Can All-On-4 Plus® Implants Replace Complete Dentures in Sunbury?
Case Note ID: Dec-2024-AO4-PLUS
Location: Sunbury Dental House (serving Sunbury, Gisborne, Diggers Rest and surrounding areas)
Primary Treatments: All-On-4 Plus® full arch implant restoration
Supporting Technology: CBCT 3D imaging, surgical guides, immediate load protocols, laboratory-fabricated hybrid prosthesis
Presenting Clinical Problem
- Complete edentulism (no remaining teeth) in upper and lower arches
- Existing removable dentures with inadequate retention and stability
- Dissatisfaction with denture movement during function and speech
- Patient seeking fixed (non-removable) tooth replacement option
- Primary objective: Provide stable fixed prosthesis supported by dental implants
Treatment Plan & Clinical Process
Phase 1: Comprehensive Assessment and Planning
- CBCT imaging to evaluate bone volume and quality in both arches
- Assessment of anatomical considerations (sinus position, nerve location)
- Discussion of All-On-4 Plus® technique versus conventional implant approaches
- Medical history review and surgical risk assessment
- Treatment timeline and immediate versus delayed loading discussion
Phase 2: Implant Surgical Procedure
- Removal of any remaining non-viable teeth if present
- Surgical placement of four implants per arch in predetermined positions
- Angled posterior implants to maximise bone contact and avoid anatomical structures
- Implant stability assessment for immediate loading suitability
- Attachment of temporary fixed prosthesis on day of surgery (if sufficient stability achieved)
Phase 3: Prosthetic Phase
- Healing period with temporary fixed prosthesis (typically 3-4 months)
- Osseointegration monitoring and soft tissue maturation
- Impressions for final hybrid prosthesis fabrication
- Trial fitting appointments for bite relationship and tooth position verification
- Delivery of final laboratory-fabricated prosthesis with maintenance instructions
Clinical Outcome
All-On-4 Plus® treatment provided fixed full arch prostheses supported by four implants per arch. This approach eliminated removable dentures and restored function with immediately loaded temporary prostheses, though final prosthesis delivery required several months healing. The fixed nature eliminates denture movement concerns whilst requiring specific hygiene protocols.
Individual responses vary. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed, depending on bone quality, healing capacity and oral hygiene. Implants have 5-10% failure rates. All-On-4 requires adequate bone in specific positions; not all patients are suitable candidates. Mechanical complications, prosthesis fractures and ongoing maintenance costs are common.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sunbury and Gisborne Patients
How does All-On-4 differ from regular dentures?
All-On-4 prostheses attach permanently to implants and cannot be removed by the patient, eliminating movement during eating or speaking. However, they require surgical procedures, 4-6 month total treatment time and significantly higher costs than dentures. Implants have failure risks and need professional maintenance. Dentures remain removable but avoid surgery and cost considerably less.
Can I have teeth the same day as implant surgery?
Immediate temporary prostheses are possible if implants achieve sufficient stability during placement surgery. However, these temporaries have functional limitations and require careful diet modifications during healing. Some cases require delayed loading where implants heal before prosthesis attachment. Success depends on bone quality and surgical outcome, determined during the procedure itself.
What are the risks of All-On-4 treatment?
Implant failure to integrate (5-10% risk), infection, nerve damage causing altered sensation, sinus complications (upper arch), prolonged healing and mechanical complications including prosthesis fracture or screw loosening are possible. Surgical risks increase with medical conditions, smoking or inadequate bone. Regular professional maintenance is essential. Treatment represents substantial financial investment with potential future costs.
