All-on-4© fixed dentures on implants

Dental implant technology has changed significantly and in doing so has revolutionized care for all patients. Patients wearing dentures who may have been reluctant to get dental help have used different reasons to not seek help such as:

  • Worry of living without dentures while the implants integrate with the bone;
  • Length of treatment;
  • Fear of bone graft procedure;
  • Fear of pain;
  • Advanced age;
  • Cost.

In fact, the traditional procedure requires removal of the teeth, placement of the implants and waiting a couple of months for healing time before having fixed dentures in place.
However, a new alternative is now available. We can now provide in most cases, fixed dentures the same day of surgery. This technique requires a team of skilled professionals. The process is performed with the help of our certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

All-on-4 technique

A minimum of 4 implants are placed in the jaw and the temporary prosthesis is fabricated on-site and inserted immediately. The prosthesis is screwed into the implants, which means the teeth are fixed and not removed in most cases the same day of surgery.

Then 4-6 months after, when the implants are well integrated in the bone (completely healed), we can start the steps to deliver you the final fixed prosthesis.

As with any surgical procedure every case is different and the length of the procedure will vary. Candidates are either completely without teeth or have teeth that cannot be saved. The general medical health of the patient is considered, as in any surgical intervention.

The main criteria for immediate teeth, or more accurately, immediate loading of implants, are that the bone has to be adequate to have an insertion torque of the implants into the bone (they have to be tight in the bone).

In rare cases, if we can’t get the implants stable at time of surgery, we will place the implants and wait the traditional 4-6 months before placing the final prosthesis but you can have a traditional removable prosthesis during the healing time.

Advantages of the All-on-4 technique

    • A faster return to function and work;
    • You can comfortably eat solid foods;
    • Significantly less pain because the denture is not rubbing over where the teeth were removed and the new prosthesis acts as a Band-Aid protecting the site;
    • The procedure does not require bone graft in most cases;
    • This concept has been available for over 10 years and has a very good success rate.

Questions & answers about All-on-4

Is the All-on-4 technique for me?

We need to see you for a dental consultation to make sure that the All-on-4 is the best solution for you. During the dental examination, we will establish your dental needs so we can present you all the treatment plan options available for you.

Do you always use 4 implants?

We use 4 implants most of the time. If necessary (due to poor bone quality or quantity) we will use 5 or 6 implants to improve the stability and longevity of your new teeth.

Do you only offer All-on-4 for dentures on implants?

Other treatments can sometimes be a good options but in most cases, the All-on-4 is a better option.

What are the diet instructions after the implant surgery?

The day of surgery begin with clear fluids and progress slowly eating soft foods (pudding, yogurt, soups, pasta, well-cooked veggies). You should be able to go back to a regular diet in couple of weeks.

How much does the All-on-4 procedure cost?

Each situation is different. This procedure is less costly in comparison with conventional technique of the edentulous and soon-to-be edentulous jaw. It is due to the fact that the bone graft is rarely used in the all-on-4 process and we can use 4 implants instead of using 5 to 8 implants.

We will be able to give you an exact idea of the cost regarding your dental condition following your consultation appointment and also present you the different financing plans available.