temporary implant-supported dental bridge (made from minimally reinforced acrylic material) on the newly placed implants – this typically takes place within a week of tooth extraction and implant surgery

5. Final implant-supported dental bridge (constructed from high-strength acrylic or ceramic material with an underlying customised titanium alloy or zirconia framework) installation on osseointegrated implants – usually after about 6 months of healing.

Unfortunately, many patients often mistake the temporary phase as the final stage of treatment and become disheartened when gum and bone tissues continue to heal and consequently shrink over a few months. This healing process often results in a gap forming under the temporary implant-supported dental bridge, causing issues such as food and plaque build-up, as well as speech disruption due to air escape.

To address this gap issue, a simple acrylic addition (reline) to the temporary implant-supported dental bridge might be proposed. However, as the term implies, it's a provisional solution. Unless it's fortified with a high-strength framework, as per some of the latest techniques, this should not be seen as the final treatment outcome due to its lower mechanical strength and increased risk of fracture.

Ideally, the final treatment should involve the construction of a high-strength acrylic or ceramic implant-supported dental bridge, fortified with a customised titanium alloy or zirconia framework, to ensure long-lasting functionality, aesthetics, and hygiene.

Note: Only removable solutions can be accurately described as “easy to maintain and clean”.

Maintaining fixed solutions requires meticulous daily oral hygiene measures. Consequently, a fixed (non-removable) implant bridge may not be the best solution for individuals who have lost their teeth due to issues such as decay and uncontrolled gum and bone (periodontal) disease resulting from poor oral hygiene, or those who struggle with the manual dexterity necessary for thorough oral hygiene practices.

At Peninsula Dental Specialists, we are aware that all procedures come with their own set of benefits, associated risks, and potential complications. Our specialist clinicians strive to balance these factors and provide professional advice to assist you in making an informed decision about whether to proceed with the procedure.

All On 4 / Full Arch Dental Implants – Costs & Pricing on the Peninsula

At Peninsula Dental Specialists, we can assist you with Full Arch Dental Implants/All on 4. Our seasoned and professional clinicians will present you with a comprehensive treatment plan during your initial consultation, ensuring that you are fully aware of what the process involves from the get-go. Prior to proceeding with any treatment at our Dromana clinic, our team will explain the costs associated with Full Arch Implants/All on 4, so that you can comfortably decide on the best course of action to cater to your dental health needs. For more information about Full Arch Implants/All on 4 treatment on the Mornington Peninsula, including details on costs, we encourage you to reach out to us at Peninsula Dental Specialists to schedule an appointment.