How Long Do All On 4 Implants Last? All You Need To Know

Traditional and cutting-edge implants combine in a single procedure known as All-On-4 dental implants. They are an ideal choice for those who are entirely edentulous.

All-on-4 dental implants are an excellent option for people looking to replace multiple missing teeth. As a permanent solution, they fit securely in the jaw, helping patients avoid embarrassing denture slips.

Understandably, people considering this type of complete mouth restoration are also anxious about how long it lasts. Since All-On-4 tooth implants are a recent invention, there is insufficient data on implant longevity.

Continue reading to learn more about this innovative dental restoration and find out how long All-On-4 implants last, according to the dental professionals.

What Is The Difference Between A Regular Dental Implant And All-On-4?

The main differences between All-on-4 dental implants and regular implants are the number of implants required to support the denture, the placement and the healing time.

Regular dental implants typically require two surgeries to install. The implants are placed into the jawbone and left to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone tissue. Overall, the process can take up to 9 months to complete. Those who lack muscular jawbone/gum tissue or sufficient bone may not be suitable candidates for these implants or may need to undergo a bone graft procedure.

With all-on-4 dental implants, an entire arch of missing teeth can be replaced in one day using 4 dental implants to support a denture instead of 6 to 8 regular implants.

Four dental implants are inserted at the front of the jawbone, where the bone is denser. A 45-degree angle allows the implants to be implanted even in patients with a more fragile jawbone.

Patients who choose this technique do not require a bone graft, reducing the number of procedures and time necessary for recovery.

Moreover, an All-on-4 implant comprises four titanium screws bonded to the jaw bone tissue. Thanks to this procedure, teeth remain securely in the jaw, and patients don't have to worry about bone loss since the implants provide the necessary stimulation of tooth roots to keep the bone healthy. 

So How Long Do All-On-4 Implants Last?

Implant longevity is one of the most common concerns for patients. After all, having implants entails both a financial and time commitment. 

One of the advantages of All-On-4 is that it lasts a long time. Dental implants had a 90% to 95% success rate at the 10-year mark, according to a 2017 study. There are also plenty of ways to preserve All-on-4 dental implants after installation.

The success of dental implants can be determined by a wide range of factors, including:

• The patient's age
• Implant diameter
• Quality of the jawbone
• Location of the implant
• The length of the implant
• Whether or not the patient has a chronic infectious condition
• Whether or not the patient is taking immunosuppressive medication
• Smoking
• Addiction to drugs or alcohol
• Periodontal disease

All-on-4 -dental implants can last a long time if placed in a healthy patient with a strong jawbone and few other risk factors. Why not get a consultation at your local dental clinic to learn more about All-On-4 dental implants.

All-On-4 Implants: What Do The Facts Tell Us?

The most comprehensive study into the durability of the All-On-4 tooth implant was conducted in 2011, wherein 245 All-On-4 implant users were tracked for ten years. 

98% of the implants remained stable and functional after five years. Ninety-five per cent of the implants were still functioning after ten years, and 94% of the patients had not experienced any implant failures. Ninety-five per cent of patients had no implant failures at all.

This success rate is outstanding for a relatively new form of treatment because all dental implants have a slight possibility of rejection or failure. Ten years later, 99 per cent of those dentures attached to implants are still in good condition.

In 2012, a slightly less comprehensive study followed a similar number of participants for five years. It found that 98% of the implants tested were successful. Also, dentures remained in good shape, with a 100% success rate. 

After conducting both studies, Dr Paulo Malo's All-On-4 procedure was considered safe, successful and ready to be introduced into the dental community. Implant-supported dentures were shown in both studies to be a long-term answer for people in need of a complete mouth rejuvenation method with clinical implications. 

The current research does not guarantee that the system will last longer than ten years, but we can confidently say that patients should have few problems with their dentures and implants throughout their lives.

If you're planning to get All-On-4 tooth implants, visit a dentist who offers consultation in your area. They can look at your dental condition and let you know whether you are a suitable candidate or not.

How To Clean All-On-4 Dental Implants?

Keeping All-On-4 tooth implants clean is crucial for their longevity. As with natural teeth, they should be brushed and flossed twice daily to remove food particles and plaque that may accumulate.

You should attend regular dental consultations near you to keep All-On-4 dental implants in good condition.

Wrapping Up

How long do All-on-4 implants last? We can say they were developed with longevity in mind. They have the potential to last many years if they are cared for properly, although the denture will eventually need to be replaced.

Are you considering tooth replacement or restoration? Ask our Riverlands Dental dentist about All-On-4 tooth implants by calling on (02) 4501 7930. It's an option that looks and feels just like your natural teeth.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

PubMed – Factors Affecting The Survival Rate Of Dental Implants 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774056/

NCBI - The all-on-four treatment concept: Systematic review 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5347302/

PubMed - "All-on-4" immediate-function concept for completely edentulous maxillae: a clinical report on the medium (3 years) and long-term (5 years) outcomes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22008153/