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.

Am I Too Old for All-On-4® Implants? | Perth Dental Implant Centre

All-On-4®

Am I Too Old for All-On-4® Dental Implants

Posted on: March 17, 2025

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5 minute read

If you are thinking about replacing badly damaged or missing teeth, or want to upgrade from removable dentures to a fixed solution, All-on-4® dental implants may be an option. Some people worry that they might be too old for dental implants, or may have been previously told that dental implants are not right for them, but the revolutionary All-on-4® concept makes restoring a full set of teeth more accessible than ever before.

Read this guide to learn the facts about age suitability for All-on-4 dental implants and other factors that affect eligibility. If you want to talk to an experienced dentist about All-on-4® or other options for teeth replacement, get in touch with Dr David Norcross at Perth Dental Implant Centre today.

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Does age affect suitability for All-on-4®?

Age itself doesn’t affect someone’s eligibility to receive dental implants, but some risk factors for dental implants can increase with age. This is due to some oral health and general health risks accumulating over time, making older adults more likely to have conditions such as gum disease and poor bone quality (especially in the upper jaw) compared to younger adults.

However, these problems can often be addressed by your dentist to help lower your risks and improve the chance of successful treatment. All-on-4® implants are also less invasive than conventional full mouth implants as fewer implants are placed and less healing time is required, due to their design and the way they are placed, and they may be an option even if your jaw isn’t strong enough to support conventional implants.

High success rate for all ages

Since its introduction in 1998, the All-on-4® approach has demonstrated a high success rate for patients of all ages in long-term clinical trials.

One study of 245 patients aged up to 85 years found that the implants had a 98% survival rate after 5 years and 95% after 10 years of follow-up care. The prosthetic teeth attached to implants had a 99% survival rate over the same period.*

The success of implant treatments depends on factors such as the expertise of your dentist, the quality of the implants used, how well you follow your dentist’s advice after surgery and your commitment to keeping a proper oral hygiene routine long term.

* 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

Am I suitable for All-on-4® implants?

There is no upper age limit for All-on-4® treatment, but there are some factors that could affect your suitability for dental implants, particularly:

Bone quality and density: All-on-4® implants can still be an option for some patients with smaller jaws or who have experienced bone loss. If bone loss is more severe, your dentist may suggest options such as bone grafting or longer implants such as pterygoid or zygomatic implants.
Oral health: Gum disease and poor oral hygiene can affect the success of implant treatment. Your dentist will need to address any existing oral health problems as a priority before implants can be placed.
Oral hygiene: You should be willing to commit to maintaining good oral hygiene long term (brushing twice a day and flossing daily) and attending six-monthly check-ups and professional dental cleaning. If a lack of mobility or dexterity restricts you from properly cleaning your All-on-4® bridge, bacteria can accumulate and increase the risk of developing peri-implant disease (gum disease around dental implants) if left untreated.
General health: Certain medical conditions (such as uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, or cardiovascular disease) and medications (such as bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, blood thinners, or immunosuppressants) can affect a person’s suitability for undergoing implant surgery or may affect healing capacity. A thorough health assessment is needed, and your dentist will need to know about your relevant medical history so they can suggest the best options for you.
Surgery and sedation: If you experience dental anxiety or have other concerns about surgery, talk to your dentist about sedation options such as sleep dentistry or general anaesthesia to help you feel calm and comfortable during your procedure. All-on-4® dental implant surgery is usually performed whilst you are under general anaesthesia however, general anaesthesia carries higher risks for patients with obesity, and some hospitals have weight restrictions that can affect your suitable for this type of sedation.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking and heavy drinking can affect your mouth’s ability to heal after implant treatment. If you smoke, you should be prepared to quit prior to surgery and for the long-term success of your implants. Alcohol should also be avoided after surgery as it inhibits healing. A nutritional diet that is low in sugar and starch will help to lower plaque build-up and is encouraged by your dentist.
Cost: All-on-4® dental implants are a considerable investment and treatment is irreversible. Prosthetic teeth that are attached to implants require repairs and replacement from time to time and your ability to maintain the cost All-on-4® teeth needs to be factored into your decision.

Your dentist will discuss your suitability for All-on-4® implants during your consultation and after assessing your jaw and your health. They may also suggest ways to lower your risk factors, such as:

Improving your oral health with a combination of dental treatments and daily oral hygiene care
Talking to your doctor about managing a health condition
Committing to avoid smoking and alcohol
Bone grafting to build up a thin or soft jaw bone
Longer implants such as pterygoid or zygomatic implants

pterygoid-implants — All-on-4® Bridge designed for pterygoid implants.

To talk to our team about your risk factors and suitability for All-on-4® dental implants, call our local clinic today. You can call our team in East Vic Park or Kelmscott on 1300 108 133.

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How do All-on-4® implants work?

The All-on-4® approach follows the same fundamental principles as traditional dental implants, where implants replace the roots of missing teeth in the jaw. However, it differs significantly in its design and efficiency. While conventional implants can support several teeth, All-on-4® allows a full arch of prosthetic teeth to be secured with just four implants. Two implants are placed at the front of the jaw, while the other two are positioned at a 45-degree angle toward the back. This strategic placement maximises available bone and avoids interference with nerves and sinuses, reducing the number of implants needed for full-arch restoration compared to the traditional one-implant-per-tooth method.

Because of their precise positioning, All-on-4® implants provide immediate support for replacement teeth. Unlike standard implants, which require a healing period before the final bridge can be placed—often several months with a temporary bridge in the meantime—All-on-4® teeth can be fitted within just five days after surgery, offering a faster and more convenient solution for patients seeking a full smile restoration.

What are the benefits of All-on-4® implants?

All-on-4® dental implants are suitable for most healthy adults who want to replace a full arch or both arches of failing or missing teeth, but they can be particularly beneficial for those who may have experienced bone loss in the jaw or are struggling with full dentures.

Some of the advantages of All-on-4® over other dental implants include:

Immediate teeth: Try-in your teeth within 1 to 3 days of surgery and get your permanent teeth fitted within five days. This removes the need for a temporary bridge.
Shorter treatment time: All-on-4® surgery is completed within a single visit, without the need for multiple surgeries and long waiting times involved for conventional implants to bond with the jaw before teeth can be placed.
Reduced surgery: Needing only four implants reduces the number of surgeries needed when replacing multiple teeth, along with the associated surgical and clinical risks.
More accommodating: All-on-4® treatment might be an option even if you’re not a candidate for standard dental implants, due to the unique way they are placed in the jaw.

Compared to dentures, All-on-4® offers a number of advantages including:

Strong biting forces: For long-term denture wearers, All-on-4® teeth will increase your bite strength and feel more like natural teeth, so you will be able to enjoy a wider variety of foods and a balanced and nutritious diet.
More comfortable: Your replacement teeth are permanently fixed to dental implants, and do not rely on the palate and gums for suction to stay in the mouth, so you won’t have to worry about them coming loose, feeling uncomfortable or taking them out.
Promotes bone health: Dental implants act like tooth roots and help stimulate the jawbone when chewing food. This action keeps the jaw bone from deteriorating prematurely.
Low maintenance: All-on-4® implants and bridges have no additional daily cleaning requirements like dentures do, you brush twice-daily and floss once a day as if they were your natural teeth.
Long-lasting: With good care, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime and a bridge can last many years before it needs replacing.

What to expect from All-on-4® treatment

Your All-on-4® journey will begin with a consultation to discuss your needs and for your dentist to assess your oral health, bone health and medical history. If you’re eligible for treatment and decide to go ahead, your dentist will work with you to develop your personal treatment plan.

After your implants and bridge are placed, your dentist will check that you’re happy with your new teeth and bite and give you guidance on the best way to look after them. Generally, this involves following a soft food diet for eight to twelve weeks, while following good oral hygiene care every day.

Your dentist will arrange several follow-up appointments to check your progress and help you address any problems as soon as possible.

See our guide on What to eat after dental implant surgery.

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How much does All-on-4® cost?

How much does All-on-4 dental implant treatment cost?

All-on-4® implants can offer unmatched longevity when compared to other prosthetic teeth solutions. Your dentist will give you a quote estimate when they develop your treatment plan.

All-on-4® plans at Perth Dental Implant Centre start from $21,000 per arch or $40,000 for both arches. This includes the cost of four titanium dental implants and abutments, surgery, a titanium-reinforced high-impact acrylic bridge, clinical radiographs and 6 months of follow-up appointments. It also includes a 5-year warranty on your implants; 5-year warranty on the titanium bar and a 2-year warranty on the acrylic teeth*. Hospital and anaesthetist fees are not included and subject to individual circumstances and private health cover.

*Warranty is subject to attending implant reviews, six-monthly check-ups and hygiene maintenance appointments.

To help make All-on-4® implants more accessible and help our patients manage the cost of their treatments, we offer payment plans from trusted providers, including interest-free options with Pretty Penny Finance. Your implants and bridge are also covered by warranty to give you peace of mind.

We are also a SuperCare provider and can assess your eligibility to access your super to cover the cost of All-on-4® treatment.

Success stories: All-on-4® later in life

Hear from other clients who’ve taken the journey with All-on-4® dental implants at Perth Dental Implant Centre.

What Clients Say

Find out more about All-on-4® in Perth

Dr David Norcross, BChD (Leeds), Master Clinician Implant Dentistry gIDE Institute

If you’re considering All-on-4® and want to know if it’s an option for you, or you still have questions, contact Dr David Norcross at Perth Dental Implant Centre today.

Dr. Norcross is a highly experienced dental surgeon, an All-on-4® Centre of Excellence provider, and a key opinion leader for Nobel Biocare. Passionate about education and mentorship, he guides emerging dentists and leads advanced clinical residencies each year for experienced practitioners looking to refine their skills in full-arch dental implant placement. Over the years, he has helped hundreds of patients restore their smiles with All-on-4® dental implants.

Book a consultation at our East Victoria Park location or Kelmscott on 1300 108 133. You can also ask Dr Norcross a question directly or download our All-on-4 ebook via the website.

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The total cost of All-on-4® dental implants includes the cost of the implants themselves, first and subsequent sets of replacement teeth, implant surgery, diagnostics and any other services required, such as dental sedation and hospital fees (if applicable). There will also be ongoing maintenance costs such as professional cleaning every six months and bridge repairs when needed. How often your All-on-4® bridge needs to be replaced depends on the type of bridge you choose, your oral hygiene, biting forces and lifestyle factors.

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