Home/Implants & Restorative Care/All-on-4® Implant Dentures

All-on-4® is an advanced treatment concept that is designed to replace the upper and/or lower arches of teeth. The solution utilizes a special implant denture process, with each denture supported by four dental implants. This technique offers enhanced stability compared to traditional dentures, and is less invasive than replacing each tooth with a single dental implant. With the All-on-4® procedure, patients can obtain a beautiful new set of teeth without the inconveniences often associated with traditional dentures.

What are the Benefits of All-on-4® Dental Implants?

Patients who choose to undergo the All-on-4® implant denture procedure can expect a number of unique advantages. This typically includes the following:

  • Secure denture that will not slip along the gumline
  • No need for adhesives or pastes
  • No additional maintenance
  • Improved ability to eat, speak, and smile
  • Natural-looking teeth replacement
  • Requires less jawbone support than using single dental implants to replace every missing tooth
  • Provides long-term results

More details about how the All-on-4® process can address your dental concerns will be discussed with you during your initial appointment.

Is All-on-4® Right for Me?

All-on-4® can be an excellent treatment for patients who need to rehabilitate a complete row of teeth or their entire smile. Good candidates for these implant dentures typically have good oral health and no signs of gum disease. A clean, healthy mouth is essential before undergoing implant surgery. Patients who smoke should also be willing to abstain before and after getting dental implants, as smoking can increase the likelihood of complications and is considered a primary risk factor in implant failure.

Adequate jawbone density is also key to the success of the All-on-4® technique. Dental implants require a solid foundation of bone volume for the osseointegration (bone fusing) process — fortunately, there is typically less need for bone grafting with All-on-4® implant dentures when compared to placing individual implants for every missing tooth. Our team can evaluate the state of your jawbone to determine whether you’re able to start the All-on-4® treatment process immediately, or after certain preliminary measures (such as a dental cleaning, gum disease treatment, or bone grafting) are taken.

Depending on the severity of your concerns, All-on-4® can be performed as a standalone procedure or as part of a full mouth restoration to improve the appearance and function of your smile. We have an in-house multispecialty dental team committed to providing you with the general, cosmetic, and/or reconstructive care you need to address damage and lost teeth.

What Should I Expect During the All-on-4® Procedure?

Once you are determined to be a good candidate for the All-on-4® treatment concept, you can begin the first stage of the process: placement of the dental implants. During this step, our experienced periodontist will surgically place two implants into the jawbone towards the front of the mouth and the final two implants towards the back of the mouth at an angle. By tilting the posterior implants up to 45 degrees, this helps maximize the titanium posts’ contact with the available jawbone. As a result, there is a higher success rate of the implants fusing with the jawbone, creating the solid foundation on which your final denture prosthesis will be attached.

Depending on your unique oral needs, you may be recommended one of the following All-on-4® methods:

  • Upper Arch or Lower Arch Replacement: When only one arch of teeth has several missing or severely damaged teeth, you can obtain a new set of teeth to restore this arch.
  • Full Mouth Restoration: If you require a full mouth teeth replacement, All-on-4® implant dentures can be designed for both your upper and lower arches of teeth.

In some cases, more than four implants may be used to create the best possible outcome. For example, some patients are better suited for six implants to support each denture. This is commonly referred to as “All-on-6.”

What Can I Expect for the All-on-4® Recovery Period?

After implant surgery, the healing period generally takes one week. Although it will take several months for your implants to fuse with the jawbone, most patients feel well enough to resume their normal routines within a few days. Not all patients take time off from work, but we may suggest staying home for a couple of days if your job involves strenuous or demanding activity. Our team may also advise you to avoid exercise for a certain period of time while your mouth heals. A friend or loved one will have to pick you up from our office after the All-on-4® procedure since the anesthesia may have lingering effects. Rest assured that Dr. Oelbaum and our periodontist will go over all aftercare instructions with you to help facilitate a smooth recovery period.

How Do I Clean All-on-4® Dental Implants?

One of the major benefits of implant-supported dentures is that they require no further maintenance than the care required to maintain your natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and other forms of normal daily hygiene are typically enough to keep your implants in good condition. As long as you’re taking care of your teeth and gums — as you would before the All-on-4® treatment process — implants have a very high success rate and can last well into the future.

How Much Do All-on-4® Dental Implants Cost?

Since every All-on-4® procedure will slightly vary, the final cost will be different from patient to patient. In general, the average cost of the All-on-4® process ranges from $25,000 to $60,000. The specific number will depend on a variety of factors, such as:

  • The number of arches to be replaced
  • If preliminary work is needed, such as tooth extractions
  • Laboratory costs
  • Expertise of the dentist
  • Geographic location

When you come in for your initial appointment, our staff can provide you with a more personalized cost quote based on the specifics of your treatment plan. If you are interested, they can also go over your dental financing options to help divide your total cost into more manageable monthly payments.

If you would like more information about All-on-4®, or would like to set up an appointment with our team at Oelbaum & Kagan Dentistry, feel free to contact us.