Professor Paulo Malo created the All-on-4® treatment alongside the leading implant manufacturer, Nobel Biocare. The treatment is designed for people who have lost all or most of their teeth.
Through the use of four strategically placed biocompatible titanium implants, the All-on-4® procedure can replace an entire arch of teeth in either the lower or upper jaw. The front two titanium implants are placed straight down, while the back two are placed at a 45-degree angle.
This angled placement allows the All-on-4® implants to maximise bone density, minimising the need for additional procedures like bone grafting. It also makes it an excellent alternative to traditional dentures, which do not stimulate the jawbone enough, leading to jawbone atrophy.
The All-on-4® treatment has a proven high rate of success of 98%; however, like all types of surgery, there are risks, but they can be minimised by understanding what causes them and how to avoid them. Common problems with dental implants, including All-on-4® implants, like the osseointegration process failing and infection, can happen under rare circumstances.
This article will cover why All-on-4® complications happen, what can go wrong, and how to reduce the risk of them occurring. While it’s never possible to eradicate risks completely, it is possible to minimise them significantly through lifestyle changes, oral health hygiene, and proper aftercare.
Why Do All-on-4® Complications Occur?
Like any surgical procedure, complications can occur when undergoing All-on-4® treatment. Complications can happen during the procedure itself or the recovery process. Understanding the potential complications and why they occur is critical for making informed decisions and minimising risks. Several factors that can contribute to complications occurring include:
Pre-existing conditions
Certain medical conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases can impair the body’s natural recovery processes. This increases the risk of complications, even if preventative measures have been taken.
Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle choices, like smoking, vaping, and alcohol consumption, can decrease All-on-4® dental implant success and increase the likelihood of complications.
Surgical factors
Although it is extremely rare, as the All-on-4® treatment process utilises advanced dental imaging technology, improper implant placement, inexperienced surgeons, or other surgical factors can increase the risk of complications.
Insufficient aftercare
Post-operative care and following the aftercare instructions as laid out by the dental surgeon is also crucial. Failure to follow these instructions can hinder the recovery process and is a major contributor to why complications can occur.
What Can Go Wrong With All-on-4®?
While a majority of All-on-4® procedures are successful, with a rate of 98% positive outcomes*, complications can occur. Here is what can go wrong with the All-on-4® treatment:
Implant failure
Osseointegration is integral to the success of dental implant procedures like All-on-4®. This is the process where the implants fuse with the jawbone. If this fails, the dental implant will most likely have to be removed and replaced, or alternative procedures will have to be discussed.
Infections
Poor oral hygiene, failure to follow post-operative care, or a weakened immune system can lead to infections at the surgical site or around the dental implants. If an infection happens, it is crucial to visit your dental surgeon for treatment.
Aesthetic issues
It’s possible that you won’t be happy with the final set of teeth, and it won’t meet your cosmetic expectations. Fortunately, this is fixable without having to undergo the procedure again.
Nerve damage
It is rare but possible for nerve damage to occur during surgery. There are many nerves located near the typical dental implant sites for All-on-4®.
Fracture or damage
It’s extremely rare, but excessive force or trauma can damage the All-on-4® dental implant or artificial teeth. In severe cases, it could even fracture them. If this happens, it’s critical to seek assistance.
Peri-implantitis
Peri-implantitis is a condition similar to gum disease but affects the gum surrounding an implant. Peri-implantitis can lead to soft tissue inflammation and also impact the bone supporting the dental implant. It usually requires surgical treatment.
It’s important to remember that the risk of complications occurring is extremely low for the All-on-4® procedure. The dental surgeon and clinic conducting the treatment will work with you on a plan to minimise the risks as much as possible.
How To Reduce The Chance of All-on-4® Complications
There are a few steps you can take to minimise the risk of complications. These include:
Changing lifestyle factors
If you use any tobacco, vapes or nicotine products, it’s recommended to quit before surgery. It significantly increases the risk of complications occurring. It’s also recommended to avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of infections and is a blood thinner.
Follow post-operative instructions carefully
The dental surgeon’s aftercare instructions in your treatment plan will be tailored towards your unique circumstances and mouth. So, it’s essential to follow their instructions and tips.
Attend regular check-ups
Attending your check-ups as scheduled is important for monitoring the progress of the All-on-4® dental implants. If there are any issues, your dental surgeon will be able to catch them early, and they can also ensure your recovery process is going smoothly.
Healthy oral hygiene habits
All-on-4® teeth are similar to natural teeth. They require regular brushing and flossing. So, it’s important to practice healthy oral hygiene habits during and after recovery to reduce the risk of complications.
Manage any health concerns
If you have a pre-existing condition that could increase risk factors, like diabetes, it’s important to manage these before undergoing the procedure. It’s also essential to be upfront and inform your dentist of any underlying health issues or concerns.
Diet and water also play a massive role in recovery and reducing the risk of complications. It’s recommended to eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet before and after surgery.
Water acts as a delivery system for nutrients, aids in digestion, and reduces swelling and inflammation. So, before and after the All-on-4® procedure, ensure you stay hydrated.
Book A Consultation at Next Smile Australia
At Next Smile Australia, we provide obligation-free consults for the All-on-4® treatment. If you’re interested in learning more about All-on-4®, you can book a consultation and chat with one of our All-on-4®-certified dental surgeons or attend one of our online webinars from the comfort of your home.
During a consultation, you can expect our dental surgeon to assess your candidacy for All-on-4® treatment by reviewing your medical and dental history. Along with reviewing your health, they will also use dental imaging to scan your mouth and jawbone to ensure they’re suitable.
If you’re eligible for All-on-4®, they will also work with you to create a tailored treatment plan that suits your unique oral health goals and needs. During the planning phase, they will also provide you with information on aftercare and the recovery process.
That way, you’re informed about the procedure and know what to expect. Here at Next Smile Australia, we also believe everyone should have access to quality dental care. So, we have several payment options and plans available.
Next Smile Australia performs most of our All-on-4® treatments in our Super Clinics. These Super Clinics have in-house dental labs (where the teeth are made), and most also have state-of-the-art surgical rooms.
If you have any questions regarding suitability or potential complications, contact us today. We’d be happy to answer any queries you may have and book you in for a consultation with one of our experts.