What is the experience of the dentist placing your dental implant?

Did you know that the placement of dental implants is not taught to dentists at university and they have to undergo further training to learn how to do this? At Perth Dental Implant Centre, our principle dentist, Dr. David Norcross, has completed extensive further training in dental implants and our clinic is dedicated to performing dental implant treatments. When done well, dental implants can be a very successful treatment, but when done incorrectly the results can be catastrophic. It’s important that your dentist has the right qualifications & experience.

What dental implant is being used in your mouth?

There are hundreds of different manufacturers of dental implants which differ in cost and quality. Some of the implants used overseas are not licensed for use in Australia and some can even be low-quality copies.

Will I need a temporary tooth while the dental implant heals?

There may be a period of time when we need to leave the dental implant to heal before we can make the final tooth/teeth. We’re able to provide you with a number of different temporary tooth options with different costs.

What are the sedation options if I’m nervous or have a complex procedure?

Many of our patients have dental implants placed following a simple local anaesthetic injection. However, some patients would prefer to sleep through the procedure. We can perform any tooth extraction and/or implant placement under IV sedation or full general anaesthetic. For those with private health insurance hospital cover, the cost of the anaesthetist and hospital will be fully covered (no gap). You may just have a hospital excess to pay depending on your policy. For those without private health insurance, we have very competitive rates for IV sedation with our visiting GP anaesthetist, some of which may be covered by Medicare.

What is involved in the new keyhole method?

A new way we are placing dental implants is using computer guided 3D printed guides. This allows us to place dental implants using “keyhole” surgery. This can make the process much less invasive, quicker and safer.

How much does a dental implant cost and why is there such a variety in cost?

Dental implants are not just something we can pluck off a shelf in a shop that have a fixed price. In the same way that your teeth are unique to you, we have to develop a dental implant plan that perfectly meets your needs, both financially and to give you the very best possible result for the long term. This means that the process and the time that it takes will vary from person to person. Therefore, it can be very difficult for us to provide an “off the shelf” cost. We need to see you in person to assess those factors to then be able to provide you with an appropriate cost.

Is your missing tooth at the front of your mouth or the back of your mouth?

The amount and quality of bone into which we can place a dental implant is different in each part of the mouth. For example, the bone at the front of the mouth can be much thinner which means a more complex treatment may be required to achieve a successful result. Teeth at the front of the mouth may be much more visible when the patient smiles which can also make the treatment more complex. At the back of the mouth there may be more available bone and less need for an aesthetic outcome, making the treatment far simpler. Following a 3D bone scan we can fully assess your circumstances and come up with a unique treatment plan for the best results.

Do you need a 3D bone scan to assess if you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant?

To accurately check if you have enough bone available to place dental implants, we take a detailed 3D xray known as a CBCT scan. This is similar to a CT scan but with a much lower dose of radiation. This shows us exactly how much bone you have and where vital structures such as nerves, the sinuses and other tooth roots are. We can then ensure that when placing the implant there is no risk of the implant damaging these structures. We believe that a dental implant should not be placed without first carefully assessing a 3D bone scan. At the Perth Dental Implant Centre, we have in-house 3D scanners at both of our clinics and can tell you on the day of your consultation, saving you time and money.

All-On-4® Dental Implants Perth: Costs, Process & Reviews

All Missing Teeth

All-On-4® Dental Implants Perth: Costs, Process & Reviews

Posted on: August 19, 2023

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5 minute read

If you have many missing, decayed or badly damaged teeth, or you find dentures intolerable, you might be interested in All-On-4® dental implants.

The conventional way to place full mouth dental implants was to place an implant for each tooth. This type of surgery was often performed with bone grafting before the patient waited six months for their mouth to heal and have their teeth fitted. All-On-4® uses just four specially configured dental implants to support a full bridge that can be fitted within five days of surgery. This advanced surgical technique is less invasive, less costly and avoids the need for bone grafting. It is backed by years of documented research showing success rates of up to 98%.

The cost of All-On-4® implants at Perth Dental Implant Centre starts from $21,000 per arch or $40,000 for full teeth replacement. Read on to find out what’s included in this treatment price and what other costs to expect.

For personalised advice about All-On-4® and other options for natural-looking teeth replacement in Perth, book a consultation with highly-accredited dentist Dr David Norcross at one of our local dental clinics in Kelmscott and East Victoria Park.

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What’s included in All-On-4® costs?

Our All-On-4® treatment cost at Perth Dental Implant Centre is inclusive of:

4 Nobel Biocare™ titanium dental implants placed using the All-On-4® protocol
4 titanium abutments
Milled titanium-reinforced acrylic bridge
Clinical radiographs (excluding 3D CBCT scan)
6 months of follow-up appointments
5-year warranty on dental implants and titanium bar; 2-year warranty on acrylic bridge*
Waterpik® water flosser

Your full treatment cost will depend on the number and type of implants and abutments you need and any tooth extractions.

Additional costs

Additional costs not included in the standard treatment price are:

Consultation with Dr Norcross: $73
3D (CBCT) bone scan: $226
Protective mouthguard: $520
Anaesthetist and hospital fees: Variable
Additional or longer implants

The cost of your consultation, diagnostics, mouthguard and anaesthetist and hospital fees may be partially covered by private health insurance, if your policy includes hospital cover and dental extras. In most cases, a hospital excess still applies.

If you do not have private health insurance and choose to have treatment under IV sedation at the clinic instead, anaesthetist costs will apply.

There may be other costs involved in your treatment if you need tooth extractions, additional or longer dental implants to support your new teeth.

Ongoing maintenance costs

There are ongoing maintenance costs to consider when you choose All-On-4® treatment. These include:

Bridge replacements
Bridge repairs (as needed)

While the implants themselves can normally last a lifetime, and won’t need to be replaced, a bridge will need to be replaced after a number of years, due to normal wear and tear or damage. How long your bridge will last depends on the material it’s made from and how well it’s cared for.

A replacement bridge can cost $8,500–$10,000 per arch, depending on the type of bridge.

Just like natural teeth and gums require ongoing check-ups and professional cleans, so do All-On-4®
dental implants:

Regular check-ups and oral hygiene treatments (recommended every 6-12 months)
X-rays (recommended every 12-24 months to check bone health around implants)

Regular dental check-ups, x-rays and maintenance may be covered by private health insurance, if your policy includes dental extras.

Got questions about All-On-4 dental implants? Speak to our dedicated treatment coordinator today.

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All-On-4® payment plans

We understand that All-On-4® dental implants are a life-long investment. At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we’re transparent about prices and are committed to making treatment as accessible as possible without compromising on quality. That’s why we offer payment plans to help you manage treatment costs.

These payment plans from trusted finance providers allow you to pay off your treatment in a series of instalments instead of an upfront lump sum. We offer interest-free payment plans with ZipMoney up to $30,000^.

SuperCare provider

How to apply for early release of super for All On 4 Dental Implants in Perth

We have also partnered with SuperCare, a third-party provider who can facilitate the application process for early access to super to help pay for dental costs.

Read more about accessing super for All-On-4® dental implants in our blog.

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Our approach to All-On-4® teeth in Perth

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we use a single-stage approach to All-On-4® teeth replacement, which saves you the hassle and cost of replacing your bridge within the first year of surgery. Your custom-made bridge will be fabricated by our experienced dental technician Patrick Barrett-Lennard and can be fitted within 5 days of surgery.

After placing your implants, we will fit a high-impact acrylic bridge reinforced with a digitally-milled titanium frame inside. This final immediate bridge can last for 2–5 years on average, or longer with good care. Using titanium to reinforce your bridge allows for a passive fit, enabling better healing of dental implants after surgery.

In a two-stage approach, used by some other All-On-4® dental providers, the initial bridge is intended to be worn temporarily while the mouth heals and is usually made from cheap acrylic. This temporary bridge needs to be replaced after 3–6 months with a permanent ceramic bridge.

Read more about the differences between a single-stage approach and two-stage approach in our blog.

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How much does a replacement bridge cost?

PDIC AO4-bridge-replacements

Your titanium-reinforced acrylic bridge (valued at $8,500) will be included in the cost of All-On-4® treatment at Perth Dental Implant Centre. This will support your mouth while it heals from surgery and can last up to 5 years or more before it needs to be remodeled or replaced.

When it’s time to replace your bridge, the options include:

Titanium-reinforced acrylic bridge: from $8,500
Titanium-reinforced monolithic zirconia bridge: from $9,000
Titanium-reinforced porcelain-layered zirconia bridge: from $10,000

If your existing titanium-acrylic bridge is still in good condition, it may be possible to remodel it rather than replace it. This involves stripping back the acrylic and re-processing new acrylic over the existing titanium frame. It is the most economical option for replacing your bridge. A zirconia bridge is a stronger, stain-resistant and more natural-looking alternative to acrylic, which can be expected to last for 10–15 years or longer.

There are pros and cons to each replacement bridge option and the most suitable bridge type for your needs may depend on your biting forces and any teeth grinding habits.

All-On-4® treatment process

Unlike standard dental implants, which involve a waiting period of up to six months while the implants bond with the jaw, the All-On-4® procedure can usually be completed within five days. We follow a six-step process, outlined below.

1. Consultation and treatment planning

CBCT-bone-scan

Your initial consultation with Dr Norcross is an important step, as this is where you can learn more about what All-On-4® treatment involves and whether it’s the most suitable option for your needs. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and expectations, examine your mouth, and take clinical photographs, x-rays and a 3D bone scan to help us plan your treatment.

Most people who have a healthy and sufficient jawbone may be suitable candidates for All-On-4® implants. However, your eligibility could depend on factors such as:

existing oral health conditions (such as gum disease)
certain medical conditions and medications that can affect the healing process
lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol, that can affect treatment success

Prior to treatment, we’ll take pre-surgery digital records using an intra-oral scanner and you’ll meet with our dental technician Patrick Barrett-Lennard, to decide the shape and shade of your new teeth.

2. Implant surgery

Types-of-all-on-4-treatments

Dr Norcross will carefully place your implants in one or both of your jaws and attach the abutments before stitching your gums closed. Next, he will take digital impressions of your mouth that will be used to design your custom bridge, then place healing caps over the implants.

If you have any remaining teeth, these are extracted on the same day that your implants are placed.

Advanced All-On-4® techniques using pterygoid or zygomatic implants can avoid the need for a bone grafting procedure (which is sometimes performed to build up the jawbone to anchor implants in place). These longer implants are placed at the same time as standard dental implants.

All-On-4 plus Zygomatic implants

Dental implants placed during All-On-4® surgery are Nobel Biocare implants.

3. Try-in and adjustments

wax-up model

Our dental technician designs and manufactures a wax-up model and the final titanium-reinforced acrylic bridge based on the impressions taken of your mouth. Between one to three days after surgery, you’ll be able to try in the wax-up model of your new teeth where Dr Norcross will check your bite (how your teeth come together) and will record any adjustments that may be needed for your final bridge to be made.

4. Final checks & fitting your new teeth

Titanium-reinforced acrylic bridges

Between three to five days after surgery, your bridge will have arrived back from the dental technician, and it will be fitted by Dr Norcross. He’ll make final checks that your bridge (or bridges) fit and feel comfortable and check your bite and speech. Dr Norcross will explain how to care for and clean your new teeth during and after the healing process with the water flosser provided to you.

Our All-On-4® patients are also prescribed a custom mouthguard to protect their new teeth from any damage incurred from night-time grinding or jaw clenching habits.

5. Follow-up appointments

Step 5 follow-up appointment

We’ll arrange a follow-up appointment with Dr Norcross about four weeks after your All-On-4® surgery and again at three months to assess your bite, speech and to check how the implants are healing. Dr Norcross will also assess your oral health and answer any questions you may have about your recovery.

6. Maintaining your smile

The final step in the All-On-4 process is one of the most important and involves the long-term care of your oral health, dental implants and implant bridges. At your six-month appointment and every six months thereafter, you’ll attend a check-up and clean appointment where your mouth and implants are comprehensively examined, and your bridges are professionally cleaned and polished.

In between dental visits, you’ll be required to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home to keep your mouth and implants healthy and free from gum disease. This involves brushing twice a day and flossing once a day with a water flosser or other flossing device. Avoiding smoking, consuming a healthy diet and reduced sugar intake are also strongly recommended to help maintain your new smile.

All-On-4® reviews

Who-is-suitable-for-All-On-4

Reviews and testimonials of treatment with All-On-4® dental implants and other regulated health services are not permitted under Australian health advertising regulations to protect the public from potentially misleading health advice.

We encourage anyone interested in learning about treatment with All-On-4® dental implants to do their own research, look at before and after photos to check whether results match what you have in mind, check the dental surgeon’s qualifications and experience, the quality of the teeth and read studies to help you make an informed decision. For example, a 2012 study found that 98% of patients said they would definitely recommend a similar treatment.

A consultation with a qualified and experienced dental surgeon is necessary to determine whether you are suitable for All-On-4® dental implants, or if an alternative treatment option could be more suitable.

Before & Afters Google Reviews

What are the alternatives to All-On-4® dental implants?

All-On-4 Fixed bridge Alternatives

If you are not a candidate for All-On-4® implant bridges, or you prefer a different treatment, other options for replacing all of your teeth might include:

Removable dentures
Implant-retained dentures

In cases where your natural teeth can (or should) be restored rather than replaced, Dr Norcross may refer you to a trusted associate dentist to tailor your treatment plan.

Read our blog on dental implant alternatives here.

Book a consultation for All-On-4 in Perth

Perth Dental Implant Centre is recognised as an All-On-4® Centre of Excellence by Nobel BioCare, the manufacturer of genuine All-On-4 dental implants and home to the All-On-4® treatment concept. If you’re considering All-On-4® or want to know about other options for replacing your teeth, book a consultation with Dr Norcross today.

Call our Kelmscott clinic on (08) 9495 7999 or our East Victoria Park clinic on (08) 9470 3944, or contact Dr Norcross with any questions about our treatments.

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The cost of All-On-4® dental implants includes the cost of the dental implants and abutments, initial bridge and replacement bridges, surgery, diagnostics and any other services that may be needed as part of the treatment, such as dental sedation. There are also ongoing maintenance costs to consider, such as bridge replacements, repairs and professional cleaning. How long your All-On-4® bridge will last depends on the type of bridge, biting forces, oral hygiene problems, and lifestyle factors.

*Warranty is subject to attending implant reviews, six-monthly check-ups and hygiene maintenance appointments. ^T&Cs, and credit approval apply. A monthly account fee of $9.95 will apply. A one-off establishment fee may apply for new customers. Other charges may be payable, see T&Cs. Interest, fees and charges subject to change. Credit provided by ZipMoney Payments Pty Ltd (ABN 58 164 440 993), Australian Credit Licence Number 441878.

References

Malo P, de Araújo Nobre M, Lopes A, Moss SM, Molina GJ. A longitudinal study of the survival of All-on-4® implants in the mandible with up to 10 years of follow-up. J Am Dent Assoc 2011;142:310-204
Babbush CA. Posttreatment quantification of patient experiences with full-arch implant treatment using a modification of the OHIP-14 questionnaire. J Oral Implantol. 2012 Jun;38(3):251-60. doi: 10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-12-00001. Epub 2012 Jan 17. PMID: 22250619.