All-on-4® is a restorative approach designed to replace an entire arch of teeth using a small number of dental implants placed in strategic positions. Rather than attaching individual implants to each missing tooth, this method supports a complete prosthetic arch on just four implants, allowing many patients to regain stable, natural-looking teeth without the complexity of dozen-plus implant placements. The result is a streamlined path to a fully functional smile for those who have lost or soon will lose most of their teeth.
One of the practical advantages of this approach is that it uses implant placement angles and longer implants to take advantage of denser bone areas. That means fewer grafting procedures for many candidates and the ability to support immediate provisional teeth. For patients who have struggled with loose or uncomfortable dentures, All-on-4® can provide a secure alternative that restores chewing ability, speech clarity, and facial support.
This treatment is intended for adults with significant tooth loss or failing dentition who want a durable, long-term solution. A careful evaluation by a dental team determines candidacy, including medical history, oral health status, and bone anatomy. When planned and executed by experienced clinicians, All-on-4® offers a predictable route back to confidence in daily interactions like eating and smiling.
The All-on-4® process is structured around efficient, evidence-based steps that move from diagnosis to a wearable temporary prosthesis in a condensed timeline. Advanced imaging and digital planning tools allow the dental team to map implant positions precisely before the day of surgery. On the day of treatment, the four implants are placed in predetermined locations that maximize stability, and a provisional arch is secured to those implants so the patient leaves the office with a complete set of teeth.
Immediate loading—the practice of placing a provisional prosthesis the same day as implant installation—is a hallmark of this approach. It preserves aesthetics and function throughout the initial healing phase and reduces the time a patient must go without teeth. Over the following months, osseointegration (the process by which bone bonds with the titanium implants) creates the long-term foundation that supports a final, customized prosthesis crafted to match the patient's facial proportions and bite.
Throughout the treatment timeline, multidisciplinary coordination between surgical and restorative clinicians is essential. That collaboration ensures the final prosthesis meets functional needs—such as proper chewing dynamics and speech—while also achieving a natural appearance. Patients benefit from a comprehensive plan that balances surgical efficiency with restorative precision, resulting in a dependable, long-lasting smile solution.
Before treatment begins, a thorough assessment includes medical and dental histories, clinical examination, and radiographic imaging. These steps identify any conditions that may affect healing and help the team create a tailored plan. Patients receive clear preoperative instructions to prepare for the procedure, covering topics such as medication adjustments, transportation arrangements, and dietary guidance for the recovery period.
On the day of surgery, the team focuses on patient comfort and safety. Sedation options and local anesthesia are used as appropriate to minimize discomfort, and the surgical placement of implants typically takes several hours depending on the complexity of the case. Once the implants are in place, the provisional arch is attached so the patient leaves with an immediately functional and esthetic smile.
Recovery involves a monitored healing period during which patients follow postoperative care instructions to support integration and minimize complications. Follow-up visits assess healing, make adjustments to the provisional prosthesis as needed, and prepare for the final restoration. After the implants have fully integrated, the provisional is replaced with a definitive prosthesis that is designed to be comfortable, easy to maintain, and tailored to the patient’s oral dynamics.
Long-term success depends on regular dental checkups and diligent oral hygiene. Patients are instructed on cleaning techniques specific to implant-supported prostheses and are scheduled for routine evaluations to confirm implant stability, prosthesis condition, and overall oral health.
Traditional removable dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction or adhesives for retention, which can feel unstable and may limit the types of foods a person can comfortably eat. In contrast, All-on-4® secures a full-arch prosthesis to implants anchored in the jaw, providing a level of stability closer to natural teeth. This fixed support reduces movement and can improve biting force, allowing for a broader, more confident diet and clearer speech.
Bone preservation is another important distinction. Implants transmit functional forces to the jawbone in a way that supports bone health, while removable dentures may permit gradual bone loss over time due to lack of stimulation. For patients concerned about long-term facial structure and oral function, implant-supported solutions like All-on-4® are often preferred because they help maintain jawbone integrity and facial contours.
From a maintenance perspective, implant-supported arches require professional follow-up and daily cleaning routines similar to natural teeth but do not require nightly removal for cleaning as some dentures do. A fixed prosthesis can simplify daily life while delivering durable function and a predictable esthetic outcome when maintained properly under professional guidance.
Choosing All-on-4® begins with an individualized consultation that evaluates oral health, general medical factors, and personal goals for comfort and appearance. Not every patient will be an ideal candidate, but many people who once thought they had limited options are eligible after a careful clinical review. The consultation is an opportunity to review imaging, understand the sequence of care, and set realistic expectations for outcomes and maintenance.
The decision to proceed is guided by clinical findings and a clear discussion of risks, benefits, and the nature of long-term care. Experienced clinicians will outline postoperative timelines, any lifestyle adjustments that support healing, and the role of routine dental visits to preserve implant health. This transparent planning helps patients commit to a treatment path that aligns with their priorities for function and esthetics.
At Lake Advanced Dentistry, patients receive a thorough evaluation and a coordinated plan that integrates surgical expertise with restorative craftsmanship. If you are considering restoring a full arch with implant-supported teeth, our team can explain whether All-on-4® is a suitable option and walk you through every step so you can make an informed choice.
To learn more about how this approach might apply to your situation, contact us for a consultation and personalized assessment. Our goal is to help you understand the benefits, the process, and what to expect so you can move forward with confidence.
1All-on-4 is a registered trademark of Nobel Biocare
The All-on-4 treatment concept offers an implant-based solution to patients who have lost all of their upper and/or lower teeth. This remarkable method of care helps patients quickly rebuild complete and beautiful smiles. With All-on-4, your new, and complete set of implant-supported replacement teeth feel secure, stable, and much like your very own.
If you currently wear complete upper and/or lower dentures or are slated to have your remaining teeth extracted, you may be a candidate for All-on-4. First Performed by Dr. Paulo Malo in 1998, the All-on-4 treatment concept has helped hundreds of thousands of patients quickly reestablish attractive smiles that look, feel, and function just like a set of natural teeth!
The All-on-4 treatment concept offers a fixed and permanent alternative to removable dentures. Unlike dentures, All-on-4 does not rely on messy dental adhesives or natural suction to hold your new set of teeth in place. With All-on-4, your replacement teeth are permanently secured by dental implants, giving you a smile that looks not only great but also feels secure and stable. You'll feel comfortable and confident as you speak, smile, and chew with ease.
While traditional full arch implants also achieve outstanding results of care, the All-On-4 treatment concept does not involve bone grafting and requires fewer implants to support a full set of teeth. With just four strategically placed dental implants needed to support an entire set of upper or lower teeth, the All-on-4 treatment concept offers a cost-effective and satisfying solution for rebuilding a complete smile. Thanks to this remarkable method of care, patients can experience the satisfaction of having teeth placed the same day as surgery. This key feature allows patients to smile and function with confidence until healing is complete and the permanent restorations installed.
Once it's been determined that you're a candidate for treatment with All-on-4, the process of treatment planning and designing your new smile begins. 3D diagnostic records provide the detailed information required to determine the exact positions of the four supporting dental implants. Then, on the day of surgery, we'll remove any remaining teeth, place the 4 implants, and insert a set of attractive, sturdy, and functional set of temporary teeth. With All-on-4, temporary teeth can be placed right away with a customized, permanent set to follow once the implants become fully integrated with the surrounding bone.
With All-on-4, temporary teeth can be placed right away with a customized, permanent set to follow within just a few months after the implants become fully integrated with the surrounding bone.
Thanks to All-on-4, patients enjoy permanent teeth that look, feel, and function just like real teeth. And with a patient satisfaction rate that exceeds 95%, the All-on-4 treatment concept restores your smile, your confidence, and allows you to enjoy once again the foods you love!
Maintaining your All-on-4 smile requires the same care as a natural smile. By cleaning your teeth twice daily, after meals as possible, and scheduling appointments for routine checkups as well as care, you can keep your new smile strong and healthy for years to come. Our office will demonstrate the most effective methods of oral hygiene and answer all your questions as to how to care for your new smile.
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
Contacting Lake Advanced Dentistry is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.
