All-on-4® is a treatment concept that replaces an entire upper or lower arch using a small number of dental implants and a fixed prosthesis. Rather than replacing each tooth individually, the approach uses four strategically placed implants to support a complete set of replacement teeth. The design emphasizes stability, function, and an efficient path from surgery to a working smile.
One of the most notable features of this approach is the ability to deliver a provisional, fully functioning prosthesis on the same day as implant placement. That means patients typically leave the office with teeth they can use for eating and speaking while the implants integrate with the jaw. This immediate restoration helps preserve facial contours and reduces the social and functional disruption that often accompanies tooth loss.
While the concept has a well-established clinical history, every treatment begins with individualized planning. Modern imaging and a coordinated restorative-surgical workflow allow clinicians to design an arch that meets each patient’s aesthetic and functional goals while respecting the long-term health of the supporting bone and tissues.
Because the All-on-4® approach concentrates support on a few implants, the planning stage focuses on implant angulation and prosthetic design to maximize stability. The prosthesis that patients receive immediately after surgery is designed for temporary use during healing and to protect the surgical site until the final restoration is placed.
All-on-4® is commonly recommended for adults who are missing most or all teeth in an arch, or for those whose remaining teeth are failing and not salvageable. It is also an option for patients who currently wear removable dentures and want a fixed, more stable alternative. Candidacy depends on oral health, jawbone condition, overall medical status, and realistic expectations about treatment and maintenance.
During the consultation, clinicians evaluate bone volume with three-dimensional imaging, review medical history, and discuss habits that can affect outcomes (for example, smoking). Even when bone levels are reduced, the All-on-4® method can often avoid complex bone grafting by angling posterior implants to engage existing bone more effectively.
Age alone is not a contraindication; rather, the focus is on systemic health and healing capacity. Patients with certain uncontrolled medical conditions may need medical clearance or additional coordination with their physicians. The best way to determine whether this solution fits your needs is a comprehensive exam and a tailored treatment plan.
Treatment begins with a planning appointment that typically includes dental records, photographs, and a CBCT scan. These records allow the dentist to visualize bone anatomy, design the ideal implant positions, and create a surgical plan that accommodates the final prosthesis. Digital planning helps improve predictability and reduces intraoperative surprises.
On the day of surgery, the team places the implants according to the preoperative plan. In many cases, four implants are used per arch; posterior implants may be tilted slightly to make better use of available bone. Once implants are secured, a temporary prosthesis is attached so the patient leaves with a fixed set of teeth. This temporary bridge protects the surgical sites and restores immediate function while the implants integrate.
Healing typically involves a period of several weeks to a few months during which osseointegration occurs — the biological process by which bone bonds to the implant surface. During this time the provisional prosthesis is monitored and adjusted as needed to ensure comfort, proper function, and healthy soft tissue response.
When healing is complete and the implant sites are stable, the temporary prosthesis is replaced with a definitive restoration engineered for long-term strength, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. The final prosthesis is designed to strike a balance between durability and a natural appearance.
Immediately after surgery patients can expect some swelling, mild discomfort, and dietary modifications. Clinicians provide specific postoperative instructions to manage pain, reduce swelling, and protect the surgical sites. Soft foods are commonly recommended during the initial healing phase, with a gradual return to a more varied diet as advised by the dental team.
Oral hygiene remains essential. Even though the prosthesis is fixed, daily cleaning around the implants and under the prosthetic framework is important to prevent inflammation and preserve bone health. The dental team will demonstrate appropriate home-care techniques and recommend products to help keep the tissues healthy.
Regular follow-up visits are a key part of long-term care. These appointments allow the clinical team to assess tissue health, check prosthetic fit, and perform routine maintenance such as professional cleanings and occlusal adjustments when necessary. Timely attention to small issues — for example, a loose screw or minor wear — helps avoid larger complications down the road.
When maintained properly, implant-supported full-arch restorations provide stable function for many years. Like any dental work, they benefit from periodic professional oversight and responsible home care to maximize longevity and preserve oral health.
Predictable All-on-4® results rely on coordinated planning and modern technology. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) gives a three-dimensional view of the jaws so implant positions can be chosen to optimize support and avoid critical anatomical structures. Digital impressions and CAD/CAM workflows help design prostheses that fit precisely and perform reliably.
Guided surgery and custom surgical guides can translate a digital plan into accurate implant placement in the operatory, reducing chair time and improving the fit of the immediate prosthesis. Prosthetic materials have also advanced, offering strong, lifelike options for both provisional and final restorations that resist wear while delivering pleasing aesthetics.
Success depends not just on technology but on a coordinated clinical team. Oral surgery, prosthodontics, and restorative dentistry work together to align surgical placement with the prosthetic design. This integrated approach helps the team foresee and prevent complications, tailor the plan to a patient’s anatomy and goals, and deliver care efficiently and safely.
At Value Dental Center, our clinicians use modern imaging and restorative protocols to evaluate candidacy and guide treatment from planning through final prosthesis. We focus on clear communication so patients understand each step and what to expect during recovery.
In summary, All-on-4® offers a streamlined path to a fixed, full-arch restoration that can restore function and confidence with a carefully planned, team-driven approach. If you would like to learn whether this treatment is right for you, please contact Value Dental Center for more information.
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.
All-on-4® is a full-arch tooth replacement approach that uses four strategically placed dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis for an entire upper or lower arch. The implants are positioned to maximize use of available bone, often with two placed near the front and two angled toward the back to improve stability. A temporary set of teeth is typically attached the same day, allowing immediate function while the implants integrate with the jaw.
The procedure is planned with detailed imaging and digital tools to determine optimal implant positions and prosthetic design. Once healing and osseointegration occur, the temporary prosthesis is replaced with a custom, permanent restoration designed for long-term function and esthetics. The All-on-4® name is a registered trademark of Nobel Biocare and refers to this specific treatment concept.
Candidates for All-on-4® typically include people who are missing most or all teeth in one arch, or those who are scheduled for full-arch extractions and want a fixed replacement option. Good general health, reasonable oral hygiene, and sufficient bone in critical implant zones are important considerations for candidacy. Certain medical conditions and habits, such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking, may require additional evaluation and management before proceeding.
An initial consultation with clinical examination and three-dimensional imaging helps determine whether All-on-4® is appropriate for an individual patient. In some cases, alternative implant approaches or adjunctive procedures such as bone grafting may be recommended to achieve predictable outcomes. The treatment plan is personalized to address oral health, functional needs, and esthetic goals.
The process begins with a comprehensive consultation that usually includes a clinical exam, digital imaging, and treatment planning to design the prosthesis and plan implant placement. On the day of surgery, any necessary extractions are performed, implants are placed, and a provisional prosthesis is attached to provide immediate teeth for function and appearance. Most patients go home with a fixed temporary restoration and return for routine follow-ups to monitor healing.
During the healing period, which commonly spans several months, the implants integrate with the jawbone and soft tissues adapt to the prosthesis. After adequate healing and verification of implant stability, the provisional prosthesis is replaced by a final, custom-designed restoration that improves long-term function and esthetics. The exact timeline varies by patient factors, clinical complexity, and healing response.
After implant placement and provisional prosthesis delivery, patients commonly experience mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort that can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications and cold compresses. A soft or blended diet is typically recommended for the first few weeks to avoid undue stress on the implants and prosthesis. Proper oral hygiene, gentle cleaning around the prosthesis, and adherence to post-operative instructions help support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Follow-up visits are scheduled to evaluate tissue healing, check implant stability, and make any necessary adjustments to the provisional prosthesis. Once the implants have integrated, the final restoration is fabricated and placed, and routine maintenance visits are recommended to monitor oral health and prosthesis condition. Long-term success depends on consistent home care and periodic professional evaluations.
All-on-4® restorations are fixed to dental implants and do not rest on the gums in the same way as traditional removable dentures, which improves stability and chewing efficiency. Because All-on-4® is anchored to the bone, it helps maintain jawbone volume and reduce the bone resorption that commonly occurs with conventional dentures. Patients typically report improved speech, comfort, and confidence because the prosthesis is secure and functions more like natural teeth.
In contrast, traditional dentures may require adhesives and periodic relining, and they can move or shift during eating and speaking. All-on-4® prostheses are cleaned and maintained similarly to implant-supported bridges, with attention to hygiene around implant abutments and regular professional care. The choice between options should be based on clinical assessment, functional needs, and patient preferences.
Daily oral hygiene is essential to protect the implants and surrounding tissues; this includes brushing the prosthesis twice daily and using interdental cleaners or water flossers to remove plaque from beneath and around the restoration. Antimicrobial rinses may be recommended as part of the home care routine during healing and long term to support tissue health. Avoiding hard or excessively sticky foods and refraining from using teeth as tools helps prevent prosthetic damage.
Regular professional maintenance visits are important to monitor implant health, assess occlusion, and perform thorough cleanings that remove biofilm from areas that are difficult to access at home. If you have parafunctional habits like clenching or grinding, your clinician may recommend a nightguard or other protective measures. Early attention to any signs of soreness, loosening, or changes in fit helps address problems promptly and preserve long-term function.
Like any surgical procedure, All-on-4® carries potential risks such as infection, delayed healing, implant failure, or damage to adjacent anatomical structures. Most complications are uncommon and can be minimized with careful case selection, meticulous surgical technique, and thorough preoperative planning using three-dimensional imaging. Postoperative care and patient adherence to instructions also play a major role in reducing risk and promoting predictable outcomes.
Factors that can increase the likelihood of complications include inadequate bone quality, uncontrolled systemic health conditions, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. Your clinician will review potential risks during the consultation and discuss strategies to mitigate them, including preoperative optimization, close follow-up, and tailored maintenance protocols. Early reporting of any unusual symptoms allows quicker evaluation and management.
One of the distinguishing features of the All-on-4® concept is the delivery of a provisional, fixed prosthesis on the same day as implant placement, so most patients leave the office with teeth that look and function. The immediate provisional is designed to protect the implants during healing while allowing basic chewing and normal speech with appropriate dietary modifications. Careful surgical and prosthetic protocols are followed to ensure the provisional restoration does not overload the implants during the initial healing phase.
Because the day-one prosthesis is provisional, it may require adjustments as healing progresses, and patients are advised to follow specific dietary and hygiene guidelines during this period. After osseointegration is confirmed, the provisional is replaced with a final restoration that offers enhanced strength, esthetics, and long-term durability. Your treatment team will explain temporary care measures and when to expect the transition to the permanent prosthesis.
Yes, All-on-4® can be used to restore either the upper (maxillary) arch, the lower (mandibular) arch, or both arches depending on a patient’s needs and clinical anatomy. The upper arch often requires special consideration because of the proximity to the sinus cavities and differences in bone density, which may influence implant positioning or the need for alternative strategies. The lower arch tends to have denser bone, which can provide strong primary stability for implants, but individual anatomical features still guide the final treatment plan.
In some cases, clinicians may recommend variations such as placing additional implants or using different implant lengths or angulations to optimize support and distribution of forces. A comprehensive evaluation with three-dimensional imaging helps determine the best approach for each arch and whether All-on-4® is the ideal solution or if another implant-supported option is preferable.
To begin, schedule a consultation at the office of Value Dental Center, where a clinician will perform a clinical exam and obtain diagnostic imaging to evaluate your oral health and bone anatomy. During this visit, the team will discuss your goals, review medical history, and explain the treatment sequence, including implant placement, provisional prosthesis delivery, and steps toward the final restoration. New patients can call the New Patients line at (708) 249-7552 or visit the office at 3320 S Cicero Ave, inside Walmart, Cicero, IL 60804 to arrange an appointment.
Following the consultation and imaging, a personalized care plan is developed that outlines recommended procedures, timelines, and any preparatory steps such as extractions or health optimization. The Value Dental Center team will explain clinical options, available comfort measures, and the required follow-up schedule so you know what to expect at each stage of treatment. Clear communication and coordinated care help ensure the plan aligns with your functional needs and smile objectives.
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