Next Smile Australia - 2nd October 2026 - 7 Minute Read
Quick answer: At Next Smile Australia, All-on-4® surgery can be performed under IV sedation (deeply relaxed but conscious) or general anaesthesia (fully asleep). For routine cases, the choice is generally yours following clinical assessment; for more complex cases, your dental surgeon may recommend sedation or general anaesthesia.
Sedation and general anaesthesia are administered by a specialist anaesthetist.
There are three main options used for full-arch implant surgery:
Option | How you may feel | Who gives it | When it may be used |
Local anaesthetic | Awake; the treatment area is numb | Your dental surgeon | Always used to numb the surgical site, including alongside sedation or GA |
IV sedation | Conscious and deeply relaxed; able to respond to instructions; many patients remember little afterwards | Specialist anaesthetist | Routine cases where the patient prefers it and is suitable |
General anaesthesia | Fully unconscious for the procedure | Specialist anaesthetist | Routine cases where the patient prefers it; often recommended for more complex cases |
For routine All-on-4® cases, you can generally choose between IV sedation and general anaesthesia after your dental surgeon has assessed your suitability. Let us know your preference and how anxious you feel at your consultation.
For more complex cases, such as those involving significant bone loss or longer surgery, your dental surgeon may recommend sedation or general anaesthesia. Your medical history, medications and overall health are always considered, and not every option is suitable for every patient.
IV sedation and general anaesthesia are administered by a specialist anaesthetist – a medical doctor with specialist training in anaesthesia. Their role is separate from your dental surgeon’s: throughout the procedure, they continuously monitor your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels.
Before surgery, you will be asked about your medical history, medications and any previous reactions to anaesthesia, so the safest suitable approach can be planned for you.
Where your surgery takes place will depend on which Next Smile Australia clinic you’re being treated at.
For patients in Brisbane, Sydney and Wollongong, All-on-4® surgery under sedation or general anaesthesia takes place in a hospital setting, with your Next Smile Australia surgical team and a specialist anaesthetist.
At our Gold Coast, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth Super Clinics, IV sedation and general anaesthesia are also available. Your clinic will discuss the options with you and confirm where your procedure will take place as part of your treatment planning.
The type of sedation or anaesthesia recommended for you will depend on your individual circumstances, treatment and medical history.
Tell us when you book. Your dental surgeon will take the time to understand your concerns, explain each step of treatment and talk you through the anaesthesia options suitable for you. You are welcome to bring a support person to your consultation, and to ask as many questions as you need before deciding.
Talk through your sedation options
Book a consultation with a Next Smile Australia dental surgeon to discuss your suitability, your preferences and a written, itemised treatment plan.
All anaesthesia carries risks, and general anaesthesia carries greater risk than IV sedation or local anaesthetic. Risks are generally higher for older adults and people with heart, lung or other medical conditions. Possible side effects and complications include:
Your specialist anaesthetist will discuss the risks that apply to you before treatment. Following all pre- and post-operative instructions helps reduce your risk. You can read more about the risks of All-on-4® treatment on our treatment risks page.
Anaesthetist and facility fees are billed separately by the medical provider. These are included in the written, itemised quote you receive before treatment, so you can see the full cost before you proceed. See our pricing page for indicative All-on-4® pricing per arch.
For routine All-on-4® cases, whether you have general anaesthesia (fully asleep) or IV sedation (deeply relaxed but conscious) is generally your choice, following clinical assessment. For more complex cases, your dental surgeon may recommend sedation or general anaesthesia. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will discuss the options suitable for you.
IV sedation and general anaesthesia are administered by a specialist anaesthetist, who monitors your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure throughout the procedure.
IV sedation is available at our Super Clinics. It is suitable for many patients but not all, depending on your medical history and the complexity of your treatment, which your dental surgeon will assess at your consultation.
Anaesthetist and facility fees are billed separately by the medical provider. They are set out in your written, itemised quote before treatment begins.
No. You will need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you, and you should not drive, operate machinery or sign important documents for at least 24 hours.
For additional frequently asked questions about All-on-4® Dental Implants, visit our All-on-4® FAQ’s page
Disclaimer: All-on-4® dental implants or same-day fixed teeth apply in suitable cases only. All-on-4® is a highly complex surgical and prosthetic procedure. Suitability is assessed individually by a qualified Next Smile Australia dental surgeon following clinical assessment, including CBCT imaging where required.
Sedation and general anaesthesia carry risks, and suitability for each option is assessed individually by your dental surgeon and specialist anaesthetist. Individual results, experiences and treatment timelines vary by patient.
Anaesthetist and facility fees are billed separately. Pricing shown is indicative and per arch; request a written itemised quote before proceeding.
With 7 Super Clinics across Australia and a network of accredited regional partners, reliable dental implant care is always within reach. From your first consultation to lifelong aftercare, our coordinated network delivers complete implant solutions – all under one roof.