All on 4 of the upper jaw

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I had the all on 4 on my upper jaw in 2019. Total cost was around £14,000. I opted for having the procedure where I could snap the denture out in the interests in being able to keep the whole area clean myself.

There were a number of steps in this journey :
Step 1 - removal of the 3 remaining top teeth and insertion of the 4 implant posts. With the sedative, the procedure itself wasnt painful, though the pain started kicking in during the 3 hour journey home. I was in bed for a few days and there was quite a bit of swelling on my face above my top lip.

Step 2 - around a month later, I had an impression taken (which was awful as I have very poor gagging) and for some reason, which I now can't remember, had to have around 8 injections on the roof of my mouth, this was very very painful and I think I actually cried. All this was to do with the metal device that was being created for my new denture to snap on and off, precision was absolutely paramount.

Step 3 again around a month later, fitting of the metal 'bridge' onto the 4 implant posts - this wasnt so bad.

Step 4 around 3 months later, fitting of the new denture onto the metal 'bridge' - hurrah.

From between Step 1 and Step 4 I wore the temporary denture that I had been given.

Am I pleased with the result? Yes I am, my new top teeth look great and very natural, and with the metal bridge that they snap off and onto, no need for the gunk to keep the denture in place. A really important thing is sticking to the habit of cleanliness with mouth wash, brushing the metal bridge with a normal toothbrush and use of interdental brushes on the area between the top of the bridge and the roof of my mouth. Things are kept tip top with a six monthly visit to the dental place that did this procedure which involves a check to make sure everything is ok - and so far it has been - and a going over by the dental hygienist.

The reason I chose the snap in snap out was entirely to do with being able to keep everything clean myself. The option of having the denture permanently fixed in my own mind increased the risk of hygiene related infection, as well as buying into what can be very high costs of having a permanent fixture cleaned.

So yes, I'm pleased with the final result. Would I do it again after all that was involved? Hand on heart, I am not 100% sure. Both my husband and close friends have said they would not have gone through it.

I did a lot of research on choosing the dental practice to do this work and ended up going for one around 200 mile from me for 2 reasons - the long standing experience of the dental surgeon who carried out this work and also, to me very importantly, on the same site they had a team that made the dentures - in many practices this work is usually outsourced to labs that make dentures.

If anyone would like the details of the dental practice that I chose for this work, please do PM me.

Have you researched the dentist who is suggesting this? I would recommend trying more then one to compare their recommendations. Does the dentist intend to load the implants straight away or will you have a denture to allow time for he implanTs to settle and take? If the condition of your mouth is poor you may not be suitable for just four implants and you may need your bone building up well it is widened not made taller. I have eight implants and a full bridge it is not for the faint hearted and at times painful but well worth it if the procedure is suitable for you. Good luck

I’m about to embark on several implants and two sinus grafts. Bit worried but dentist is very busy and has been recommended. Will be over £20000 as a lot of work involved.

Well done. I have couple of implants and ideally would like a full set. Happy healing!

Decided to go for it, Shez. Had to have two extra long screws due to lack of bone. At the moment I’m very swollen and bruised but no pain, and losing some weight due to the liquid diet! I’m very pleased with the teeth and am already looking forward to the final ones in three months or so.

Monica, Im allergic to Listerine cannot have it at all. One note of caution, I am not a health professional but if you have an autoimmune condition read up on dental implants and the effects on your condition. I don't have implants for that very reason, but it was purely my own decision. As others said if you have implants, find a reputable dentist with good credentials. Research it well.

I have 5 implants which cost 10,000 euro in lreland so l think 16000 pounds is good value for a full top set. If you can afford it. My dentist had a system where it was divided into about 5 payments which helped. It wasn't sore as had lots of injections and felt nothing but they were long sessions . Highly recommed it if dentist is very experienced.

I have two dental implants. Expect an X-ray to assess the bone in your jaw, placement of the screws, a three month wait for your bone to grow round screws, an impression to indicate the size and positioning of your replacement teeth and a fitting.
The placement of the screws is probably the part of the procedure you dread. Honestly, it sounds far worse than it is.
I wouldn’t hesitate to have another.

I’ve got 2 lower jaw titanium implants- with crowns on top - done in 2009 cost then was £5000. Very pleased with look & durability etc. Have to floss regularly(as you should with all teeth!)
No pain when posts or crowns were fitted as effective anaesthetic was given. Lengthy process over a few months from start to finish. Both crowns popped off last year but luckily I didn’t swallow either & dentist refitted successfully Find an experienced implant dentist you trust!

Thank you all for your comments.

Thank you Shez, that’s good know.

I’ve recently had all on 4 on my top jaw. Not to unpleasant as I had sedation and came to once the worst was over. Quite a lot of follow up dentist visits. Top teeth look good after spending so much but was worth it. Make sure you find a dentist you trust and is very experienced.

I had an implant to replace a canine tooth, just before Covid struck. It was £3.5k.

It is a long time in the chair but if the patient is suitable, it can all be done in one session now, unlike previous methods.

I must say I did rather feel as though I’d been bashed on the bonce with a mallet that evening but painkillers soon sorted that out.

If you can afford it, it’s well worth it.

My sister had them, cost her £25000. First few days were very painful but she says are well worth the pain. She looks years younger and they are so natural looking unlike dentures.

I have had one implant and may need another. The procedure wasn't particulalry painful. Unfortunately I had to rinse out the side of my mouth containing the implant in Corsydol three times a day. That was when it was discovered that I was allergic to one of the chemicals in Corsydol. My face swelled up and I had bruises along my jaw.

One acquaintance clearly suspected that I was a victim of domestic violence!! Very unkind because she knew DH and knew he was neither a controlling nor a violent man.

The dentist said I was only the second case of an allergy to corsodyl he had come across in 20 years as a dentist.

The one implant I have at the front - upper - cost £2000, 10 years ago. No pain at all but as others have said, it's a lengthy procedure. I see the hygienist every six months.

I've just had an estimate of £4000 for two back teeth which could need bone implants as well.

I've also had implants, didn't find it painful at all just a lengthy process. I am really pleased with them, I had two large teeth on the bottom right and it cost me £2500.

I had three dental implants a year ago absolutely best thing ever. I had a variety of crowns and bridge work they put in the posts first I was given an injection (awake but not awake) I could hear but felt no pain then given temporary bridge work to replace missing teeth. After the event it was uncomfortable for 48 hours but then ok.
You wait three months for posts to settle then you have impressions for the main teeth.
Once in they do not take out but you must see hygenist every three months and floss regularly
I can now smile without putting hand over the mouth if you can afford worth it.

Ive had two dental implants for my front teeth after crown failure (after many years). I didn’t find it painful but the procedure requires lots of lengthy visits. I started attending in the March with removal of broken crowns requiring stitches, then I think I had bone grafts and had to wait to see if they took and produce more jaw thickness, then I had metal posts put in, and it was eventually finished in the September. I had a denture in the meantime so never had a gap. I wish I could afford a top and bottom full set but that would be over £20000. No regrets.

Yes, allsorts, that’s what it is.

I’ve posted more info.

All on 4 is dental procedure where all your top teeth are removed, 4 very deep implants are drilled into your jaw and a complete new set of teeth attached to them. The teeth never come out, once a year your dentist will remove them and deep clean. It is like having normal teeth and they will last for your life.

I could do with an implant, but someone (big burly policeman ) told me it was quite painful. I don’t know why because I thought they would give you an anaesthetic. I should have asked him ?