Training and Expertise of your Dentist
There’s an enormous amount of skill involved in dental implants to achieve natural-looking results that can also stand the test of time.
When it comes to choosing your All on 4 dentist, a proven track record in delivering service matters. Ask to see theirs.
Studies suggest that the number of years experience in performing full implant tooth replacement procedures is a key factor in the success rate of implants.
Done well, All on Four implants can have a success rate of up to 98%, making it one of the most successful dental treatments, but these studies are based on treatments performed by the most experienced dentists.
It’s simple: great dentists produce great results.
Your overall All on four cost is reflective of not only parts or materials, but your dentist’s experience and ability to manage all sorts of treatments, from the straightforward through to the most complex, with absolute confidence.
Remember—you’re effectively replacing the hardest working part of the mouth; it needs to withstand biting and chewing. Replacing an entire set of teeth requires a strong knowledge base to recreate the ‘bite’: how the teeth fit together against the opposing teeth.
A common complication of implants occurs when the ‘bite’ isn’t correctly adjusted, leading to pressure on the implants holding the teeth, sore jaws, headaches and even teeth popping off due to uncontrolled biting pressure. Make no mistake, a perfect bite takes years to master and is one of the most challenging aspects of providing fixed teeth on implants.
A quick word on dental tourism
If the thought of a cut-price All on 4 in Thailand sounds enticing, read up on the major implications of having this procedure done off-shore before you make your choice.
Additionally, your All on four dentist should be dedicated to keeping up with advancements in dental implants, especially procedures to replace all missing teeth with fixed dental implants: the most complex and clinically challenging procedure of all.
Summary:
Senior professionals who have spent years perfecting their craft are likely to command higher All on 4 pricing.
Seven Questions for your All on 4 Provider
Choosing the right dentist is a critical decision in your journey. Asking the right questions will give you the information and confidence needed to help you make a fair assessment of your prospective dentist’s All on 4 pricing.
Q1.How many All on 4 procedures has the dentist performed?
All on 4 is a treatment that falls under the category of ‘all fixed teeth on implants’. While All on Four has been around for just 15 years, fixed teeth on implants have been around for over 50 years. It’s important to work with a dentist skilled in fixed teeth on implants procedures—someone who performs them regularly, with years of experience—to get you the best results for your money.
Q2.What training has the dentist completed?
Most patients are surprised to learn that there is no official qualification for dental implants. The level of dental implant training varies from a weekend course to a *literal* investment of years. Before deciding a dentist’s All on 4 cost is too high, consider how your investment translates to their experience and expertise in the field.
Q3.What’s the dentist’s longest patient follow-up?
This question is actually more important than how many implants they’ve placed! Ask to see a proven track record and long-lasting results. All on 4 problems may not show up until years later. A good rule of thumb is to ask to see examples of work completed 5-10 years ago.
Q4.Can I see your before and after All on 4 photos?
Most dentists will be more than happy to show you what to expect after an all on Four treatment and the results they’ve been able to provide patients. The most experienced dentists will be able to show you examples that are similar and relevant to your case.
Q5.Who is the prosthetist?
Prosthetists are the professionals who work with making denture teeth, but not all of them have experience with dental implants. Their level of skill and experience makes a big difference to the quality, aesthetics and durability of your final teeth.
Q6.Has the dentist’s work been assessed by their colleagues?
When implants first became available, the only way to learn the procedure was to visit the inventor's training centre in Sweden. After initial training, the dentist was required to treat at least 10 patients, and submit their work to be peer-reviewed, before the manufacturer would even sell them the dental implants! Today things have changed significantly. Technically, there’s nothing stopping any dentist, with or without further training, from purchasing and placing implants. That's why it's crucial to quiz your prospective implant dentist’s experience and track record.
Q7.Does the dentist lecture or teach official courses and conferences?
Any dentist can set up a teaching facility or ‘Institute’ and say that they “teach” dental implants, but few are selected by independent committees to speak on these topics at official conferences based on the outcomes of their work. Teacher credentials speak volumes about the quality of your All on Four dentist’s work.
All on 4: Dr Dunn's Credentials
- Dr Dunn trained with the inventor of dental implants prof. Per Ingvar Branemark in Sweden in the 80s. After this initial training, he continued under the auspices of the local branch of the Branemark Centre in Perth with world-renowned Prosthodontist and dental implant researcher Dr Patrick Henry. As a part of his training, Dr Dunn treated 10 patients with full mouth dental implants, which were submitted for peer review assessment.
- Dr Dunn has attended hundreds of implant-related training programs. He was part of the first group of Australian practitioners to be trained in the All on Four treatment concept in 2005
- Today, Dr Dunn gives back to his profession by mentoring other clinicians in dental implant treatment and cosmetic dentistry through his mentor program. He’s a long-serving teacher with the gIDE dental implant program. He’s lectured internationally on dental implants and All on 4 and cosmetic smile makeovers, and serves as a trusted advisor to manufacturers of dental materials.
- At your consultation, we’ll take you through a range of Dr Dunn’s All on 4 treatments comparable to your situation—many with 10+ years of follow-up.
Work Examples: All on 4 by Dr Dunn
A dentist’s lack of experience in All on Four can lead to upsetting results for patients, including breakages, aesthetic and functional failure, and an overall compromise in quality.
Below is a selection of remedial work on patients who have received disappointing All on 4 results. I include these images not to scare prospective All on Four patients, but to highlight the potential complications that can occur in the hands of an inexperienced dentist.
All on 4 Remedial Work: Case Study 1
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Image 1: BEFORE - Patient was referred to Macquarie Street Centre due to a failing All on Four tooth bridge that was breaking, difficult to keep clean, and aesthetically unappealing with an incorrect bite.
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Image 2: BEFORE - Misplaced dental implants caused excessive load in the tooth bridge. The left side of the tooth bridge cracked in the front, completely breaking the back three teeth.
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Image 3: BEFORE - Here, you can clearly see that the original dental implants weren’t evenly distributed, causing excessive pressure on one side of the jaw. Luckily, we were able to place an additional implant to support a new tooth bridge and prevent further breakages.
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Image 4: AFTER - The new tooth bridge, placed after the additional All on 4 dental implant fused to the bone. The patient's new smile is aesthetically pleasing, with a strong metal foundation and correct bite.
All on 4 Remedial Work: Case Study 2
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Image 6: BEFORE - Patient was referred to Macquarie Street Centre for an All on Four acrylic tooth bridge replacement. Her teeth were stained with visible wear and tear. Remedial treatment gave us the opportunity to enhance her tooth shape and smile for a more natural appearance.
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Image 7: AFTER - After Thorough implant planning meant that the patient walked away with a natural-looking, comfortable new tooth bridge. Her new teeth are narrower and more feminine— better suited to her face. Significant time was spent getting the pink portion of the bridge to look like real gum tissue. The new tooth bridge is leaner, with a strong metal structure, for easy cleaning and enhanced comfort.
All on Four Remedial Work: Case Study 3
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Image 8 & 9: BEFORE: Patient attended Macquarie Street Dental Practice with concerns that her top and bottom All on 4 treatment was failing. Poorly placed implants due to little to no planning and tooth bridges that had pink gum material falling off and unnatural looking and stained teeth meant that a complete redo was required.
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Image 10: AFTER: Patient attended Macquarie Street Dental Practice with concerns that her top and bottom All on 4 treatment was failing. Poorly placed implants due to little to no planning and tooth bridges that had pink gum material falling off and unnatural looking and stained teeth meant that a complete redo was required.