Restorative dentistry has been a life-changing field, especially for older adults. Dental professionals can restore teeth, even if every tooth is missing. Not only does it help cosmetically, but restorative dentistry, like the All-on-4® treatment concept, can restore functionality and improve quality of life.
As we age, maintaining good oral health becomes increasingly more important for overall well-being. That’s why combating tooth loss, a common issue for older adults, is critical.
A missing tooth can impact everything from eating habits and nutrition to self-esteem and social interactions. Fortunately, advancements in restorative dentistry have made dental implants an effective option for replacing teeth.
The All-on-4® treatment, in particular, is becoming a popular choice, especially for seniors seeking a long-lasting and natural-looking alternative to traditional dental dentures. All-on-4® can replace a full arch of teeth in the upper or lower jawbone with just four implants.
This article covers what All-on-4® is and whether it is safe for older adults. It also delves into all the factors you should consider before getting All-on-4®, like overall health and medications that could complicate surgery.
What Is All-on-4®?
All-on-4® is a revolutionary treatment concept designed to be a long-lasting solution for people with missing teeth who want to replace an entire arch.
The All-on-4® treatment consists of four strategically placed dental implants made of biocompatible titanium for osseointegration. Osseointegration is when a medical implant becomes fused with bone and is the basis for all modern dental implants.
The two posterior implants are placed at a 45-degree angle towards the back of the mouth to increase stability. In the lower jaw, this angled positioning also helps them avoid the nerve canal, while in the upper jaw, they are positioned to avoid sinus cavities. It also helps target areas with the highest bone density to provide a more stable base for the All-on-4® prosthesis base.
The two front implants are placed vertically. The placement of the four implants maximises the use of available bone, eliminating the need for bone grafting procedures, which are sometimes necessary for traditional dental implants.
A provisional bridge can usually be attached within 24 hours of the All-on-4® implant procedure. This allows most patients to walk out of the clinic with a new set of teeth and a new smile.
This set of provisional teeth will be used until the recovery process is complete and the final, custom set of teeth is ready. The final bridge is tailor-made to the individual’s mouth and designed to look and feel natural.
The prosthetic teeth are connected to the All-on-4® implants through abutments. These abutments are small connectors that attach to the implants and sit just above the gumline.
Is All-on-4® Safe For Older Adults?
Yes, All-on-4® is generally safe for older adults, and they are a key target demographic for All-on-4® dental implants. While any surgical procedure has inherent risks, All-on-4® has a 98% success rate.
The All-on-4® treatment also has an advantage over a few other types of traditional dental implants, as it doesn’t require bone grafting in most cases. This makes it suitable even for older adults with bone deficiencies, a common problem.
All-on-4® can also improve bone retention, as the implants stimulate the jawbone. This helps preserve bone density and prevent further deterioration.
Potential complications
While the All-on-4® treatment is generally safe and has a success rate of 98%, all surgical procedures, including dental, have inherent risks. Below, we’ve outlined potential complications and how to lower the risk of them.
Implant failure
If the osseointegration process fails and the jawbone doesn’t fuse with the All-on-4® implants, this causes implant failure. Implant failure can also happen if it becomes loose or infected after successful integration. The best way to increase your chances of avoiding implant failure is to follow all the aftercare steps as described by your All-on-4® dental surgeon. Staying on top of your oral hygiene, avoiding smoking and vaping, and a nutritious diet can also help.
Infection
A potential complication is peri-implantitis, which is an infection around the implant. It can cause inflammation, pain, bone loss, and even implant failure if left untreated. Symptoms of an infection include a loose implant, red/swollen gums, bad breath, pain, bleeding, and a fever. If you notice any signs of infection after the All-on-4® dental implants are placed, it’s important to contact your clinic immediately and seek professional help.
Considerations for Older Adults Getting All-on-4®
While All-on-4® is generally a safe procedure for older adults, some factors should be taken into consideration. They include:
Overall well-being
It’s important to consider overall health and any pre-existing conditions, like diabetes, when considering All-on-4®. This is because pre-existing health or oral conditions may impact All-on-4® recovery and dental implant success.
Oral hygiene
Maintaining oral hygiene is critical when it comes to All-on-4® recovery and long-term success. All-on-4® teeth require the same maintenance and care as natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing.
Bone density
Adequate bone density is crucial for All-on-4® implant placement and success. However, compared to traditional dental implants, All-on-4® eliminates the need for bone grafting. The strategic positioning of the All-on-4® implants can overcome bone deficiencies, as it maximises the use of bone structure.
Medications
When considering All-on-4®, it is important to review any medications, including vitamins, you’re currently taking and speak to your dental professional about whether they’ll interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.
Lifestyle
Before committing to All-on-4®, it’s important to understand what lifestyle changes may be needed. Factors like diet and alcohol consumption can impact oral health and implant success. Diet and nutrients also play a massive role in the recovery process.
Smoking/vaping
Smoking and related nicotine/tobacco products like vapes can significantly increase the risk of complications. It is crucial to quit smoking before and after the procedure.
When considering All-on-4® treatment, it’s also important to plan how you will get to and from the surgery, as well as who can look after you. Due to the medication, you won’t be able to drive, and you’ll need to rest as much as possible when you’re home.
Find Out if You’re a Suitable Candidate at Next Smile Australia
If you’re wondering if you’re a suitable candidate for the All-on-4® at Next Smile Australia, you can take our Suitability Assessment online. This information can help us determine what we can do for you.
If you’d prefer to chat with one of our All-on-4® dental surgeons in person, you can also contact us to book an obligation-free consultation. During this consultation, the All-on-4® dental surgeon can assess your candidacy by reviewing your previous health and dental history.
The process to determine eligibility will also include taking scans of your jaw to ensure it can support the All-on-4® implants. We also host regular webinars if you’d like to hear more about the All-on-4® treatment before booking a consultation.
If you are determined to be eligible for the All-on-4® treatment, one of our All-on-4® dental surgeons will tailor a treatment plan that suits your goals. They will also provide you with information regarding treatment timelines and pricing.
At Next Smile Australia, we believe everyone should have access to quality dental care. So, we have several payment options and plans available for our All-on-4® treatment.
If you want to book an obligation-free consult or have any questions about the All-on-4® treatment, contact us today. The Next Smile Australia team would love to hear from you.