Now Accepting Medicaid At All Locations!
Our Office
Visit Us Online
Now Accepting Medicaid At All Locations!
Losing a full arch of teeth can affect more than just appearance; it changes how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. The All-on-4® treatment concept is a modern restorative option designed to replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth using a small number of dental implants and a fixed prosthesis. The approach focuses on predictable function and an attractive result, often allowing patients to leave the dental office with a stable provisional set of teeth the same day as surgery.
This solution is intended for people who have extensive tooth loss, failing dentition, or those who are preparing to have remaining teeth removed. Because it uses fewer implants placed in strategic positions, All-on-4 can be an efficient path to a reliable, full-arch restoration without the need for grafting in many cases. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, so dentists evaluate bone levels, overall health, and personal goals before recommending the best option.
Planning is a key part of the process. Advanced imaging, such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), helps your dental team visualize bone structure and design a surgical plan that optimizes implant placement and long-term stability. The combination of careful planning and experienced surgical technique is what allows many patients to regain both function and confidence quickly.
At the heart of the All-on-4 concept are four dental implants placed in each arch to support a full-arch prosthesis. Two implants are positioned near the front of the mouth and two are placed toward the back at an angle, taking advantage of denser bone where it is most available. This strategic placement provides a strong foundation and distributes chewing forces across the arch.
After implants are placed, a provisional prosthesis is typically attached the same day to restore appearance and function while the implants begin the healing process. Over the following months, a process called osseointegration occurs: the bone gradually bonds to the implant surfaces, creating a durable connection. Once healing is complete, the provisional is replaced with a precisely crafted final prosthesis designed for comfort, hygiene, and longevity.
Because each mouth is different, clinicians may adapt the technique—using variations in implant number, angulation, or prosthesis design—to meet specific anatomical or functional needs. Preoperative planning and clear communication about expectations help ensure the final result aligns with the patient’s goals for appearance and daily function.
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation and diagnostic workup. This includes oral examination, digital imaging, and discussion of medical history and comfort preferences. Many practices offer local anesthesia with optional sedation to make surgery more comfortable; your dental team will explain which option best suits your needs and medical profile.
On the day of implant placement, the surgical team follows the preplanned guide to position implants precisely. The provisional prosthesis is then secured to the implants so you can leave the office with a complete and functional arch. Immediately after surgery, it’s normal to experience some swelling and mild discomfort; the clinical team will provide post-operative instructions to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
In the weeks following surgery, patients follow a staged return to normal activity and diet, starting with softer foods and progressing as comfort and stability improve. Routine follow-up visits allow the team to monitor healing and make adjustments before fabricating the final prosthesis. With proper home care and regular dental maintenance, the restored arch can remain functional and healthy for many years.
One of the most tangible advantages of an implant-supported full-arch restoration is the restored ability to chew a wider variety of foods with confidence. Compared with removable dentures, a fixed prosthesis on implants often provides greater stability during speaking and eating, which can make daily life more comfortable and enjoyable.
The prostheses used with the All-on-4 approach are crafted to look like natural teeth and gums, helping patients regain a balanced facial appearance and a confident smile. They are designed for straightforward cleaning and maintenance—brushing, flossing or using recommended interdental aids, and keeping regular professional check-ups to support long-term oral health.
Because the technique emphasizes a small number of implants with strategic placement, many patients benefit from a streamlined treatment timeline and fewer surgical sites to manage. That said, success depends on thorough planning, surgical skill, and consistent aftercare, so choosing a provider with experience in full-arch implant restorations is important for a predictable outcome.
Deciding whether All-on-4 is appropriate starts with a detailed evaluation of your oral health, bone anatomy, medical considerations, and personal priorities. Patients who are interested in a fixed, full-arch solution and who want to minimize the number of implants or avoid extensive grafting may find All-on-4 to be a fitting option. Your clinician will discuss alternatives and explain how each choice aligns with your functional and aesthetic goals.
New Day Dentistry can guide you through the decision-making process, explaining each step from diagnostics to final prosthesis delivery. A clear treatment plan—including timelines for provisional and final restorations—helps set realistic expectations and fosters confidence in the pathway forward.
If you would like to learn more about how All-on-4 could restore your smile and function, please contact us for more information. Our team can help determine whether this approach is a match for your needs and arrange a thorough consultation to review your options.
1All-on-4 is a registered trademark of Nobel Biocare
All-on-4® is a full-arch tooth replacement approach that uses a limited number of dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis for an entire upper or lower arch. The concept typically places two implants near the front of the jaw and two angled implants toward the back to maximize engagement with available bone. Many patients receive a provisional prosthesis the same day as surgery, restoring appearance and basic function while implants begin to heal.
Over the following months the implants undergo osseointegration, a biological process in which bone bonds to the implant surface to create stable support. Once healing is complete, the provisional prosthesis is replaced with a final restoration that is crafted for improved fit, function and hygiene access. Treatment plans are individualized to account for anatomy, health history and aesthetic goals to optimize long-term outcomes.
Good candidates for All-on-4® are people with extensive tooth loss, failing dentition or those preparing to have remaining teeth removed who seek a fixed full-arch solution. Adequate bone volume in key areas is important, though the angled posterior implants used in the technique often reduce the need for extensive grafting. Medical conditions, smoking status and oral health are also considered, and your clinician will review health history to determine suitability.
A comprehensive diagnostic workup, including clinical examination and imaging, helps identify whether All-on-4® is appropriate or whether alternative approaches are preferable. The practice will evaluate bone quality, jaw relationships and soft-tissue considerations before recommending a tailored plan. If All-on-4® is not the best match, clinicians can explain other implant or prosthetic options that align with patient goals.
Surgery begins with a detailed preoperative plan that is informed by clinical data and imaging; many teams use surgical guides to transfer that plan precisely to the mouth. On the day of treatment the surgical team places four implants per arch in the predetermined positions, often under local anesthesia with optional sedation to ensure patient comfort. When indicated, a provisional fixed prosthesis is attached to the implants at the same visit to restore immediate function and appearance.
The surgical protocol emphasizes atraumatic technique and accurate implant angulation to engage denser bone and distribute chewing forces effectively. Postoperative instructions and short-term follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and make any necessary adjustments to the provisional restoration. Final prosthesis fabrication begins once osseointegration and soft-tissue healing have reached the milestones defined in the treatment plan.
Recovery following All-on-4® typically involves some swelling, mild discomfort and sensitivity in the treated area for the first few days to weeks, which is managed with prescribed or recommended medications and specific home-care instructions. Patients are commonly advised to follow a soft-food diet and avoid excessive chewing forces on the provisional prosthesis during initial healing. Regular follow-up visits allow the dental team to assess healing, remove sutures if present, and confirm implant stability before progressing the diet and activities.
Osseointegration is a gradual process that can take several months, and patients should expect staged adjustments to their function and prosthesis during that time. Good oral hygiene and adherence to postoperative guidelines promote predictable healing and reduce the risk of complications. Your clinician will provide a clear timeline for when the final prosthesis will be delivered and when normal dietary and oral hygiene routines can resume fully.
Long-term care for an All-on-4® restoration combines daily home hygiene with regular professional maintenance to protect both implants and surrounding tissues. Brushing twice daily, using appropriate interdental brushes or flossing aids around the prosthesis, and cleaning the prosthetic surfaces are fundamental to preventing plaque accumulation. Avoiding habits that place excessive force on the restoration, such as chewing very hard items or using teeth as tools, helps preserve components and supporting bone.
Routine dental visits are essential for monitoring implant health, prosthesis integrity and soft-tissue condition; the clinician may recommend periodic professional cleanings and radiographic evaluations. If you grind or clench your teeth, the team may recommend protective measures such as an occlusal guard to reduce biomechanical stress. Promptly reporting any signs of looseness, discomfort or changes in the gums enables early intervention and better outcomes.
All-on-4® typically provides improved stability and chewing efficiency compared with removable dentures because the prosthesis is fixed to implants and does not rely on suction or adhesives. Fixed restorations can reduce movement during speech and eating, enhancing comfort and confidence in daily activities. The prosthesis also restores facial support and aesthetics in a way that more closely resembles natural dentition, which can improve overall appearance and self-image.
The All-on-4® approach often streamlines treatment by using fewer implants and minimizing the need for bone grafting in many cases, which can shorten timelines and reduce surgical sites. Because the restoration is fixed, hygiene routines focus on cleaning around the prosthesis rather than removing and reinserting a denture. Individual results vary, so careful planning and discussion with an experienced clinician help determine the best solution for each patient.
As with any surgical procedure, All-on-4® carries potential risks including infection, implant failure, nerve irritation, sinus complications in the upper jaw, and peri-implant inflammation around the implant sites. Prosthetic issues such as component loosening, acrylic fractures or wear of prosthetic teeth can also occur and may require repairs or adjustments. Many of these risks are mitigated by thorough planning, sterile surgical technique and attentive postoperative care.
Early diagnosis and management of complications are important for preserving implant health and prosthesis function, so routine follow-up is essential. Clinicians assess risk factors such as smoking, uncontrolled systemic health conditions and oral hygiene that can affect outcomes and work with patients to address modifiable factors. Selecting a provider experienced in full-arch implant care and following postoperative instructions reduces the likelihood of significant complications.
The implants supporting an All-on-4® restoration are designed to be a long-term solution, and many patients retain implant support for decades with proper care. The prosthetic components themselves may experience wear or require repair over time, and periodic replacement of prosthetic teeth or refurbishment of the arch can be part of normal long-term maintenance. Longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, medical history, bruxism, and adherence to scheduled professional care.
Regular clinical and radiographic evaluations help detect early signs of wear, peri-implant bone changes or other issues that can be addressed proactively. Replacing or upgrading the prosthesis when indicated can extend the functional life of the overall restoration. Open communication with your dental team about changes in comfort, function or hygiene makes it possible to plan timely interventions that support lasting outcomes.
Advanced imaging such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides three-dimensional views of bone anatomy, vital structures and sinus positions, which are critical for precise implant placement and avoiding complications. CBCT data support the creation of surgical guides and allow the treatment team to plan implant angulation and length to maximize contact with available bone. Digital imaging also aids communication with laboratory technicians who fabricate provisional and final prostheses to ensure an accurate fit.
Using advanced imaging during planning increases predictability by enabling clinicians to anticipate anatomic challenges and select implant positions that reduce the need for grafting. It also supports patient education by visually demonstrating the planned approach and expected outcomes. When imaging is combined with careful clinical evaluation, it increases the likelihood of stable, long-term function for full-arch restorations.
Before committing to All-on-4®, ask about the clinician's experience with full-arch implant cases, the diagnostic tools they use, and the steps involved from surgery to final prosthesis delivery. Inquire about anesthesia and sedation options, the expected recovery timeline, routine follow-up schedule, and how complications or repairs are handled. Understanding the materials and design choices for the final prosthesis can help you set expectations for function and maintenance.
Discuss how the treatment plan will be personalized to your anatomy and health profile and ask for a clear timeline for provisional and final restorations. You may also request information about the practice's approach to long-term maintenance and what signs should prompt an immediate appointment. New Day Dentistry's team can walk you through these topics during a consultation so you can make an informed decision based on clinical details and realistic expectations.
