All on 4®
A system for supporting dentures
‘All on 4’ refers to a procedure that can provide you with a full set of teeth supported by a total of 4 implants in each jaw.
If you’ve lost all your teeth, an upper and lower set of All on 4 may be a good solution.
All on 4 dentures are held permanently in place by 4 titanium screw implants in your jawbone. The dentures can often be fitted on the same day as the surgery, they look just like normal teeth and they’re securely positioned so they cannot be removed.
What are the advantages of All on 4® dentures?
- They look good – high quality implant supported dentures look just like natural teeth
- They’re comfortable
- They’re functional because they’re firmly secured, making it easier to talk and eat an unrestricted diet.
- They help you retain a youthful appearance. Bones are similar to muscles; if you don’t stimulate them they shrink. When your jaw bones shrink, it can give you a shrunken, prematurely-aged appearance. Implant supported dentures help to prevent the loss of bone and jaw muscle.
What’s the difference between All on 4® and other implant supported dentures?
All on 4 dentures can often be used even if you wouldn’t normally be a suitable candidate for implant supported dentures. This is because of the special way the implants are placed at particular angles to avoid bone deficient areas and anatomical limitations.
Where All on 4® surgery is performed
Your operation can be done in private hospital under general anaesthetic or in Dr van Mourik’s private rooms under IV sedation and/or local anaesthetic. For safety reasons Dr van Mourik always uses an anaesthetist who is a specially trained medical doctor to perform his general anaesthetic and intravenous sedation.
How the surgery is performed
You need to have a reasonable amount of bone for implant supported dentures, otherwise you may first need to have some bone grafts to strengthen your jaw bone.
The procedure to place the 4 titanium screws in your gum takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your surgery. Your gums are opened and the implant screws are inserted into your jaw bone. Usually, Dr van Mourik will place two straight implants at the front of your jaw, and two more implants at an angle in the back of the jaw.
Dr van Mourik will work closely with your referring dentist or a specialist restorative dentist to fit you with a denture 1 to 2 days after the implants are placed.
Recovery after All on 4® implant surgery
Day surgery: If you’ve general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation you will require someone to assist you get home. If done under local anaesthetic you can drive home yourself.
Pain management: Pain is different for everyone but normal painkillers such as Nurofen® and Panadol® are usually all you’ll need. An icepack can help reduce any swelling or pain.
Work/School: Most people return to work one day after their implant surgery, while a few have to take more than a day or two off.
Stitches: Dissolving stitches are used in most cases. They gradually dissolve over 1-2 weeks.
Diet: Soft food diet for 1-2 days after surgery. By 1 to 2 weeks after surgery you’ll most likely be eating and drinking normally.
Follow up: Dr van Mourik will want to see you after your surgery to monitor your healing.
Dr van Mourik will give you detailed post-operative instructions during your initial consultation. To maximise your chance of making a quick recovery without complications, please pay careful attention to these instructions. General information can be found on the Post-op and Patient Care page.
Cost of All on 4®
Medicare will reimburse you for part of your initial consultation.
Dr van Mourik will give you a written quote for the cost of your All on 4® surgery at the initial consultation. We’ll help you make applicable Medicare and private health insurance claims so that you’ll know how much of the cost will be covered.
If performed under IV sedation or general anaesthetic, we’ll give you contact details for the anaesthetist so you can obtain their fee schedule. Medicare and private health insurance will cover part of the anaesthetist’s costs
Dr van Mourik is a highly experienced Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. He explains things clearly and he’s a good listener, so do ask him questions about your All on 4® surgery and tell him about any concerns you have — he’ll take the time to answer and manage your concerns sensitively.
(02) 9416 4809
admin@kristianvanmourik.com.au
Suite 5, 12 Tryon Rd, Lindfield 2070, NSW
Suite 104, 568 Oxford St, Bondi Junction 2022, NSW