All-on-4 Dental Implants Perth: Your Complete Guide to Full Arch Teeth Replacement
All-on-4 Dental Implants Perth – Your Complete Guide to Full Arch Teeth Replacement
If you’ve been living with failing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, or the embarrassment of gaps in your smile, you’re not alone. Many of our patients at Perth Prime Dental come to us feeling frustrated, self-conscious, and unsure about their options. The good news? Modern dental solutions like All-on-4 dental implants have transformed what’s possible for people seeking permanent teeth solutions in Perth.
But we also know you probably have questions—lots of them. How much does it really cost? Is the procedure painful? Will it actually work for you? In this guide, we’ll give you honest, straightforward answers. That means discussing both the advantages and the limitations, because that’s the only way you can make a truly informed decision about your dental health.
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are a revolutionary approach to full mouth dental implants that allows an entire arch of teeth—either upper, lower, or both—to be supported by just four strategically placed titanium implants.
The “4” in All-on-4 refers to these four implants per arch. What makes this technique particularly clever is the positioning: the two back implants are angled at approximately 45 degrees. This angulation serves several important purposes:
- Maximises contact with available bone (even if you’ve experienced some bone loss)
- Avoids sensitive structures like the sinus cavities and nerve canals
- Provides exceptional stability without requiring bone grafting in most cases
- Allows for same-day teeth in many situations
The result is a fixed, non-removable set of teeth that look, feel, and function remarkably like natural teeth. Unlike traditional dentures that sit on your gums, All-on-4 implants are anchored securely into your jawbone, becoming a permanent part of your mouth.
How All-on-4 Differs from Traditional Dental Implants
Traditional implant approaches might use 6-8 implants per arch, with each implant placed vertically. While effective, this often requires more bone volume, potential bone grafting procedures, longer treatment times, and significantly higher costs.
All-on-4 streamlined this process, making full arch teeth replacement accessible to more patients—including those who were previously told they didn’t have enough bone for implants.
Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants
Restored Chewing Power
This is often the benefit our patients appreciate most. Traditional dentures typically restore only 25-30% of natural chewing power—which means struggling with steak, apples, and many other foods you once enjoyed.
All-on-4 dental implants restore approximately 85-90% of your natural chewing ability. That’s a life-changing difference for many people.
Prevents Bone Loss
Here’s something many patients don’t realise: when you lose teeth, your jawbone begins to shrink. This process, called resorption, is why long-term denture wearers often develop that “sunken” facial appearance.
Because All-on-4 implants are anchored in your jawbone, they stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots do. This helps preserve your facial structure and prevents the ongoing bone deterioration that occurs with dentures.
Same-Day Teeth (In Many Cases)
One of the most appealing aspects of All-on-4 is the possibility of receiving temporary teeth on the same day as your implant surgery. You walk in with failing or missing teeth and walk out with a functional smile.
However, we should be transparent here: not everyone is a candidate for same-day teeth. Your specific situation—including bone quality, gum health, and other factors—will determine whether this is appropriate for you.
Improved Confidence and Quality of Life
Beyond the functional benefits, the psychological impact shouldn’t be underestimated. Many of our patients tell us they’d stopped smiling in photos, avoided social situations, or felt decades older than their years. A stable, natural-looking smile can genuinely transform how you feel about yourself.
Long-Term Value
While the upfront investment is significant, All-on-4 implants are designed to last. With proper care, the implants themselves can last 25 years or more, with the prosthetic teeth typically lasting 10-15 years before potential replacement is needed.
The All-on-4 Procedure: What to Expect
Understanding what happens during the All-on-4 process can help ease anxiety and set realistic expectations. Here’s the typical journey:
Stage 1: Consultation and Planning
Everything begins with a comprehensive assessment. This includes:
- Detailed 3D imaging (CT scans) of your jaw
- Evaluation of your remaining teeth and gum health
- Discussion of your goals and concerns
- Review of your medical history
- Development of a customised treatment plan
This planning stage is crucial. Modern digital technology allows us to virtually plan every aspect of your surgery before making a single incision.
Stage 2: Surgery Day
On the day of your procedure:
- You’ll receive anaesthesia (local, sedation, or general—depending on your preference and needs)
- Any remaining teeth are carefully extracted
- The jawbone is prepared to receive the implants
- Four titanium implants are precisely placed in each arch being treated
- A temporary set of teeth (provisional prosthesis) is attached
The entire surgical procedure typically takes 2-4 hours per arch, depending on complexity.
Stage 3: Healing and Osseointegration
Over the next 3-6 months, something remarkable happens: your jawbone fuses with the titanium implants in a process called osseointegration. During this time, you’ll wear your temporary teeth and follow specific care instructions.
You’ll have follow-up appointments to monitor healing and make any necessary adjustments to your temporary teeth.
Stage 4: Final Restoration
Once osseointegration is complete, impressions are taken for your permanent prosthetic teeth. These final teeth are crafted from high-quality materials and customised to match your desired appearance—including tooth shape, size, and colour.
When ready, your temporary teeth are replaced with your beautiful, permanent restoration.
Are You a Candidate for All-on-4?
All-on-4 dental implants can be an excellent solution for many patients, but they’re not right for everyone. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are missing all or most teeth in one or both arches
- Have failing teeth that require extraction
- Currently wear dentures but want a permanent solution
- Have been told you lack sufficient bone for traditional implants
- Are in generally good health
Factors That May Affect Candidacy
Being honest with you means discussing potential limitations too:
- Uncontrolled diabetes can impair healing and implant integration
- Heavy smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure
- Certain medications (like bisphosphonates for osteoporosis) may affect bone healing
- Active gum disease must be treated before implant placement
- Severe grinding or clenching habits may require additional considerations
The only way to know for certain whether All-on-4 is right for you is through a thorough clinical evaluation. We’re happy to provide honest guidance—even if that means recommending a different approach that better suits your situation.
How Much Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost in Perth?
Let’s talk numbers, because we know this is a major concern for most people considering this treatment.
Typical Cost Range in Australia
All-on-4 dental implants in Perth typically range from $20,000 to $40,000 per arch. That’s a wide range, and the variation depends on several factors:
- Complexity of your case (extractions needed, bone condition)
- Type of prosthetic teeth (acrylic, composite, zirconia)
- Laboratory fees for custom fabrication
- Implant brand and materials used
- Whether sedation or general anaesthesia is required
- Single-stage vs two-stage treatment approaches
Some practices advertise lower starting prices, while others quote significantly higher. The key is understanding exactly what’s included in any quote you receive.
What Should Be Included in Your Quote?
A comprehensive All-on-4 quote should cover:
- Initial consultation and imaging
- All extractions needed
- The four implants per arch
- Surgical placement
- Temporary (provisional) teeth
- Follow-up appointments during healing
- Final prosthetic teeth
- Post-treatment reviews
At Perth Prime Dental, we believe in upfront, transparent pricing with no hidden surprises.
Does Medicare Cover All-on-4 Dental Implants?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover dental implant procedures in Australia, including All-on-4. This is one of the most common questions we receive, and we wish we had better news.
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance may provide limited rebates toward certain components of treatment, but coverage varies significantly between funds and policies. We recommend contacting your health fund directly with the item numbers for your proposed treatment.
Payment Options
Understanding that All-on-4 represents a significant investment, various payment options exist to make treatment more accessible:
- Payment plans to spread the cost over time
- SuperCare – accessing superannuation for dental treatment under compassionate grounds
- Health fund rebates where applicable
We also offer assistance with superannuation release applications for eligible patients, as navigating this process can be confusing.
All-on-4 vs Dentures vs Traditional Implants: Comparison
| Feature | Dentures | All-on-4 | Traditional Implants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removable? | Yes (daily) | No (permanent) | No (permanent) |
| Chewing Power | 25-30% | 85-90% | 85-90% |
| Bone Preservation | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bone Grafting? | N/A | Rarely | Often |
| Treatment Time | Weeks | Same day – 6 months | 6-12+ months |
| Cost (per arch) | $2k-$5k | $20k-$40k | $40k-$60k+ |
| Lifespan | 5-7 years | 10-25+ years | 10-25+ years |
| Maintenance | Remove, soak daily | Brush normally | Brush normally |
| Success Rate | N/A | 94-99% | 94-99% |
When Dentures Might Be the Better Choice
We wouldn’t be giving you the full picture without acknowledging that dentures remain the right choice for some patients. If budget is a significant constraint, if you have health conditions that make surgery inadvisable, or if you’re simply not ready for a surgical procedure, modern dentures have improved considerably and may serve you well.
When Traditional Implants Might Be Preferred
For patients missing only a few teeth, individual implants remain the gold standard. All-on-4 is specifically designed for full arch replacement—it’s not a solution for single tooth loss.
Recovery and Aftercare: What’s It Really Like?
The First Week
Let’s be honest: the first few days after surgery involve some discomfort. Most patients experience:
- Swelling (peaking around days 2-3)
- Bruising (which may spread to the neck)
- Mild to moderate discomfort (managed with prescribed medications)
- Dietary restrictions (soft foods only)
Most patients take 5-7 days off work for recovery, though some return sooner for desk-based jobs.
Weeks 2-6
Swelling and discomfort typically resolve within the first two weeks. You’ll gradually reintroduce firmer foods as directed. Follow-up appointments ensure everything is healing properly.
Long-Term Care
One of the great advantages of All-on-4 is that maintenance is straightforward:
- Brush twice daily with a soft brush
- Use a water flosser to clean around and under the prosthesis
- Attend regular dental check-ups (typically every 6 months)
- Avoid extremely hard foods that could damage the prosthesis
- If you grind your teeth, wear a night guard as recommended
With consistent care, your All-on-4 investment can serve you well for decades.
Is All-on-4 Painful?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and it’s completely understandable. The thought of having implants placed in your jaw sounds intimidating.
Here’s the reality: during the procedure, you shouldn’t feel pain. Anaesthesia ensures the surgical area is completely numb, and sedation options (including sleep dentistry) are available for anxious patients.
Post-operative discomfort is real, but typically well-managed with prescribed pain medications. Most patients describe it as less painful than expected—more comparable to having a difficult tooth extracted than to what they had imagined.
The vast majority of our patients tell us that the few days of recovery discomfort were absolutely worth the life-changing results.
Frequently Asked Questions About All-on-4 Dental Implants
How long do All-on-4 dental implants last?
The titanium implants themselves can last 25 years or even a lifetime with proper care. The prosthetic teeth attached to them typically last 10-15 years before potential replacement, depending on the materials used and how well they’re maintained. Regular dental check-ups help maximise the lifespan of your restoration.
Can you eat normally with All-on-4?
Yes, once fully healed, you can eat most foods you enjoy. All-on-4 restores approximately 85-90% of natural chewing power, allowing you to enjoy steak, apples, nuts, and other foods that would be impossible or very difficult with dentures. During the initial healing period (3-6 months), you’ll follow a modified diet as advised by your dental team.
How long does the All-on-4 procedure take?
The surgical procedure typically takes 2-4 hours per arch. If both arches are being treated, surgery may take a full day. However, the complete treatment timeline—from initial consultation through final prosthetic teeth—spans approximately 4-6 months to allow for osseointegration (bone fusion with the implants).
What is the success rate of All-on-4 implants?
All-on-4 dental implants have excellent success rates, typically ranging from 94-99% in long-term studies when performed by experienced clinicians and when patients follow post-operative care instructions. Factors like smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor oral hygiene can negatively impact success rates.
Does Medicare cover All-on-4 dental implants?
No, Medicare does not cover All-on-4 dental implants or any dental implant procedures in Australia. Private health insurance may provide limited rebates depending on your policy. Many practices, including ours, offer payment plan options and can assist with superannuation release applications for eligible patients.
Can I get All-on-4 if I have bone loss?
Often, yes. The angled placement of the posterior implants is specifically designed to maximise use of available bone, frequently eliminating the need for bone grafting. However, severe bone loss may require additional procedures or alternative approaches. A 3D CT scan during your consultation will reveal exactly what’s possible for your situation.
All-on-4 vs All-on-6: What’s the difference?
All-on-6 uses six implants per arch instead of four, providing additional support. It may be recommended for patients with specific anatomical considerations or those seeking maximum stability. Both approaches achieve excellent results, and your clinician will recommend the most appropriate option based on your individual assessment.
Taking the Next Step
Choosing to invest in All-on-4 dental implants is a significant decision—one that deserves careful consideration and honest, pressure-free guidance.
At Perth Prime Dental, we believe everyone deserves to understand their options fully before committing to any treatment. That’s why we offer free 30-minute second opinions and ensure you receive a complete, upfront quote with no hidden costs.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or seeking a second perspective on a treatment plan you’ve already received, we’re here to help you make the decision that’s right for you—whatever that may be.
New patient consultations: $250 (comprehensive assessment including any necessary imaging)
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This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional dental advice. Individual results vary, and only a qualified dental professional can determine whether All-on-4 is appropriate for your specific situation.
