All-on-4 Dental Implants: An Affordable Full Arch Implant Solution

Traditional dental implant treatment often requires multiple implants to secure a complete arch of teeth. The implants are situated evenly across the jaw. Other procedures like bone grafting are sometimes necessary to prepare the jawbone for implants.

All-on-four dental implants are different, requiring just 4 to 6 dental implants to secure a complete arch of teeth. This technique is a great solution for individuals with missing full mouth teeth, providing stability and functionality with fewer implants.

This guide explains how All-on-Four dental implants work and this treatment’s benefits and possible risks.

What Is All on Four?

All on Four is an innovative procedure developed by Dr Paolo Malo several decades ago. Since then, the procedure has been used worldwide with great success. It has enabled many people to experience teeth that are strong and stable, removing the need for traditional dentures.

What Are the Benefits of All-on-4?

Treatment offers several benefits, which include:

1. Affordability. A minimal number of implants are needed, so treatment is more cost-effective.
2. Reduced need for bone grafting. The need for bone grafting can be reduced or eliminated. This can be a huge advantage for anybody who doesn’t wish to have a bone graft or isn’t suitable.
3. Increased biting and chewing strength. All-on-four teeth provide good biting and chewing strength, increasing the range of foods you can eat comfortably.
4. Long-lasting. All dental implant treatments are long-lasting with the right after-care.
5. Increased self-esteem and self-confidence. We custom design every implant restoration, so you receive All-on-Four teeth that look and feel natural.

See All-on-4 Before & After Results

See more photos of All-on-4 implants before and after

Possible Risk Factors of All on Four

This treatment has a low level of risk, especially as we plan and place every dental implant using computer-guided technology. This ensures we avoid all essential structures like nerves and blood vessels. We take extensive precautions to avoid infection and maintain strict infection control protocols.

There is always some risk with any oral surgery, but All-on-4 dental implant problems are rare.

How Does the Technique Work?

Usually, dental implants are inserted vertically into the jawbone. All-on-Four works differently.

All four dental implants are inserted in the front of the jaw. This is because your jawbone tends to be stronger and thicker here, reducing or eliminating the need for bone grafting.

Two implants are still inserted vertically but are bookended by two dental implants angled backward. These implants are inserted at approximately 30 to 45°, enabling longer implant posts to be inserted. The longer posts increase the strength and stability the implants provide by increasing their contact with your jawbone.

All-on-Six Dental Implants

Sometimes, we recommend having six dental implants to support a full arch, particularly if you need to restore an upper arch of teeth. Your upper jawbone is slightly weaker and thinner than your lower jawbone. Therefore, using two more dental implants helps increase strength and stability, providing a better treatment outcome with full mouth implants.

We will always recommend a solution that will provide a predictable and reliable long-term outcome.

Your All-on-Four Teeth Can Be Fixed or Removable

Treatment is versatile; we can restore your implants with fixed or removable teeth.

Fixed Bridge

If you choose a fixed bridge, it will be permanently attached to the dental implants. Usually, it would be screwed onto the implants so we can still retrieve it for any maintenance and cleaning.

We recommend a fixed bridge if you have a good oral care routine and are committed to cleaning around the restoration thoroughly. It is also a good solution if you feel strongly about having non-removable teeth.

Removable Bridge

A removable bridge of teeth will clip onto your dental implants so you can snap it into your mouth and snap it out for easy cleaning. Removable teeth tend to be more affordable. They can also be good for anyone who may find cleaning around fixed restorations trickier to complete comfortably. They can also be good for anyone who may find cleaning around fixed restorations trickier to complete comfortably with full mouth implants.

Although most people will automatically prefer having non-removable teeth, a removable bridge can be a good option, providing greater biting strength than an ordinary denture.

The All-on-Four Implant Procedure

The treatment procedure is straightforward and is briefly outlined below.

1. Implant Consultation

You will need an initial consultation with our All-on-Four dentist. We must determine if you are a suitable candidate, and we can answer your questions about this procedure.

2. Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic imaging includes a cone beam CT scan, digital dental X-rays, and digital dental impressions. These images enable our All-on-4 dentist to plan your treatment precisely and create a surgical stent for your surgery.

3. Implant Placement

Since only four dental implants are needed, implant placement should be relatively quick. The surgical stent guides our implant dentist, ensuring your treatment plan is replicated exactly.

After your dental implants are situated, we can fit you with temporary teeth. These will be made before your surgery begins and are fitted soon afterward. The temporary teeth will splint your implants together, ensuring they cannot move while osseointegrating or fusing with your jawbone.

Before you leave, we will provide lots of useful information on caring for your mouth during healing, including advice on what to eat.

4. Healing

Healing or Osseointegration can take anywhere between two and six months. You can wear your temporary teeth during this time.

5. Making and Fitting Your Permanent Teeth

Once fully healed, you return to our dental office so we can fabricate your permanent teeth. When they are fitted, you will enjoy teeth that look and feel good and have greater biting strength.

Would You Like to Learn More About All-on-4?

If you are interested in learning more about this implant treatment, contact us to schedule your initial consultation at Clock Tower Dental. We can answer your questions and discuss how All-on-Four could help you or if another treatment could be more suitable, such as for missing multiple teeth.