All-on-4

In the mid to late 1990s, the dental implant procedure, All-on-4, was developed as a way to more efficiently use implants in both jaws. It is especially effective treatment for upper arch restoration because longer, stronger implants can be used in the back part of the jaw.

In the early 2000s, implant manufacturer Nobel Biocare collaborated with noted European implant dentist Paulo Malo and began to use computer simulation, bio-mechanics, and clinical research to determine the optimal use of implants for restoring a full upper or lower arch of teeth. The result was a procedure that uses the fewest implants possible, avoids bone graft surgery, and provides high-quality restorative results in the shortest time possible.

The All-on-4 Dental Implant Procedure uses four implants, with the back implants angulated to take maximum advantage of existing bone. Special implants also were developed that could support the immediate fitting of replacement teeth. This treatment is attractive to those with dentures or in need of full upper and/or lower restorations. With the All-on-4 Procedure, qualified patients receive just four implants and a full set of new replacement teeth in just one appointment—without bone grafts! The real appeal is how quickly permanent implants can be placed so that patients can leave the same day with fixed, non-removable replacement teeth.

Traditional approaches to restoring a full arch of teeth usually involved bone grafts, six or more implants, and as many as 18 months of treatment. That meant that a patient often would be without any teeth, or with ill-fitting temporary dentures for more than a year.

With the All-on-4 Dental Implant Procedure, the patient has one or two visits to the practice to gather information for a treatment plan (e.g., CAT Scan, X-rays, impressions, photos). Following this consultation, the patient is scheduled for surgery implantation and the new teeth are fitted and adjusted, all in one appointment (even when extractions are necessary). The patient comes to the practice in the morning with unhealthy (or no) teeth, and leaves in the afternoon with a beautiful set of fixed, functional teeth.

The patient will return for occasional examinations over the next several weeks and months. After almost six months, when the gums have fully healed and the implants are fused to the natural bone, we will take new impressions of the patient’s mouth and prepare a final, stronger, permanent set of teeth adjusted to a perfect fit–at no additional cost. This helps ensure that the teeth will last for decades, and provide maximum support, beauty, and function to the patient.

All-on-4 Concept

All four titanium implants are placed so that the bone will grow around and secure them in place. With only four implants, there is much less invasive and lengthy surgery.

Once the implants are in place, the surgeon attaches abutments to which the new replacement teeth can be secured. The replacement teeth are fitted on the abutments and the bite is adjusted for comfort and a secure smile.

Frequently asked questions