Jawbone and implant support
The amount and position of available bone affect where implants can be placed and which treatment options can be considered.
Treatment options
All-on-4 dental implants
All-on-4 describes a full arch treatment concept in which four implants support a fixed bridge of replacement teeth in one jaw. It is one approach to full arch treatment. Your assessment determines whether this approach or another option may suit you.
The quiz can help you prepare for a consultation; it cannot confirm suitability.
Planning your treatmentUnderstand the plan for temporary teeth, the final bridge and ongoing care.
Full arch implant care
Assessment before treatment
Planning for temporary and final teeth
Long-term aftercare
What it means
How does All-on-4 relate to full arch implants?
Full arch treatment replaces a complete set of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. All-on-4 is a specific approach using four implants to support fixed replacement teeth. Other full arch plans may use a different number or arrangement of implants.
The number of implants is one part of the plan. Your clinician also considers the available bone, your bite and how the replacement teeth will be supported and cleaned.
Full arch treatment explainedIt may be worth discussing if
- You have many missing or failing teeth
- You wear dentures and want to discuss a fixed option
- You want to understand the treatment choices, costs and ongoing care
These starting points do not establish suitability. Assessment also considers whether remaining teeth can be retained.
Suitability
What affects suitability for All-on-4?
Assessment considers your mouth and general health before a treatment plan is recommended. The option of fitting temporary teeth on the day of surgery needs its own clinical assessment.
Gums and remaining teeth
Assessment checks gum health, infection and whether remaining teeth can be retained.
Bite and jaw relationship
The plan considers how your upper and lower teeth meet and the forces the replacement teeth will need to manage.
Health and healing
Your medical history and medications help the clinician assess risks and plan your care.
Timing of temporary teeth
Some patients may be suitable for fixed temporary teeth on the day of surgery. This depends on clinical assessment and adequate implant stability. Others need treatment in separate stages. Temporary teeth are not the final bridge.
Process
What happens during treatment?
Your plan should explain the assessment, surgery, temporary teeth, final bridge and aftercare. The timing depends on your treatment needs and healing.
Consultation
Talk through your dental concerns, questions and what you hope treatment could help with.
Assessment and records
Your health, teeth, gums, jawbone and bite are assessed, along with any denture problems and comfort needs.
Your treatment plan
Discuss whether full arch implants may suit you, the proposed stages, and the risks and limitations that apply to you.
Surgery and temporary teeth
Some patients may be suitable for fixed temporary teeth on the day of surgery. Others need treatment in separate stages. Temporary teeth are not the final bridge. Your clinician will explain the timing that applies to you.
Final teeth
Your final bridge is planned around how your teeth work and look, the materials used, and how you will clean and maintain it.
Aftercare
Your replacement teeth need daily cleaning, regular professional review and ongoing maintenance.
What care do fixed implant teeth need?
Fixed replacement teeth need daily cleaning and regular professional review. Your clinician should show you how to clean around the implants and beneath the bridge. The bridge and its components may need maintenance, repair or replacement over time.
Before treatment, ask about surgical risks, recovery instructions, alternatives and what happens if an implant or part of the bridge needs further treatment.
Recovery and ongoing careCost planning
What affects the cost of All-on-4 treatment?
Costs depend on whether you need treatment in one or both jaws, any extractions or additional procedures, and the temporary and final teeth required. An assessment is needed to explain the proposed treatment and provide a quote.
What to check in your quote
- Treatment in one jaw or both jaws
- Extractions and any additional procedures
- Temporary teeth and the final bridge
- Anaesthetic or sedation costs, where applicable
- Review appointments, maintenance and possible future repairs
Related
Explore your options
If you are still comparing options, start with suitability or the broader full arch explanation.
Next step
Request a consultation
Leave your details and the team will contact you to arrange a consultation. You can discuss All-on-4, other full arch options and the assessment needed before treatment decisions are made.