Will I Need To Replace My All-on-4® Dental Implants and Bridge?

While All-on-4® are designed to be long-term, they aren’t a permanent solution for tooth loss. All-on-4®, with the proper care and maintenance, can last a lifetime.

Why Do Dental Implants Need To Be Replaced?

There are various reasons why dental implants may need to be replaced. These include implant failure, infection, gum or jaw issues, and the ageing of materials. However, All-on-4^® dental implants are designed to be long-lasting.

Dental Implant Failure: Although All-on-4^® dental implants have a high success rate of over 90%, failure can still occur. This could be due to osseointegration failure, infection, insufficient aftercare, and overloading. In cases of failure, the dental implant may need either of the following:

Meticulous professional cleaning of the existing dental implants.
If possible, remove and replace the affected dental implant.

Over time, the prosthetic (bridge) component attached to the dental implant can wear out. This is a normal process, and the wear is typically due to activities like chewing and grinding. If a prosthetic ever chips, damages, or discolours, it may need to be repaired or replaced. It is normal to replace the bridge every six to seven years.

Gum or Bone Health: An individual experiencing gum or bone health issues can cause instability with a dental implant especially if significant bone loss occurs. If bone loss impacts the jaw, the dental implant may need to be removed and replaced.

Ageing Materials: Dental implants are designed to be long-lasting and can often last a lifetime with proper care. However, the prosthetic bridge or crown attached to the implant may wear down over time due to daily use, especially if it is not well-maintained. While the implant itself typically remains intact, the prosthetic components may need replacement as they age or degrade.

Changes in Oral Structure: People’s bone and jaw structures change as they age. If someone has dental implants, ageing or bone health-related conditions can affect their fit. Adjustments can be made, or a dentist may recommend a replacement.

How To Minimise The Chance of Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants need to fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. If a dental implant does not integrate with the jawbone successfully, it fails. Osseointegration will not happen if an infection occurs. Although All-on-4^® dental implants have a high success rate of 90%, there is always a chance there may be an issue. Infections preventing osseointegration can occur for a range of reasons, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, or medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes.

All our patients will need to initially have a soft diet and be given a thorough care plan for the best chance of minimising All-on-4^® dental implant failure. Aside from human error, dental implants can also fail due to other factors like bone loss. Common reasons for dental implant failure:

Smoking, vaping, and drinking hard alcohol
Pre-existing medical conditions
Improper dental implant placement
Insufficient aftercare

Although many reasons why a dental implant may fail may be out of the individual’s immediate control, there are still steps they can take to reduce the risk of a failed implant.

Keep up with good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing.
Follow a balanced diet rich with nutrients, and be mindful of your overall health.
Always communicate with your dental team. If you have any concerns or notice issues, raise them early.
Be mindful and aware of any underlying health conditions and report them to your dental surgeon.
Refrain from smoking, drinking hard alcohol, vaping, and any other unhealthy habits that may contribute to poor oral health.

Choosing The Right All-on-4® Clinic

All-on-4^® is a surgical treatment, and it should be treated as such when choosing a clinic. When searching for an All-on-4^® clinic in your city, there are a few green flags you should look out for.

Like all restorative dental procedures, All-on-4^® requires a high level of care and expertise. Find a clinic that is transparent about their team and has a dental surgeon experienced in All-on-4^® treatment.
Dr Malo, in conjunction with Nobel Biocare, designed the Nobel Biocare Speedy Groovy implant specifically for the All-on-4^® treatment concept. When deciding on a clinic, ensure the clinic uses the same dental implants for optimal results.
A dental clinic excelling in its field may receive awards like the Nobel Biocare ‘Centre of Excellence,’ given only to All-on-4^® clinics that meet high standards in surgical excellence, training, quality, and the number of completed All-on-4^® cases.
Look for before-and-after photos, reviews, and experiences from other patients who have visited the clinic. These may give you a better idea of the clinic and procedure expectations.
Ensure the clinic has a strong follow-up protocol with a good aftercare and maintenance program.

Renew Your Smile at Next Smile Australia

If you’re missing all or most of your teeth and believe All-on-4^® may be the right treatment for you, contact Next Smile Australia for a personal consultation to determine eligibility. Our industry-leading Super Clinics also include in-house dental labs, and most also include state-of-the-art surgical rooms.

During a consultation, one of our All-on-4^®-certified dental surgeons will assess your dental and medical history during the consultation and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. We also have information on treatment timelines for All-on-4^®, so you can know what to expect.

Next Smile Australia also wants everyone to be able to access quality dental treatments. We understand the importance of oral health for overall well-being, which is why we offer a range of dental payment plans for our services.

We carry out our All-on-4^® treatments at our industry-leading Next Smile Australia Super Clinics, using dental implants made by Nobel Biocare. Contact the Next Smile Australia to book a personal consultation to determine if All-on-4^® is the best option for you.

Treatment You Can Trust.
Wherever You Live.

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.