What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants and How Do They Work?

All-on-4 dental implants for full-arch tooth replacement in Queens

Short Answer: The procedure known as All-on-4 dental implants is utilized for replacing all teeth in a jaw by utilizing only four implants as anchors for a complete row of teeth. The technique is useful for people that have lost most of their teeth or that wear dentures and want to get a fixed prosthesis. 

AesthetiCare Dental clinic in Queens Village has all the necessary information for adults that want to learn how All-on-4 dental implants procedure works, who are eligible for it and its recovery period.

Patients that have lost most of their teeth and still want to have a regular smile can have the All-on-4 procedure done faster than if they would decide to place each tooth replacement implant individually.

🦷 What Exactly Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

The All-on-4 procedure is different from conventional implants because it employs the use of only four implants to support the entire arch of new teeth as opposed to replacing one tooth with each implant. The process started to be called All-on-4 thanks to a few elements:

  1. βœ” The first two implants positioned straight in the front part of the jaw;
  2. βœ” The second set of two implants positioned at an angle and further back in the jaw;
  3. βœ” The prosthesis that is put on the indicated four implants;
  4. βœ” The design, which ensures more contact with the bone even when some is missing.

This placement at an angle is precisely what makes All-on-4 available for an even larger number of patients who might not have enough density of bone for putting the regular implants in without any grafting.

βš™οΈ How Does the All-on-4 Procedure Work?

While the All-on-4 procedure is more complex than getting a single tooth implant, the main advantage of All-on-4 is that it reduces the number of procedures and visits required. This process consists of several stages:

  1. βœ“ Consultation and 3D Imaging: The dentist verifies the structure and strength of the jaw bone by means of CT scanning prior to implant placement.
  2. βœ“ Implant Placement Surgery: Four implants are located at the jaw bone – 2 of them straight and the other two at a certain angle. All the implants are placed at once.
  3. βœ“ Putting on Temporary Prosthesis: In most cases, the patient gets a temporary denture that serves as a functional prosthesis at the same moment.
  4. βœ“ Healing and Osseointegration: Healing of the implants takes about 3–6 months.
  5. βœ“ Fitting the Final Prosthesis: After implants have healed, a permanent prosthesis is placed.

Pro Tip: The advantage of such a method is that the patient has teeth immediately, while the long-term result is achieved later.

🧾 All-on-4 vs. Traditional Implants vs. Dentures

Patients considering full-mouth restoration often compare All-on-4 against other common options:

FeatureAll-on-4 ImplantsTraditional Implants (Full Arch)Traditional Dentures
Number of Implants Needed4 per arch6–8+ per archNone
Same-Day TeethOften possibleRarelyN/A
Bone Grafting NeededUsually minimal or noneOften requiredNot applicable
StabilityFixed, permanentFixed, permanentRemovable, can shift

πŸ€” What Are the Benefits of All-on-4?

Due to the various common issues surrounding the use of dentures and standard implant treatment, All-on-4 continues to gain momentum among patients suffering from significant tooth loss. 

The benefits of All-on-4 include:

  • βœ“ Permanent restoration that needs no removal or risk slipping;
  • βœ“ Major bone grafting seldom required, even if some bone loss is present;
  • βœ“ Only a few implants needed, this signifies less time and less expense for surgery;
  • βœ“ Temporary prosthetics can safely be placed on the same day of the procedure;
  • βœ“ Less bone tissue lost compared to the treatment with traditional prostheses.

Pro Tip: For patients who have had issues with dentures that have been loose-fitting or are missing several teeth, All-on-4 can recover function and confidence without the lengthy waiting times that are usually experienced with the classic implants.

Explore All-on-4 Dental Implants

Considering a full-arch tooth replacement? Schedule a consultation with AesthetiCare Dental in Queens Village to learn whether All-on-4 dental implants may be appropriate for your smile and oral health needs.

AesthetiCare Dental
218-16 Hillside Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11427
(718) 464-5666

🩺 Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4?

All-on-4 is for patients who suffer from severe tooth loss in one arch, but no two cases are alike. When determining if All-on-4 is appropriate, the dentist will consider:

  • βœ” The total amount of missing teeth in either the upper or lower arch;
  • βœ” The current jawline and amount of bone available for placement;
  • βœ” The condition of one’s gums and whether there is any infection;
  • βœ” One’s overall health issues which may complicate healing;
  • βœ” Whether or not the person is currently wearing  dentures or looking for a more permanent solution.


Note: Because of the manner in which the angled implants are placed in the jaw, patients with bone loss who are otherwise deemed ineligible for an implant are still qualified to get All-on-4.

Read also: How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Queens, NY?

🦷 What Does Recovery From All-on-4 Look Like?

There are a few distinct stages in recovering from the All-on-4 surgery procedure:

  1. First week: There will be some swelling, tenderness, and some minor bruising. During this time, a soft diet and some medication for pain relief becomes vital.
  2. First month: The gums will continue healing around the temporary prosthesis, after which most times, the patients easily resume their normal daily activities after a few days.
  3. Months 3 to 6: Osseointegration takes place at this stage and the implants fuse with the jawbone, after which the final prosthesis is fitted.


Tip: Patients who get a temporary prosthesis on the same day of the procedure also get the chance to eat, talk, and even smile with all confidence through the process of recovery.

πŸ’° How Does All-on-4 Compare in Cost to Other Options?

Even though All-on-4 is more costly than having a single tooth implant done, it can be less pricey than placing up to 6-8 single implants in the place of the arch because it requires fewer implants, meaning that bone grafting is often avoided. 

Some patients may also think of All-on-4 vs long-term cost of changing dentures every 5-10 years. In order to appreciate how much your situation is really comparable, you will need a personal consultation to check the complexity of your case.

πŸ“ Considering All-on-4 Dental Implants in Queens?

Residents from the regions of Queens Village reach out to AesthetiCare Dental to find out if they can benefit from the All-on-4 solution to have a beautiful smile. Whether you are wearing dentures, have lost most of your teeth, or are dealing with other dental issues affecting one or both arches, our experienced staff will inform you about the imaging process, eligibility, and the anticipated duration of your treatment.

Having a full-arch restoration done is a major step, and knowing how the procedure works, not just its price, will allow you to decide more easily.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many implants are there in All-on-4?

The full prosthesis requires four implants per arch, including two vertical and two Angled.

2. Am I able to have a set of teeth on the same day as my All-on-4?

In general, the answer is yes. Temporary prostheses are usually affixed on the day of the operation, with the permanent one fitted later after healing.

3. Is the All-on-4 treatment painful?

Anesthesia is used during this procedure, and many patients report their recovery pain as barely noticeable.

4. Does All-on-4 treatment need bone grafting?

Not necessarily since the technique of angled implant placement is aimed at efficient usage of the already existing bone. However, the dentist will confirm or deny the possibility of the bone grafting through imaging.

5. What is the life span of All-on-4 implants?

With adequate care, implants may serve for over 20 years but the prosthesis itself might require replacement in time.

6. Is All-on-4 treatment preferable to dentures?

Many patients would answer yes to this question due to the convenience, stability, and preserving the bones of the jaw.

πŸ“… Schedule Your All-on-4 Consultation Today

If missing teeth or loose dentures are affecting your daily life, All-on-4 may offer the fixed, long-term solution you’ve been looking for. Let our team evaluate your case and walk you through your options. Contact AesthetiCare Dental for more information.