All-on-4® is an implant-based approach designed to replace an entire arch of teeth using just four strategically placed dental implants. The technique emphasizes stability and efficiency, allowing many patients to leave the surgical appointment with a provisional prosthesis that restores appearance and basic chewing function. For people who have lost most or all teeth on an arch, or for those facing full-arch extractions, All-on-4® is a streamlined option that minimizes the number of implants while maximizing support.
This solution is intended to simplify the traditional implant process without compromising long-term performance. By angling the posterior implants and utilizing the denser bone toward the front of the jaw, clinicians can often avoid the need for extensive bone grafting. That means a shorter overall treatment timeline for many patients and a predictable path to a restored smile.
Not every patient is the same, and suitability depends on health factors, bone anatomy, and lifestyle. During an initial consultation we review your oral health history, perform a clinical exam, and use imaging to confirm whether All-on-4® is an appropriate, safe choice. Our goal is to match the treatment plan to each patient’s individual needs and expectations.
The All-on-4® concept relies on precise implant placement to create a stable foundation for a full-arch prosthesis. Two anterior implants are typically positioned vertically where bone density is greatest, while two posterior implants are placed at an angle to increase contact with available bone. This distribution provides immediate structural support and helps distribute biting forces across the arch.
Digital planning tools, including cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), play a key role in treatment success. These tools allow clinicians to visualize bone volume and critical anatomical landmarks, plan optimum implant angulation, and design a provisional arch that can be attached on the day of surgery. Accurate planning reduces surprises and supports a smoother surgical experience.
On the day of implant placement, a temporary prosthesis is affixed to the newly placed implants so patients do not go without teeth. This provisional appliance is designed to promote healing, restore function, and provide a natural appearance while the implants integrate with the jawbone. Once osseointegration is complete, a custom-crafted final prosthesis replaces the temporary unit for long-term use.
The All-on-4® journey starts with a thorough consultation and diagnostic workup. Expect a discussion of medical history, intraoral photographs, and 3D imaging to evaluate bone structure and the position of nerves and sinuses. This information informs both the surgical approach and the design of the prosthesis, ensuring the plan is tailored to your anatomy.
Surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia and sedation options to maintain comfort. The procedure typically involves removing any remaining non-restorable teeth, placing the implants, and attaching the provisional prosthesis. While individual experiences vary, many patients report manageable discomfort that is addressed with prescribed or recommended medications and a short period of rest.
Recovery focuses on protecting the surgical sites while initial healing occurs. Patients are given clear post-operative instructions about diet, oral hygiene, and activity limitations. Follow-up visits during the first few months monitor healing and implant stability. Once the clinician confirms successful integration of the implants, impressions or digital scans are taken to fabricate the definitive prosthesis.
Long-term success depends on consistent home care and routine dental visits. Provisional and final prostheses require daily maintenance—brushing above and around the prosthesis, cleaning under the bridge where possible, and using adjuncts such as interdental brushes or water flossers as recommended. Proper hygiene helps prevent peri-implant inflammation and supports the longevity of the restoration.
Regular professional maintenance is essential. Scheduled appointments allow the dental team to assess soft tissue health, check the fit and occlusion of the prosthesis, and perform cleanings designed for implant-supported restorations. These visits also give clinicians a chance to catch early signs of wear or complications and address them promptly.
Lifestyle factors can influence outcomes. Smoking, uncontrolled systemic conditions, and poor oral hygiene increase the risk of complications. During treatment planning, we review how these factors may affect healing and long-term success and provide guidance to help patients achieve the best possible result.
Our practice combines advanced technology with coordinated clinical expertise to support full-arch implant solutions. We utilize CBCT imaging, digital impressions, and modern restorative workflows that improve predictability from planning to final restoration. These capabilities help ensure that surgical placement and prosthetic design are closely aligned.
Contemporary Dentistry works with a multispecialty team that includes implant-trained clinicians and surgical partners when cases require additional expertise. Collaboration across specialties helps us manage complex cases and provide comprehensive care from extraction through final prosthesis delivery.
We emphasize patient education and clear communication at every step. Before treatment begins you’ll receive a detailed plan that explains the timeline, clinical steps, and what to expect during recovery. That transparency helps patients make informed decisions and feel comfortable moving forward with care.
Summary: All-on-4® offers a streamlined pathway to full-arch tooth replacement that balances efficiency with durable support. With careful assessment, advanced imaging, and coordinated clinical care, many patients can leave surgery with functional provisional teeth and later transition to a custom final prosthesis. Contact us to learn more about whether All-on-4® is right for you and to schedule a consultation at our Gold Canyon office.
1All-on-4® is a registered trademark of Nobel Biocare.
The All-on-4 treatment concept offers an implant-based solution to patients who have lost all of their upper and/or lower teeth. This remarkable method of care helps patients quickly rebuild complete and beautiful smiles. With All-on-4, your new, and complete set of implant-supported replacement teeth feel secure, stable, and much like your very own.
If you currently wear complete upper and/or lower dentures or are slated to have your remaining teeth extracted, you may be a candidate for All-on-4. First Performed by Dr. Paulo Malo in 1998, the All-on-4 treatment concept has helped hundreds of thousands of patients quickly reestablish attractive smiles that look, feel, and function just like a set of natural teeth!
The All-on-4 treatment concept offers a fixed and permanent alternative to removable dentures. Unlike dentures, All-on-4 does not rely on messy dental adhesives or natural suction to hold your new set of teeth in place. With All-on-4, your replacement teeth are permanently secured by dental implants, giving you a smile that looks not only great but also feels secure and stable. You'll feel comfortable and confident as you speak, smile, and chew with ease.
While traditional full arch implants also achieve outstanding results of care, the All-On-4 treatment concept does not involve bone grafting and requires fewer implants to support a full set of teeth. With just four strategically placed dental implants needed to support an entire set of upper or lower teeth, the All-on-4 treatment concept offers a cost-effective and satisfying solution for rebuilding a complete smile. Thanks to this remarkable method of care, patients can experience the satisfaction of having teeth placed the same day as surgery. This key feature allows patients to smile and function with confidence until healing is complete and the permanent restorations installed.
Once it's been determined that you're a candidate for treatment with All-on-4, the process of treatment planning and designing your new smile begins. 3D diagnostic records provide the detailed information required to determine the exact positions of the four supporting dental implants. Then, on the day of surgery, we'll remove any remaining teeth, place the 4 implants, and insert a set of attractive, sturdy, and functional set of temporary teeth. With All-on-4, temporary teeth can be placed right away with a customized, permanent set to follow once the implants become fully integrated with the surrounding bone.
With All-on-4, temporary teeth can be placed right away with a customized, permanent set to follow within just a few months after the implants become fully integrated with the surrounding bone.
Thanks to All-on-4, patients enjoy permanent teeth that look, feel, and function just like real teeth. And with a patient satisfaction rate that exceeds 95%, the All-on-4 treatment concept restores your smile, your confidence, and allows you to enjoy once again the foods you love!
Maintaining your All-on-4 smile requires the same care as a natural smile. By cleaning your teeth twice daily, after meals as possible, and scheduling appointments for routine checkups as well as care, you can keep your new smile strong and healthy for years to come. Our office will demonstrate the most effective methods of oral hygiene and answer all your questions as to how to care for your new smile.
All-on-4® is a full-arch dental implant solution that uses four strategically placed implants to support a fixed prosthesis and restore an entire upper or lower arch. The approach is designed for people who have lost most or all of their teeth on an arch or who need full-arch extractions. By reducing the number of implants and using angled posterior placements, the technique emphasizes stability while streamlining treatment compared with placing an implant for every missing tooth. Many patients appreciate that the method can provide immediate provisional teeth on the day of surgery.
The treatment is intended for adults whose overall health and oral anatomy support implant therapy. Suitability depends on factors such as bone volume, periodontal health, and systemic conditions that affect healing. A thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation determines whether All-on-4® is an appropriate and predictable choice. When indicated, it offers a reliable pathway to restored function and appearance without the need for a prosthesis that is removed daily.
The All-on-4® concept achieves stability by positioning two anterior implants more vertically in dense bone and placing two posterior implants at an angle to increase contact with available bone. Angled posterior implants extend support posteriorly without encroaching on anatomical structures and often reduce the need for grafting. This distribution helps distribute biting forces across the arch and creates a strong foundation for a fixed prosthesis. Accurate implant placement and torque at insertion are important early indicators of primary stability.
Digital planning combined with precise surgical execution is crucial to long-term success. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and guided surgical workflows allow clinicians to visualize bone quality and plan implant angulation before entering the operatory. Immediate provisional prostheses can be attached to stable implants, restoring function while osseointegration occurs. Final restorations are fabricated to optimize force distribution and esthetics once integration is confirmed.
The consultation begins with a review of medical and dental history, a clinical oral exam, and advanced imaging to assess bone volume and critical anatomy. CBCT scans are typically used to map bone density, locate nerves and sinuses, and plan implant trajectories with precision. Photographs and digital impressions or scans help the team design a provisional and final prosthesis that meets functional and esthetic goals. The clinician will also discuss anesthesia and sedation options to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Based on the diagnostic information, a personalized treatment plan is created that outlines surgical steps, provisional timing, and follow-up visits. The plan includes contingency measures if additional procedures such as extractions or soft tissue management are needed. Clear communication about expected healing timelines and maintenance requirements helps patients prepare for each phase. Collaboration with surgical partners or specialists may be included for complex anatomy or medically complex cases.
Surgery typically involves extraction of any non-restorable teeth, placement of the four implants, and attachment of a provisional prosthesis when adequate primary stability is achieved. The procedure is performed under appropriate anesthesia and sedation to maintain patient comfort, and surgical time is often shorter than full-arch approaches that require extensive grafting. Many patients leave the appointment with a fixed temporary prosthesis that restores appearance and basic chewing ability. Postoperative swelling, bruising, and manageable discomfort are common and usually peak within the first 48 to 72 hours.
Recovery focuses on protecting the surgical sites, following prescribed oral hygiene protocols, and adhering to dietary recommendations for the initial healing phase. Pain and inflammation are typically controlled with prescribed or recommended medications and cold compresses, and patients are given clear instructions about activity limitations. Early follow-up visits monitor healing, suture removal if necessary, and implant stability. The provisional prosthesis is adjusted as needed to ensure comfort during the integration period.
The All-on-4® workflow commonly allows placement of a provisional prosthesis on the day of surgery, providing immediate restoration of esthetics and basic function. Osseointegration of implants generally takes several months, often in the range of three to six months, depending on individual healing and bone quality. During this period, patients follow a staged progression of diet and hygiene to support healing and avoid excessive loads on the implants. Regular clinical checks are scheduled to confirm stability before proceeding to the final restoration.
Once integration is confirmed, digital scans or impressions are taken to design and fabricate the definitive prosthesis, which may be metal-acrylic, hybrid, or full-ceramic depending on the case and material selection. The final prosthesis is adjusted for optimal occlusion, phonetics, and esthetics, and patients receive instruction on maintenance and any required nightly or ongoing care. Long-term follow-up appointments ensure the prosthesis continues to perform well and that soft tissues remain healthy.
Daily home care is essential to prevent peri-implant inflammation and to maintain the longevity of the restoration. Patients should brush the prosthesis thoroughly and clean the tissue interface above and around the appliance, using adjuncts such as interdental brushes, floss designed for implants, or a water flosser as recommended. Gentle cleaning under the bridge where accessible helps remove food debris and plaque that can accumulate along the prosthesis. Consistent oral hygiene and avoidance of habits that stress the prosthesis are important for long-term success.
Professional maintenance visits are typically scheduled at regular intervals to evaluate soft tissue health, check occlusion, and perform cleanings tailored to implant-supported restorations. During these appointments, clinicians assess for early signs of wear, loose components, or inflammation and intervene promptly when needed. Periodic radiographs or scans may be used to monitor bone levels around the implants. Ongoing communication with your dental team ensures maintenance protocols are adjusted to meet changing needs over time.
When risk factors are present, clinicians develop individualized strategies to optimize outcomes, which may include medical clearance, oral hygiene instruction, periodontal therapy, or modification of the surgical plan. Alternative restorative options are discussed when All-on-4® is not advisable, and multidisciplinary collaboration helps manage complex cases. Thorough preoperative assessment and patient education about modifiable risks improve transparency and long-term predictability.
As with any surgical procedure, All-on-4® carries potential risks such as infection, delayed healing, implant failure, or prosthetic complications like screw loosening or fracture. Early detection and prompt management are critical; simple issues such as soft tissue inflammation can often be treated with improved hygiene and localized therapy. More significant concerns, including implant mobility or persistent infection, may require removal of the affected implant, antibiotic therapy, or other interventions. Preoperative planning and surgical technique are important measures to minimize these risks.
Regular postoperative monitoring allows the dental team to address complications before they compromise the entire rehabilitation. When prosthetic problems arise, adjustments, repairs, or remakes of components are possible depending on the situation. Collaborative care with specialists ensures that complex complications—such as those involving bone or nerve proximity—are managed with appropriate expertise. Patients are encouraged to report any unusual pain, swelling, or mobility promptly so corrective steps can be taken quickly.
Compared with removable dentures, All-on-4® typically offers greater stability, improved chewing efficiency, and a fixed solution that many patients find more natural in function and feel. Fixed implant-supported arches also help preserve jawbone by transmitting functional forces through implants, which can slow the bone loss commonly seen with conventional dentures. Removable prostheses, while less invasive in some cases, may require adhesives and can shift during function, affecting comfort and confidence. All-on-4® can eliminate the need to remove a prosthesis daily and often improves speaking and eating for many patients.
Compared with placing individual implants for each missing tooth, All-on-4® reduces the number of implants and surgical sites while still providing a fixed full-arch result. Individual implant restorations may be preferable when only a few teeth are missing or when specific tooth-by-tooth planning is desired. The best choice depends on anatomy, patient goals, and clinical considerations such as available bone and soft tissue. A thorough clinical evaluation helps determine which option provides the most predictable, functional, and esthetic outcome for each patient.
At Contemporary Dentistry, our team combines advanced digital imaging, restorative workflows, and coordinated clinical expertise to support full-arch implant solutions. We use CBCT imaging and digital impressions to plan implant placement precisely and to design provisional and final prostheses that meet functional and esthetic goals. Collaboration with implant-trained clinicians and surgical partners is available for cases that benefit from specialized input. This integrated approach helps reduce surprises and improves predictability from planning through final restoration.
We emphasize clear communication and patient education so individuals understand each phase of treatment, expected timelines, and home care responsibilities. Before treatment begins you will receive a tailored plan that outlines the clinical steps and postoperative protocol to support healing and long-term success. If you are considering full-arch restoration, our team can evaluate your case, explain options, and recommend a treatment path aligned with your oral health needs and goals.