If you’re suffering from the effects of tooth loss, you're not alone! Losing teeth is a common problem amongst Australians, be it as a result of periodontitis (gum disease), dental caries (tooth decay), trauma, developmental defects or genetic disorders. Tooth loss and decay can have a wide-ranging impact on your overall health and confidence, affecting what you can eat, and even make you shy about your smile. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Thanks to the advancements made in modern dentistry, there are many solutions to replacing one or multiple missing teeth. Dentures, dental implants, dental bridges and All-on-4® treatments can replace missing teeth and restore your smile.
Each method comes with its own unique set of benefits, disadvantages and challenges. Which one is best suited for your individual situation, can ultimately only be determined by an approved dentist and expert in restorative dentistry. Next Smile™ is the leading provider of dental implants and All-on-4® restorative dental services in Australia. To find your nearest clinic, please visit our location page.
To avoid long-term complications, missing teeth should be replaced as soon as possible. We’ve previously discussed the ins and outs of common tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges and compared them to All-on-4® with dental implants.
But what is the difference between single dental implants and All-on-4® dental treatments that use dental implant technology? And which option makes the most sense for you?
Are Single Dental Implants Right for You?
Single dental implants are a welcome alternative to dentures and bridges. Dental implants replace missing teeth or are used to substitute severely decayed, non restorable teeth and are embedded in the gum. This makes the implant durable and preserves the structure of the jaw bone. Without teeth the bone tends to shrink (a process called bone resorption), possibly resulting in facial changes and the shifting of the remaining teeth. Dental implants look and function just like real teeth, which makes them a very popular option for tooth replacements.
Single Dental Implant Surgery
A 5-Step Procedure
- Removal of the damaged or decayed tooth
- Jawbone grafting (if needed)
- Dental implant (metal root) placement
- Bone growth and healing
- Artificial tooth placement
Single dental implant surgery is a procedure that involves five steps from the removal of the damaged tooth to the complete replacement with a screw-like metal root, usually made up of titanium and the fitting of an artificial tooth that is placed on top. Each may be completed in a short outpatient treatment, but the healing process can take a few months.
When is Bone Grafting Required?
In some instances, a bone graft may be required to build a solid base for the new tooth to take the dental implant. This may be the case if your jaw has been damaged as a result of injury, when the bone is not dense or strong enough or if it has shrunk and become thin as a result of tooth loss.
Dental Implant Risks
Like any surgery, dental implant procedures involve some health risks. Whilst these problems are rare, you should be aware of the possibility of them occurring. These risks include:
- Inflammation
- Bleeding
- Infection at the implant site
- Nerve damage
- Damage to bone structure
- Sinus problems
- A prolonged healing period
When is a Single Dental Implant The Right Choice?
A single dental implant may be right for you if you:
- Are missing one or more teeth
- Have a fully grown jaw bone
- Have adequate bone density OR are able to have a bone graft
- Your oral tissue is healthy and in good condition
- You do not have any health conditions that could affect healing
- You are a non-smoker
Dental Implant Cost
The cost of single dental implants depends on a wide range of factors, including whether you require bone grafting or not. In Australia, a single tooth implant typically ranges between $3,000 to $6,000. Add bone grafting, and you easily reach $11,000 - just for a single tooth.
All-on-4® With Dental Implants
A revolutionary approach that offers a permanent solution to multiple missing teeth or as a denture alternative, All-on-4® with dental implants replaces all teeth on only four implants. The technique developed by dental implant pioneer Prof Dr Paulo Malo can overcome even major bone deficiencies and greatly reduces the need for costly and time-consuming bone grafts; a procedure completed in 1-2 days, as opposed to many weeks or months.
The Malo protocol is backed by more than 25 years of research. Next Smile™ adheres to Malo’s protocol as it provides predictable outcomes for our patients, allowing them to live their lives to the fullest.
Learn more about All-on-4®, the revolutionary treatment concept developed by Prof Dr Paulo Malo.
The All-on-4® Benefits
All-on-4® with dental implants has many advantages. Most noteworthy are the following:
- A less invasive procedure: Full-arch rehabilitation is achieved using only four implants. The minimalist implant All-on-4® approach helps patients with poor bone quality and greatly expedites the healing process.
- Single-day procedure: The implant surgery and fitting of your provisional teeth providing permanent support in 24-hours. This allows you to live your life normally until your final bridge can be fitted.
- Eliminates the need for bone grafting: All-on-4® eliminates the need for bone grafting and helps the jawbone to maintain its density and structure. It has a quicker healing process and proven increased success rate.
- Permanent results: All-on-4® is a long-term solution designed to maximise your quality of life. There is no need to deal with denture adhesives or be anxious about losing your teeth or having to remove them at night.
- Easy maintenance: All-on-4® with dental implants looks and feels just like natural teeth - they’re also just as easy to clean. Not convinced? Why don’t you see what our patients say about their experience!
When is All-on-4® Right for You?
All-on-4® is the best option for people with multiple missing teeth or as a denture alternative. You should consider treatment following the Malo protocol if you:
- Are suffering from decayed or broken teeth
- Lack the bone density for conventional treatments
- Are normally ineligible for dental implants due to diabetes or other health conditions
- Require a full-arch restoration
- Are seeking a permanent solution to missing teeth
- Have previously tested dentures and bridges and decided that you are ready to move on
All-on-4® Cost
The price for single arch restoration is $27,000, which includes both provisional and permanent bridges, surgery cost, follow-up care and more. That makes All-on-4® with dental implants more affordable than alternative treatments that aim to restore a full arch or full mouth.
But we are aware of the fact dental implants are still a significant investment. We are also certain that the overall benefits to your health and well-being are so significant, that they will outweigh the upfront costs of treatment. Our team is more than happy to provide you with a clear and detailed cost estimate.
For more details on treatment costs and payment plans, click here.
The Next Smile™ Way
No matter what option you need, dental implants are by far the best way to replace missing teeth. Restoring your dental health and enhancing your appearance, they will allow you to smile confidently once again. However, as time goes on, you may find yourself in a position where replacing single teeth with dental implants can become far too costly.
All-on-4® is a comprehensive procedure that replaces all teeth in one go. And whilst it is a costly treatment, it is also much less invasive, allows for a faster recovery and delivers long-lasting results.
To find out if you are a good candidate for All-on-4® with dental implants, make an appointment with a trusted and certified All-on-4® dental expert. Give us a call today!