What All on 4 is
All on 4 is a way of replacing all the teeth in one jaw with a fixed bridge supported by four dental implants, instead of an implant for every missing tooth. Two implants are placed towards the front of the jaw and two further back, where the back two are usually angled so that they can use the bone that is available. The bridge is fixed to the implants: it is not taken out at night like a denture.
Who it suits
All on 4 is for patients who have lost all or most of the teeth in a jaw, whose remaining teeth cannot be saved, or who wear a full denture and want fixed teeth instead. Whether it is possible depends on the amount and quality of the jawbone and on general health, which the dentist assesses with an examination and X-rays before anything is planned. Some patients are better served by individual implants or another solution, and the assessment is where that is decided.
How treatment works
Any teeth that cannot be kept are removed and the four implants are placed in the same session. Temporary fixed teeth can be fitted soon after - in many cases the day after surgery - so the patient does not leave without teeth. Over the following months the implants bond with the bone. Once that healing is complete, the temporary teeth are replaced with the final bridge, which means a second visit.
All on 4 or dentures
A conventional denture rests on the gums and is held by suction or adhesive; it can move while eating and speaking and is removed for cleaning. An All on 4 bridge is fixed to implants anchored in the bone, so it stays in place and feels closer to natural teeth. It is a larger treatment than a denture, and it needs the same care as natural teeth - daily cleaning around the bridge and regular check-ups.
Looking after the new teeth
During healing the dentist gives instructions on diet and cleaning. Afterwards the bridge is brushed daily, the areas around the implants are cleaned with the tools the dentist recommends, and regular check-ups keep the implants and gums healthy. Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of implant problems.
Assessment and price
Because the plan depends on each patient's jaw, All on 4 is priced after the assessment. Implant treatment at ClinMedica is led by Dt. Emin Salih Abdullah, and other options are on the cosmetic dentistry page. A free consultation is the first step.
FAQs about All on 4
How many implants does All on 4 use?
Four implants per jaw support a full fixed bridge of teeth: two towards the front and two further back.
Will I have teeth straight after surgery?
Temporary fixed teeth can be fitted soon after the implants are placed, in many cases the day after surgery. The final bridge follows once the implants have healed into the bone.
Can I take All on 4 teeth out?
No. The bridge is fixed to the implants and only the dentist removes it, for example for professional cleaning.
Is All on 4 possible if I have lost jawbone?
The angled back implants are designed to use the bone that is available, which helps many patients with some bone loss. Whether it is possible for you is decided after the dentist's examination and X-rays.