Full-Arch Dental Implants & All-on-4 Penrith
Fixed Full-Arch Teeth Supported by Dental Implants
If most or all of the teeth in one jaw are missing, failing or no longer maintainable, full-arch dental implants may provide a fixed alternative to conventional removable dentures.
At Best Western Dental Centre in Penrith, Dr Nathan Le provides full-arch implant treatment, including the widely recognised All-on-4 treatment concept.
However, full-arch treatment at our practice is not automatically limited to four implants. Depending on the available bone, anatomy, bite and other clinical factors, Dr Le may use four, five or up to six dental implants to support a fixed full-arch bridge.
Treatment is individually planned using clinical examination, 3D CBCT imaging and digital implant planning.
REQUEST A FULL-ARCH IMPLANT CONSULTATION
What Are Full-Arch Dental Implants?
Full-arch dental implant treatment replaces most or all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw with a bridge supported by dental implants.
Instead of placing one implant for every missing tooth, several implants are strategically positioned to support a complete arch of replacement teeth.
Full-arch implants may be considered for patients who:
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have lost all their teeth in one or both jaws
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have multiple failing or severely compromised teeth
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have advanced dental problems affecting most of an arch
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have difficulty managing a conventional removable denture
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would like to investigate a fixed alternative to removable teeth
A detailed assessment is required to determine whether this treatment is appropriate.
What Is All-on-4?
All-on-4 is a well-known full-arch implant treatment concept in which four dental implants support a complete arch of replacement teeth.
In selected cases, the posterior implants may be angled to make effective use of the available jawbone and provide appropriate support for the bridge.
However, four implants are not automatically the ideal number for every patient.
At Best Western Dental Centre, Dr Nathan Le may recommend four, five or up to six implants, depending on:
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available bone
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jaw anatomy
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implant positions
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bite forces
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opposing teeth
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the planned bridge
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overall treatment requirements
Where clinically appropriate, additional implants can provide additional support and distribute biting forces across more implants.
This means treatment is planned according to the individual patient rather than routinely limited to four implants simply because the treatment is commonly known as All-on-4.
Who May Be Suitable for Full-Arch Dental Implants?
Full-arch treatment may be considered when teeth are extensively broken down, affected by advanced periodontal disease or decay, already missing, or have a poor long-term prognosis.
It may also be considered by some patients who have difficulty wearing a removable full denture.
Suitability depends on factors including:
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general and dental health
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gum health
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available jawbone
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smoking
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relevant medications and medical conditions
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bite forces
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opposing teeth
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oral hygiene
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ability to maintain the implants and bridge long term
Whenever reasonable, the condition and prognosis of the remaining natural teeth should be considered before deciding to remove teeth for full-arch implant treatment.
Can I Have Fixed Teeth Soon After Implant Surgery?
In selected cases, a provisional fixed bridge may be fitted soon after implant placement. This is often referred to as immediate loading or immediate provisionalisation.
However, immediate fixed teeth cannot be guaranteed before surgery.
Whether this is appropriate depends on factors including:
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implant stability achieved during surgery
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bone quality
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number and distribution of implants
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bite forces
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opposing teeth
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the planned bridge
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other clinical findings
If adequate implant stability cannot be achieved, an alternative temporary solution may be required while the implants heal.
Will I Need Bone Grafting?
Not everyone requires bone grafting.
Strategic implant positioning may sometimes make effective use of the available jawbone and reduce the need for more extensive grafting.
However, All-on-4 or other full-arch implant treatment does not guarantee that grafting can be avoided.
Depending on your individual situation, additional procedures such as bone grafting, sinus lift or gum grafting may sometimes be required.
Your clinical examination and CBCT help us assess the available bone and surrounding tissues and determine what may be required.
Learn more about Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift Procedures
3D CBCT and Digital Full-Arch Implant Planning
Careful planning is particularly important when several implants will support a complete arch of teeth.
At Best Western Dental Centre, 3D CBCT imaging is used to assess the jawbone and relevant anatomical structures for full-arch implant planning.
Digital planning allows us to consider factors such as:
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available bone height and width
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proposed implant positions and angles
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nerves and other anatomical structures
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the maxillary sinuses
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position of the planned replacement teeth
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available restorative space
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the patient’s bite
Guided implant surgery may also be used where appropriate to help transfer the digitally planned implant positions to the mouth.
Learn more about 3D Guided Dental Implant Surgery
What Does Full-Arch Implant Treatment Involve?
Although treatment varies between patients, it generally involves several stages.
1. Consultation and CBCT Assessment
Dr Nathan Le assesses your teeth, gums, bite and CBCT and discusses whether full-arch implant treatment or another option may be appropriate.
2. Treatment Planning
Digital scans, photographs and other records may be taken. The proposed implants and replacement teeth are planned together.
3. Implant Surgery
Where required, failing teeth are removed and the dental implants are placed. Bone grafting, gum grafting or other surgical procedures may also be performed where required.
4. Provisional Teeth
When adequate implant stability and other clinical requirements are achieved, a provisional fixed bridge may be provided.
If immediate loading is not appropriate, an alternative temporary solution may be required during healing.
5. Healing and Final Bridge
The implants are allowed time to integrate with the surrounding bone. After appropriate healing and assessment, the definitive full-arch bridge is made.
Full-Arch Implants or Dentures?
A fixed full-arch bridge is not the only option for replacing all the teeth.
Depending on your circumstances, alternatives may include a conventional removable denture or an implant-supported overdenture, which uses implants to improve the stability and retention of a removable denture.
Each option has different advantages, limitations, maintenance requirements and costs.
We can discuss which options may be appropriate for your individual situation.
Learn more about Dental Implants for Denture Wearers
Looking After Full-Arch Dental Implants
Full-arch implant teeth require ongoing cleaning and professional maintenance.
Although implant-supported teeth cannot develop tooth decay, plaque can accumulate around the implants and beneath the bridge. The surrounding tissues can develop inflammation and peri-implant disease.
Daily cleaning underneath and around the bridge, together with regular professional assessment, is important for long-term implant health.
Learn more about How to Look After Dental Implants
How Much Do All-on-4 and Full-Arch Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of full-arch implant treatment varies according to the individual treatment required.
Factors may include:
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number of implants
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extractions
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available jawbone
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bone or gum grafting and other surgical procedures
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provisional teeth
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design and materials of the final bridge
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laboratory requirements
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whether one or both arches are treated
For this reason, Best Western Dental Centre does not advertise one All-on-4 or full-arch price as though it applies to every patient.
Following assessment and planning, we provide an individual written treatment plan and quotation outlining the proposed treatment and associated fees.
Learn more about Dental Implant Costs
Full-Arch Implant Treatment with Dr Nathan Le
Full-arch dental implant treatment at Best Western Dental Centre is provided by Dr Nathan Le (B.D.S., University of Sydney, 1999).
Dr Le has undertaken postgraduate education in implant dentistry in Australia and internationally, including training in full-arch implant rehabilitation, immediate-loading protocols, implant surgery, bone grafting and soft-tissue management.
Our Penrith practice uses CBCT 3D imaging and digital implant planning, allowing the planned replacement teeth and implant positions to be considered together.
Frequently Asked Questions About All-on-4 and Full-Arch Implants
Is All-on-4 the same as full-arch dental implants?
All-on-4 is one type of full-arch implant treatment in which four implants support a complete arch of replacement teeth.
Full-arch dental implants is a broader term because some patients may be treated with four, five or six implants depending on their individual requirements.
Are four implants always enough?
Four implants can support a full-arch restoration in appropriately selected cases.
However, we do not automatically restrict every full-arch case to four implants. Where appropriate, Dr Le may recommend five or up to six implants to provide additional support and distribute forces across more implants.
Is All-on-6 better than All-on-4?
Not necessarily.
The appropriate number of implants depends on available bone, anatomy, bite, implant positions and the planned bridge. The aim is to select an implant arrangement appropriate for the individual patient rather than simply using the greatest number of implants.
Do all my remaining teeth need to be removed?
Not necessarily.
Dr Le will assess the condition and prognosis of the remaining teeth and whether they can reasonably be retained. Where teeth have a poor prognosis and full-arch treatment is selected, extractions may sometimes be performed at the same appointment as implant placement.
Can I have my teeth removed and implants placed at the same appointment?
In selected cases, yes.
This depends on factors including the condition of the teeth, infection, available bone and whether appropriate implant stability can be achieved.
Can I get fixed teeth immediately?
Some patients may be suitable for a provisional fixed bridge soon after implant placement.
This depends particularly on implant stability and other clinical factors. Immediate fixed teeth cannot be guaranteed before surgery.
How long do full-arch dental implants last?
Dental implants are intended as a long-term treatment, but no implant or bridge can be guaranteed to last for a particular number of years.
Longevity is influenced by oral hygiene, gum and bone health, smoking, bite forces, general health and ongoing maintenance. The bridge and its components may also require maintenance, repair or replacement over time.
Request a Full-Arch Dental Implant Consultation in Penrith
If you have multiple failing teeth, have lost most or all of your teeth, or are having difficulty with dentures, a consultation can help determine which replacement options may be appropriate.
Best Western Dental Centre offers one free dental implant consultation per person with Dr Nathan Le.
A recent suitable CBCT is required, and a $120 booking deposit is required to secure the appointment.
If you require a CBCT at Best Western Dental Centre, the CBCT fee is $280 and your $120 deposit is credited towards this fee.
If you already have a recent suitable CBCT and attend your appointment, your $120 booking deposit is refunded.
Following assessment and planning, we can provide an individual treatment plan and quotation for you to consider.
Request a Full-Arch Dental Implant Consultation with Dr Nathan Le