All-On-4® Dental Implants in Perth & Subiaco
What Are All-On-4® Dental Implants?
All-On-4® is a dental implant treatment used to replace a full arch of missing or failing teeth using four dental implants. Rather than one implant per tooth, four titanium posts are placed in the jaw so a full fixed set of replacement teeth can be attached. This differs from single implants in two ways:
- Fewer implants are needed to hold a whole arch.
- Angled placement often reaches areas of firmer bone avoiding the need for complex unpredictable bone grafting
The innovative dental implant system was developed by Nobel Biocare, the same company that launched the industry over 60 years ago. Two front implants are generally placed more vertically, while two further back can be placed at an angle to make better use of the available jawbone. This may reduce the need for bone grafting in suitable cases.
Who Is Suitable for All-On-4® Dental Implants in Perth?
All-On-4® dental implants are generally considered for people who have lost most or all of the teeth in a jaw, or whose remaining teeth are failing and need to come out. It is also an option for denture wearers who want a fixed set of teeth instead of a removable plate. Whether it suits you depends on your jaw, bone and general health. Your dentist will assess suitability at a consultation.
Standard dental implants may be more appropriate to replace one to a few teeth.
Benefits of All-On-4® Dental Implants
Fixed, Not Removable
The replacement arch is secured to dental implants rather than resting loosely on your gums. You don’t take it out to clean it, and it doesn’t move or click the way a removable denture can. Your dentist can remove the crowns when clinically needed for maintenance or repair.
Makes Use of Available Bone
The position and angle of the four implants makes the most of the bone already there. In many cases this means All-On-4® dental implants can be done without a separate bone grafting stage. Your dentist needs to assess the amount and position of your available bone first.
Single Surgery Approach
The four implants supporting an arch are placed in one surgical appointment, rather than spacing individual implants across several separate surgeries. If teeth need to be removed, this may sometimes be incorporated into the treatment plan as well.
Designed for Long-Term Tooth Replacement
All-On-4® is designed as a long-term way to replace a full arch. With good daily cleaning and regular check-ups, the implants can support your fixed teeth for many years, though durability varies and the replacement teeth may need maintenance or replacement.
The All-On-4® Process at Dental 359
Consultation and 3D Imaging
Dr Thomas Munro or your treating dentist examines your mouth, talks through what you want to achieve and takes a CBCT scan, a 3D X-ray that maps your bone and the structures around it. This is where we confirm whether All-On-4® is suitable for you and discuss any alternatives.
Treatment Plan
Your dentist plans the position and angle of the four implants from the scan. You receive a tailored, personalised treatment plan with the stages, timeline and costs. Any teeth that need removing first are discussed at this stage. There's no pressure to decide on the day.
Surgery Day
Any remaining teeth in the arch are removed if needed, and your dentist places the four implants using local anaesthetic to numb the area. Let us know if you're anxious about the procedure, as other sedation options may be possible depending on your circumstances.
Temporary Arch
Implants need a few weeks for osseointegration, which is when the bone fuses around them. During this time, your dentist may place temporary crowns so you don’t have a gap. Healing time and temporary tooth suitability varies from person to person.
Final Prosthesis
Once your dentist is satisfied the implants are stable, they fit the final arch. It's shaped and shaded to blend with your natural teeth and bite. Your dentist checks the fit and adjusts it where needed, and explains how to clean around the replacement teeth.
All-On-4® Cost in Perth
All-On-4® dental implants are a significant dental treatment. Cost is an important part of deciding whether it’s right for you. You’ll receive a full written breakdown of the proposed treatment and cost after your consultation and 3D scan, once your dentist knows exactly what’s involved.
There isn’t one fixed All-On-4® cost in Perth. Your total depends on whether teeth need removing first, the condition of your bone, and the materials chosen for your final arch. Because of this, we don’t quote a fixed price online, as it wouldn’t be accurate for your situation.
Health Insurance Rebates and Payment Plans
All-On-4® dental implants in Perth may be eligible for a partial rebate under some private health extras policies, depending on your fund, level of cover, limits and waiting periods. Medicare usually doesn’t cover implant treatment for adults. Our payment plans can help spread the cost, and you can apply for early release of superannuation if you choose this option.
All-On-4® Dental Implant FAQs
All-On-4® dental implant treatment is larger than replacing a single tooth. It’s worth understanding the surgery, recovery and maintenance before making your decision.
All-On-4® may suit people who have lost most or all of their teeth in one jaw, have extensively damaged teeth, or are considering an alternative to removable dentures. Suitability depends on your oral and general health, the condition of your remaining teeth and the available jawbone. Dr Thomas Munro will check these factors during a consultation and 3D scan before recommending any treatment.
Dr Munro recommends being asleep for treatment and sedation options can be discussed at your consultation where appropriate. Local anaesthetic is used before placing All-On-4® dental implants in Perth, so you may feel pressure during surgery but not sharp pain. Swelling, bruising and tenderness can occur afterwards. Your dentist will explain pain relief and what to expect during the healing period.
All-On-4® dental implants are usually placed during one surgical appointment, however the treatment can span several months from start to finish. This is because your jawbone needs time to heal around the titanium implant, a process called “osseointegration”. Once your dentist is satisfied that the bone is healed, the final teeth crowns can be fitted.
Healing varies, so your dentist will monitor your progress and keep you updated on the timeline. In suitable cases, a temporary fixed arch may be fitted soon after surgery.
Even though the replacement teeth cannot decay, All-On-4® dental implants need daily cleaning. Plaque can still collect around the implants and underneath the crowns. This can affect the surrounding gums and bone if left untreated.
Your dentist and hygienist will show you how to brush and use the cleaning aids properly. Regular check-ups are also important so we can monitor your teeth and gum health.
All-On-4® is designed as a long-term way to replace a full arch, and the implants can support your teeth for many years with good care. That said, no dentist can guarantee a set lifespan, as it depends on your oral hygiene, general health and regular reviews. The fixed crowns on top may need repair or replacing over time.