All-On-4 Dental Implants

Dental implants are inserted into the jaw bone under local anaesthetic so the procedure is not painful. 

Just like with any other dental procedure, local anaesthetic takes away any painful sensation for a number of hours so that you can comfortably undergo the procedure without the risks that are carried by the use of general anaesthetics (where you are not conscious). 

Following the procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort for 2-3 days after which symptoms should begin to resolve. In this time, you should carefully follow postoperative instructions to ensure quick and uneventful healing. 

Over-the-counter painkillers (analgesics) are often recommended and are sufficient to get you through this period comfortably. After a few days, and from thereon in, you will feel no sensation from your implant.

You can get dental implants at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery in Greenwich and Battersea. We offer all-on-4 dental implants and other implant solutions to replace missing teeth and restore your smile.

It is possible to use dental implants (the screw that remains inside the jaw bone) to support many types of restorations in the mouth.

An implant could support a single crown or a small number of teeth (called a bridge). Multiple implants could work together to support many teeth that are joined together. These are restorations that remain fixed inside the mouth and are cleaned like your natural teeth.

Dental implants can also be used to support removable teeth (known as dentures) which must be taken in and out and cleaned at home daily. A removable denture attached to implants provides function that is far superior to a conventional denture.

Because the type, size and materials used for the restorations listed above can vary, the price that is quoted for the implant often does not include a crown unless specified.

All-on-4 dental implants is an advanced dental procedure that provides a full set of replacement teeth supported by just four strategically placed dental implants. This method offers a stable, functional, and natural-looking solution for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, All-on-4 implants are fixed into place, providing a more permanent and comfortable alternative.

The cost of All-on-4 dental implants can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the materials used, and the location of the dental practice. Generally, the price can range from £12,000 to £20,000 per arch. It’s essential to have a consultation with your dentist to get an accurate estimate based on your individual needs. The Cosmetic Dental Gallery also offers flexible financing options to make the treatment more affordable.

All-on-4 dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. With proper care and maintenance, they can last 15 years or more. The longevity of the implants depends on factors such as oral hygiene, lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking), and the patient’s overall health. Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure that the implants remain in good condition.

After the placement of All-on-4 dental implants, patients will need to follow a soft-food diet for a few weeks while their gums heal and the implants integrate into the jawbone. Typically, you can begin eating normal foods around 4 to 6 months after the procedure, once the implants have fully integrated. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on when it is safe to return to your regular diet.

During All-on-4 dental implant surgery, your dentist will place four titanium implants into the jawbone to support a full arch of replacement teeth. The procedure is typically completed in one session and is done under local anaesthesia to ensure comfort. In some cases, patients may receive sedation to relax during the procedure. After the implants are placed, temporary teeth may be fitted while the implants heal and integrate with the bone.

No, All-on-4 dental implants are not removable. They are fixed into place and function like natural teeth, providing stability and comfort without the need for removal. However, the prosthetic teeth attached to the implants may be removed for maintenance by your dentist if necessary.

Dental implants can last forever but this is not always the case. It is best to make your decision on the assumption that you will need some form of maintenance of your implant and restoration in your lifetime – the younger you are, the more likely this will be.

Complications related to dental implants can be categorised as short and long term, and biological or mechanical.

In the short run, it takes a few months for your body to grow bone onto the implant surface – a process known as osseointegration. The success rate is excellent, in excess of 95% if certain protocols are followed.

In the long run, biological problems can cause the development of gum disease around your implant. This is more likely to happen if you smoke, have gum disease (periodontitis), do not clean your implants thoroughly and regularly (with toothbrushes and interdental brushes), do not visit your dentist and hygienist regularly or have certain medical conditions (for example diabetes).

Mechanical complications can lead to chipping, staining and wear of your restoration. Over time, as with anything manmade, more extensive maintenance may be needed, such as replacing the crown/bridge/denture. Dentures are often cheaper than ceramic restorations such as crowns and bridge, but the softer materials will need replacing more frequently. 

If the implant under the gum is healthy, then replacing the restoration on top is normally straightforward but can be costly and should be factored into your decision.

No! Health is the determining factor. Chronological age has no bearing on your right to improve your quality of life, or on the success rate of implants.

Although the success rate of dental implants is very high, in some instances and implant will fail to integrate. We cannot promise that this will not happen but we will do our best to look after you if it does. Your risk depends on your particular circumstances so we will discuss this and how we could help you in the unfortunate event of a failure once we have completed your implant assessment.

Following the placement of dental implants, it is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising. This often tends to begin to subside 2-3 days after surgery. Over the counter painkillers will provide sufficient pain relief.

A dental implant cannot be felt as it sits inside the jaw bone, under the gum. The restoration will feel similar to your natural teeth. It may feel different when first attached to your implant but you will quickly become used to the shape, size and texture of your prosthesis.

Yes, All-on-4 dental implants are considered safe and effective for most patients. The procedure has a high success rate, particularly when performed by an experienced implant surgeon. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks, but these are minimized through careful planning, diagnostic imaging (such as 3D scans), and following appropriate post-surgery care instructions.

While All-on-4 dental implants are a safe and predictable solution, there are some risks and potential complications, including:

• Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the implant site.
• Implant failure: In rare cases, the implants may not integrate with the bone as expected, leading to implant failure.
• Gum recession: Over time, the gum tissue around the implants may recede, affecting the aesthetic result.
• Damage to surrounding teeth or nerves: There is a small risk of damaging nearby teeth or nerves during the surgery.

Your dentist will assess your specific case, discuss any risks, and ensure that you are fully informed before proceeding with the treatment.

Yes. As with any minor surgical procedure, it carries risks that your dentist will be able to explain to you. These risks are dependent on your own circumstances, the site of the implant and your individual anatomy.

The gold standard for diagnosis and planning is the use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans which are relatively low dose x-rays that provide your implant surgeon with an accurate 3D model of your jaw. This can be used to further minimise the risk of complications associated with implant placement.

Depending on the number of implants being placed, the complexity of the procedure and whether you are having teeth removed on the same day, the time you spend in the dental chair can range from 45 minutes to a few hours. Your implant dentist should be able to give you a better idea.

There are two parts to making an implant retained prosthesis look natural. The camouflage is dependent on the pink aesthetics (gum) and the white aesthetics (teeth).

The pink aesthetics are the most difficult part and will depend on:

• the healed shape and texture of your gums following tooth loss
• the surgical techniques used by your dentist and your subsequent healing

The appearance of your teeth (white aesthetics) will be down to the quality of the dental laboratory and skill of the dental technician creating the teeth. Sometimes it is not possible (or very difficult) to restore the natural appearance of the area where you lost the tooth or teeth. Your dentist will be able to warn you about this and suggest ways in which the outcome could be improved when they are planning your treatment. If you show a lot of gum when you smile then it is more difficult to hide these areas. This may be a consideration in your choice of treatment and again, your implant dentist will be able to talk you through this.