All-on-X full-arch dental implants in Bracken Ridge, North Brisbane

All-on-X is a way of replacing a full arch of teeth, upper or lower, using four to six dental implants that support a fixed bridge of replacement teeth. The bridge is screwed to the implants and is not removed at home. All-on-4 is the same approach using four implants; All-on-X describes the number being chosen for each patient.

Usually four to six implants per arch. The number depends on the amount and quality of bone in the jaw, which is assessed with a CBCT 3D scan before planning. Where bone is limited, implants may be placed at an angle to use the bone that is available, which in some cases avoids the need for grafting.

Most cases run over three to six months. After the implants are placed, a temporary fixed bridge may be fitted during healing so you are not left without teeth; your dentist confirms whether that applies to you. The final bridge is made once the implants have integrated with the bone. Your consultation gives you a timeline for your own case.

All-on-X may be an option if you are missing most or all of the teeth in one arch, or your remaining teeth cannot be saved. Suitability depends on bone volume, gum health, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and some medical conditions. It is assessed at a consultation with a CBCT scan, and no recommendation is made before that.

A conventional denture rests on the gums and is removed for cleaning. An All-on-X bridge is fixed to implants and stays in place, and the implants transfer chewing force to the bone rather than the gums. Between the two sits an implant-retained denture, which is removable but clips onto two to four implants; your dentist can explain which suits you.

The implants and the bridge are designed for long-term use, but how long they last varies from person to person. Gum health, daily cleaning, smoking, teeth grinding and regular reviews all affect the outcome, and the bridge may need maintenance or replacement over time. Your dentist will discuss what to expect for your situation.

Yes. IV sedation is available for eligible patients having All-on-X surgery at Barrett Street Dental, with a sedation dentist monitoring you throughout the appointment. Oral sedation is also an option. Suitability is assessed at your consultation and depends on your medical history.

You can eat soon after surgery, but on soft foods only while the implants heal, which is usually several weeks to a few months depending on your case. Hard, chewy or sticky foods are avoided during this time so the implants are not loaded before they have integrated. Your dentist gives you specific instructions for each stage.

Clean under and around the bridge daily with a water flosser or interdental brushes and a soft toothbrush, and attend regular reviews so the implants, gums and bridge can be checked. Not smoking and keeping your gums healthy are the two biggest factors in the long-term health of the implants.

The cost depends on the number of implants, the bridge material (acrylic or zirconia), whether grafting is needed and the complexity of surgery, so it is quoted after your consultation and CBCT scan rather than as a single advertised price. You receive an itemised written estimate before anything is booked, and Zip payment plans are available for eligible patients.

Alternatives include an implant-retained denture, which uses fewer implants to hold a removable denture in place; conventional dentures; or, where enough teeth remain, individual implants or bridges. Which is appropriate depends on your bone, your remaining teeth and your general health, and each option is discussed at your consultation.

Barrett Street Dental provides All-on-X full-arch implants at its Bracken Ridge clinic, where Dr Vikram Bansal places the implants and manages each case from CBCT planning to the final bridge. We see patients from across North Brisbane, including Sandgate, Brighton, Deagon, Bald Hills, Taigum, Aspley, Boondall and Redcliffe.