All-on-4 Dental
Implants

Replacing Missing Teeth with All-on-4 Dental Implants

Those who are missing many missing teeth may find the solution to be an All-on-4 dental implant procedure. This is where four implants replace entire sets of teeth on the upper and lower jaws. Not every oral surgeon can perform an All-on-4 but those who do find it to be highly successful.

All-on-4 Explained

Patients opting for an All-on-4 get a whole set of teeth replaced.
These are 14 teeth replaced. The unique part of this procedure is that all 14 sit on only four dental implants, which are titanium posts. The traditional implant for a full arch requires six to eight posts for a fixed bridge.
The posts are fixed into the jawbone to support the teeth. The fact that each tooth doesn't require an implant is both helpful in recovery and also in cost.
Another unique trait of this technique is that bone density doesn't have the same requirements as a single implant. You can have less bone density with this procedure and the oral surgeon uses a part of the jaw that has a higher bone density.

Eligible Candidates

Those seeking an All-on-4 implant are those least likely to experience complications. This means that certain people, such as smokers or those with bad oral hygiene, aren’t eligible. Others who wouldn’t be recommended for this procedure are those with severe gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and significant bone loss.

Those who are generally healthy would be eligible. Your oral surgeon may require permission from your primary care physician to proceed if you have medical conditions that pose concerns.

It's Permanent

The biggest advantage of an All-on-4 procedure is that it’s a permanent solution to full-mouth rehabilitation. It can be done in one appointment in some cases but that is looked at on a case-by-case basis.
This procedure offers full use of your mouth just as if you had natural teeth. It may be covered by some insurance but we also have financial options.

Pain and Aftercare

All-on-4 FAQs

What is All-on-4 dental implants?

All-on-4 is a full-arch teeth replacement procedure where four implants support an entire upper or lower set of teeth.

How many teeth are replaced with an All-on-4?

Typically, about 14 teeth are replaced on a full arch using All-on-4. It can be all 28 if you include both the top and bottom rows.

How does All-on-4 compare to traditional full arch implants?

All-on-4 uses only four titanium posts for support. Traditional full-arch fixed bridges often require six to eight implants. This reduces cost, surgery time, and recovery.

Who is a good candidate for All-on-4 dental implants?

Good candidates are generally healthy individuals. Smokers, those with poor oral hygiene, severe gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or significant bone loss are not eligible. We require medical clearances for some patients.

Do you need a lot of bone density for All-on-4 implants?

All-on-4 implants use parts of the jaw that tend to have higher bone density, so lower overall bone density may not be a barrier.

Is the All-on-4 procedure permanent?

All-on-4 is intended as a permanent solution for full-mouth rehabilitation. The prosthetic teeth act and function like natural teeth.

What should I expect during recovery and aftercare?

You will have some pain and discomfort for several days after the procedure. Take two or three days off work. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Eat soft foods and avoid hard, chewy, or hot foods until healing occurs.

How can I find out if I qualify and schedule All-on-4 implants?

Book an exam with Hespeler Road Dental by calling 519-623-8000. We’ll evaluate your oral health, medical condition, and determine if All-on-4 is appropriate for you.