All-on-4®

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 tooth replacement approach that uses four strategically placed dental implants to support a fixed prosthetic arch. The technique is designed to provide a stable, natural-feeling set of teeth without replacing each tooth individually. Many patients receive a provisional prosthesis on the same day, allowing immediate improvement in function and appearance.

The protocol emphasizes implant placement that optimizes available bone and load distribution, often using angled posterior implants to maximize support. Prosthetic design is coordinated with surgical planning so the temporary arch supports everyday activities while the implants integrate. After healing, the provisional is replaced with a customized final restoration crafted for comfort and esthetics.

All-on-4 is intended for people who are missing most or all teeth in an arch, those facing full-arch extractions, or patients seeking a fixed alternative to removable dentures. Candidacy depends on factors such as bone volume, oral health, and the condition of remaining teeth. A thorough clinical exam and 3D imaging help determine whether the approach is appropriate for an individual patient.

Medical history and lifestyle factors are also evaluated, since systemic health and habits can influence healing and long-term success. Some conditions may require medical stabilization or additional planning before implant surgery. The final decision is made collaboratively between the patient and the dental team after reviewing diagnostics and treatment goals.

Treatment planning begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed medical and dental history, clinical examination, and high-resolution 3D imaging to assess bone anatomy. These diagnostics allow the clinician to identify ideal implant positions and to avoid critical structures such as nerves and sinuses. Digital planning tools and model mock-ups are commonly used to visualize the surgical outcome and the prosthetic design.

Surgical guides and pre-fabricated provisionals are coordinated with the restorative laboratory to enable efficient provisionalization on the day of surgery. The plan outlines the sequence from extractions and implant placement to provisional fitting and final prosthesis fabrication. Clear timelines and follow-up milestones are established so patients know what to expect throughout treatment.

On the day of surgery, the team prioritizes comfort through local anesthesia and, when appropriate, sedation options to manage anxiety and pain. The implants are placed in preplanned positions, often with posterior implants angled to maximize support in available bone. Once implants are secured, a provisional prosthesis is attached so the patient typically leaves the clinic with functional temporary teeth.

The provisional is adjusted to ensure proper occlusion and to minimize stress on the implants during early healing. Patients receive detailed post-operative instructions about diet, hygiene, and medications. After a healing period that allows osseointegration, the provisional is replaced with a final, custom-crafted arch designed for long-term function and esthetics.

Typical recovery after All-on-4 includes some swelling, mild discomfort, and gradual improvement over the first week or two. The practice will provide instructions for pain control, oral hygiene, and a soft-food diet to protect the provisional restoration while implants and tissues heal. Rest, ice, and short-term medication as directed help manage common post-operative symptoms.

Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing, adjust the provisional prosthesis, and confirm that implants are integrating properly. Any concerns such as prolonged pain, unusual swelling, or changes in the provisional fit should be reported promptly. Once integration is confirmed, the team moves forward with designing and placing the final prosthesis.

All-on-4 provides a fixed prosthesis anchored to implants, which eliminates the slipping and instability associated with many removable dentures. This stability often improves chewing efficiency, speech clarity, and overall confidence in social and dining situations. Patients typically find a wider range of foods more comfortable to eat compared with removable prostheses.

The technique can reduce the need for extensive bone grafting by utilizing angled implants to engage available bone, which may shorten the overall treatment timeline compared with some other full-arch protocols. Additionally, an implant-supported arch helps preserve facial contours by maintaining support for soft tissues, contributing to a more natural facial appearance over time.

As with any surgical procedure, All-on-4 carries risks such as infection, bleeding, nerve irritation, or implant failure, although serious complications are uncommon with proper planning and care. Early identification and management of issues are important to minimize long-term problems. Patients receive informed guidance about signs to watch for and steps to take if concerns arise during recovery.

Prosthetic complications can include wear, loosening of components, or the need for adjustments and repairs over time. Regular maintenance and timely professional care reduce the likelihood of major prosthetic failures. Choosing an experienced surgical and restorative team improves predictability and helps manage both surgical and prosthetic risks.

When properly planned and maintained, implant-supported full-arch restorations can provide reliable function for many years, though individual longevity varies with health, habits, and maintenance. Daily oral hygiene and careful cleaning around the prosthesis are essential to support tissue health and implant stability. The restorative materials and mechanical components may require periodic maintenance or replacement over the lifespan of the restoration.

Routine professional evaluations are recommended to check tissue health, prosthetic fit, and occlusion, with frequency determined by the clinician based on individual needs. Patients are typically taught specific cleaning techniques, such as interdental brushes and cleaning under the bridge, to reduce plaque accumulation. Consistent follow-up care helps detect and address problems early, supporting long-term success.

Smoking is associated with higher rates of complications and implant failure because it impairs blood flow and healing. Patients who smoke are advised to discuss cessation strategies with their care team before undergoing implant surgery. Quitting or reducing tobacco use before and during healing improves the likelihood of successful osseointegration and long-term outcomes.

Certain medical conditions — including uncontrolled diabetes, immune disorders, prior head and neck radiation, or medications such as some bisphosphonates — can influence healing and risk. A thorough medical history and coordination with the patient’s physician allow the dental team to tailor the treatment plan and determine whether additional precautions or medical stabilization are needed prior to surgery.

Before your All-on-4 consultation, gather a list of current medications, relevant medical history, and any questions about goals and expectations. If you have recent dental records or radiographs, bring them to the appointment to help the team evaluate prior treatment and anatomy. During the consultation you can expect a clinical exam, discussion of treatment options, and high-resolution imaging to plan the next steps.

The office of Artistic Family Dental coordinates surgical and restorative phases and will explain the proposed sequence of care, recovery expectations, and follow-up schedule. If you are considering All-on-4, request an evaluation to learn whether this solution aligns with your needs and to receive a personalized plan from the clinical team. Scheduling can be arranged by contacting your local Artistic Family Dental location or using the practice appointment request options.