All-On-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4 dental implants are specifically designed and developed to allow dentists to replace more teeth with fewer implants. As the name suggests, all-on-4’s are fitted with four implants per jaw. These four implants are placed in the lower or upper jaw and are responsible for supporting between 10-14 custom-made crowns. All-on-4’s are made up of a gum-coloured acrylic base to give them a natural look, while the crowns that are placed over them can be made of composite, ceramic, zirconia, or porcelain.

All-on-4 implants are fitted at a 30-45° angle, as opposed to the vertical fit of regular dental implants. Angled fitting increases the strength of the implant. It also allows individuals with lower bone density to have implants fitted without the need for expensive and time-consuming bone grafts.

Fitting All-On-4’s: Step by Step

While the all-on-4 process can vary depending on individual circumstances, there are some common steps involved. 

Preparation

The pre-op stage involves taking a CT scan to assess the condition of your mouth and jaw. Impressions of your mouth are also made and sent to a dentistry lab for the creation of customised prostheses — the jaw and tooth sections or bridges that will be attached to the implants.

Anaesthesia and Extraction

Anaesthesia is given to numb the area of the mouth that will be worked on. If teeth need to be extracted, this can usually be done at the same time as the implant fitting. 

All-On-4 Implant Placement

Two holes are created at the front of the jaw and two at the rear. Implants are then placed at a 30-45° angle and any holes are stitched with soluble thread that dissolves within a couple of weeks. Around 3-4 months later, once your gums have fully healed, you can return to your dentist to have the abutment and the crowns fitted.

Some dentists prefer to fit temporary implants for the first 6-9 months. This is done to reduce bruising and to ensure that less pressure is put on the implants as they heal. Once your mouth is fully healed, the dentist will affix your permanent implants. 

What Should I Expect From Full Mouth Dental Implants? Recovery and Results

The procedure itself usually takes around 2-3 hours, so wear comfy clothes and prepare to be sitting for that length of time. Your dentist will more than likely be assisted during the process by a dental nurse to make sure you’re comfortable.

Having all-on-4 dental implants fitted isn’t usually a painful process. But, you might feel some pain and discomfort for a couple of days following the procedure, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. Recovery time is usually fairly short. Typically, it takes around 3-7 days to fully recover.

What Are the Benefits of All-On-4 Dental Implants?

• Cost-effective: With all-on-4’s the whole dental arch is supported by just four implants, due to the angle at which they’re fitted. This makes it a more cost-effective treatment than having to pay for lots of individual implants.

• Long-lasting: All-on-4 dental implants are designed to provide a long-lasting alternative to other temporary treatments like dentures.

• A comfortable, secure solution: Unlike dentures, all-on-4 implants shouldn’t loosen, slip, or become worn out over time. This makes them a much more reliable and comfortable solution.

• High success rates: All-on-4 dental implant surgery is a highly successful treatment with a 94.8% success rate after 10 years.

All-On-4 Dental Implant Alternatives 

There are three viable alternatives to all-on-4 implants. These can be undertaken instead of, or as well as, all-on-4 dental implants.

Dentures

Dentures are the least expensive option. They consist of an acrylic base, which is pink or gum coloured, and teeth made from porcelain or resin. Well-made dentures should stay in place without adhesive although this is not always the case. They don't prevent further bone loss as all-on-4’s do and, over time, they’ll become looser as the jaw bone diminishes. Dentures have to be replaced around every five years.

Single Dental Implants

Dental implants can be chosen when one or more teeth need to be replaced. They’re the most expensive option for those requiring full mouth reconstruction. Unlike all-on-4 implants, where teeth can be fitted the same day, there is a 4-6 month healing period between the placement of implants and the final stage of fitting the crowns. The overall treatment time increases significantly if bone grafting is necessary, and this can add also to the cost.

All-On-6 Dental Implants

All-on-6 implants follow the same procedural steps as all-on-4’s. However, with this method, six implants are used to hold the dental arch. The all-on-6 method is recommended for patients who have more bone and bone strength, as compared to those who undergo the all-on-4 method.

All-On-4 Dental Implants: In the UK or at Home?

Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of patients travelling to get all-on-4 dental implants abroad. 

1. All-on-4 dental implants costs abroad — such as in Turkey or Croatia — can be significantly lower than in the UK.

2. The quality of treatment offered abroad is exceptional, with the latest techniques and technologies used.

3. Dental clinics overseas are home to highly-experienced dental implant specialists and top of the range facilities.

Getting All-on-4 Dental Implants Abroad: How Does It Work?

Each year, more and more patients are travelling abroad to have all-on-4 implants fitted. While undergoing dental treatment overseas may seem slightly daunting at first, it’s actually fairly straightforward. But, there are a few common questions that patients ask before booking their treatment.

Why Choose Qunomedical?

At Qunomedical, we put patients first, with no exceptions. All too often in healthcare, it’s the doctors, clinics, and insurance companies whose priorities are put ahead of the patient. We’re here to change that. 

✔ 100% free, non-binding assessment: Whether you’re looking for some extra information, or are ready to go ahead and book your all-on-4 dental implants, we offer a 100% free, non-binding assessment.

✔ World-renowned dentists: Our proprietary scoring system, Qunoscore, evaluates dentists on over 20 data points, including qualifications, experience, accreditations, value for money, services offered, and reviews from past patients.

✔ Vetted and verified clinics: We also use a thorough and strict vetting system for clinics, looking in detail at aspects such as their prices, processes, staff structure, treatments offered, accreditations, and reviews from previous patients.

✔ Price match: Found all-on-4 dental implants offered at the same clinic cheaper somewhere else? Let us know and we’ll match the price.

✔ Money back guarantee: If you don’t feel confident to go through with your treatment — whether it be one month, one week, one day, or even one hour beforehand — we’ll give you your money back and issue you a refund of up to €300 towards the cost of your flights.

Sources:

Taruna, M. et al. (2014). "Prosthodontic Perspective to All-On-4® Concept for Dental Implants". Last visited 05.01.2023

Shakhawan, M. et al. (2019). "All on 4 Treatment Concept in Dental Implants: A Review Articles". Last visited 05.01.2023