Permanent dentures with ‘all on 4’ implants
We offer fixed, non removable, natural looking dentures. We use a process commonly referred to as ‘all on 4’, to our patients in Leighton Buzzard, Milton Keynes and surrounding villages.
What are ‘all on four’ implants?
All on 4 implants give you beautiful, natural looking teeth which also function in a similar way to natural teeth.
The all on four process secures your denture to surgically placed dental implants so that you can eat, speak and live confidently without the fear of slipping dentures.
What are implant-supported dentures ?
In order to secure your dentures, specially designed titanium posts (typically 2 to 4) are gently placed into the jaw bone to enable them to bond with healthy bone and form a solid and permanent base.
Dentures are then adapted to fit on the implants either in removable or fixed form.
What are the benefits of all on 4 implants?
Many people are unhappy with conventional dentures as they can be prone to moving around in the mouth. In addition, a denture which initially fitted may, over time, become loose as a result of gum and bone shrinkage following the loss of teeth. This means regular visits to the dentist to adjust the fit of the dentures and may result in the need for replacement dentures in the longer term.
All on 4 implants keep dentures securely and comfortably in place, allowing you to go about your daily life with confidence. With the all on 4 technique, your uniquely created denture is placed on top of 4 implants (or more if required) creating a permanent, fully functioning, highly realistic-looking set of teeth.
Common dentures problems fixed by all on 4 implants
- Slipping and moving of dentures: All on 4 dentures are firmly fixed in place
- All on 4 dentures do not move, eliminating clicking due to loose dentures
- Bone loss in jaw: Over time the implants integrate with the natural bone in your jaw, preventing further bone loss
- Difficulty eating due to denture pressure on the gums. Eating will be more comfortable due to the fixed nature of the dentures
- Gum and mouth irritation, or pain caused by ill-fitting dentures: All gone with all on 4!
Your leading local implant clinic in Leighton Buzzard
Old Bank House Dental Surgery offers high quality dental implants to both self-referred and dentist-referred patients.
We use the highest quality implant materials to give you the best result possible.
Following your initial consultation, we will discuss with you the most cost effective and appropriate treatment for your individual circumstances. We only ever recommend what we believe is the best treatment for you, nothing more
With specialised training in implant procedures in both Europe and the USA, Neil Du Preez (BChD) has performed hundreds of implants procedures over the last 20 years.
Neil has developed a reputation for clinical excellence in implant procedures and often treats patients referred from other dentists for more complex implant requirements, including bone grafting if required.
Testimonials
Neil has rescued a number of problem teeth for me as well as installing some implants. I am extremely pleased with the result and would recommend this practice to anyone. Neil and his team make going to the dentist as pleasant an experience as it could be.
Andrew Pennett (Google review)
I have had an implant competed by Neil, a procedure that was (surprisingly) pain free and 100% successful. The surgery is spotlessly clean, spacious, comfortable and welcoming. Both dentists are extremely friendly; they fully explain any issues and options and they genuinely care about their patients.
Glenn Leighton (Google review)
Frequently asked questions about all on four implants
What does the implant treatment involve ?
The all on 4 implant treatment can be broken down into 3 steps:
STEP 1
During this initial consultation and planning phase, our experienced implant dentist will assesses your suitability for the all on 4 dental implant treatment. This includes taking X-rays, or sometimes a CBCT scan, to assess the condition of your jaw bone and to plan for the procedure.
STEP 2
This is when Neil places your implants. Whilst the procedure is commonly referred to as “all on 4”, Neil may occasionally use additional implants if he feels this is likely to give you a better and safer outcome. You are consulted at every stage to make sure you understand fully what is involved.
Your custom made, fixed dentures, consisting of a titanium base, are then manufactured to your exact specification by a specialist laboratory. You can wear your existing denture while your implants are healing and integrating with your natural bone. Sometimes we can temporarily fix your existing denture to the implants.
STEP 3
4 to 6 months later your fixed dentures are fitted onto your implants. The reason for the waiting time is to give the implants time to heal and to fully and securely integrate with your jaw bone.
Is the procedure for all on 4 uncomfortable ?
The implant procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic. The after effects are similar to having a tooth extracted so you may feel some discomfort due to the normal healing process. However, this is easily managed by taking over the counter painkillers for 2 or 3 days after the implant procedure.
How long does does it take ?
The whole process, from the initial consultation to the fitting of your permanent denture, usually takes around 4 to 6 months. This is to allow time for the implants to integrate properly and form a solid base for your custom made dentures.
Neil can fit you with a temporary denture during this period, either your own existing denture or a new set of temporary dentures.
Can I have all on 4 dentures on only one jaw ?
Whilst all on 4 denture can be fitted to both the upper and lower jaw, a fixed denture is more commonly suited to resolving problems in the lower jaw.
We will only ever recommend what is necessary. So if, for example, your existing upper dentures or natural teeth are fine then we would only recommend fitting all on 4 dentures to the lower jaw, and vice-versa.
What happens if one or more of the denture teeth gets damaged ?
Your dentist can easily remove your fixed dentures for maintenance or repairs so you don’t need to worry.
How do I clean all on 4 dentures? Can I remove them for cleaning ?
As your all on 4 dentures are designed to be fixed, you care for them and clean them just as you would your natural teeth, without removing them.
I’ve heard it can all be done in one visit. Is that true ?
To some extent, yes. You can have all on 4 implants and a denture fitted (either your own existing denture or a temporary one) all in one day.
However, the final result uses a titanium base which requires manufacturing time and custom fitting. We will also only fit your fixed denture once we are certain that the implant has fully integrated and is secure. This is why we tell our patients to allow 4 to 6 months for the whole process to be completed.
We are committed to meeting the highest standards of care and professional dental practice. We comply with all the regulations and standards laid down by the dental profession regulatory bodies.
