When a full arch makes more sense than fixing tooth by tooth
All-on-4 is for people whose remaining teeth on an arch aren't worth saving anymore, or who are fed up with a loose denture.
Most teeth on one arch are loose, broken or decayed.Patching them one at a time costs more and buys you less time.
You wear a full denture and you're tired of it moving.A fixed arch stays put when you laugh, talk and bite into food.
You were quoted an implant for every tooth.Four well placed implants can carry a whole arch, which is far fewer surgeries.
How an All-on-4 case usually runs
Your final arch arrives after healing, but you aren't left without teeth in between.
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Consult and imaging
We map your bone to place four implants where it's strongest. The back two are often angled to avoid the sinus and nerve.
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Surgery day
Remaining teeth on that arch come out and the four implants go in, usually in the same visit.
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Temporary arch
A fixed temporary bridge is attached so you leave with teeth. Soft foods while the implants heal.
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Final bridge
After a few months, your stronger final bridge is made and fitted, and your bite gets fine tuned.
What you should know going in
It's a big change for the better for the right patient. It's also a big decision.
It's a commitment. Remaining teeth on that arch come out, so this is for teeth that can't reasonably be saved.
Soft food for a while. The first few months are a soft diet while the implants bond. Steak and crusty bread can wait.
Fixed doesn't mean maintenance free. You'll clean under the bridge daily, a water flosser helps, and come in for regular checks.
All-on-4 questions
Can I get All-on-4 on both the top and bottom?
Yes. Each arch is its own treatment. Some patients do both at once, others do one arch and then the other.
How is All-on-4 different from a regular denture?
A denture rests on your gums and comes out. An All-on-4 bridge is screwed onto implants and stays in. On the top, it also doesn't cover the roof of your mouth, so food tastes more like food.
Are four implants really enough to hold a whole arch?
For many patients, yes. The implants are placed at angles into the densest bone to spread the load. Some mouths need five or six, and imaging tells us which.
What can I eat right after All-on-4 surgery?
Soft foods like eggs, fish, pasta and soups for the first few months. Once the final bridge is in, most people go back to a pretty normal diet.