All-on-4® Dental Implants and Bridges
What Are All-on-4® Dental Implants and Bridges?
All-on-4® dental implants and bridges—also known by names such as All-on-5 or All-on-6—are designed to replace an entire arch of missing and/or failing teeth by anchoring a custom partial or full-arch restoration to approximately four to six dental implant posts. Each titanium implant post is strategically placed, acting as strong, durable roots for the new teeth. This treatment can be performed on the upper arch, lower arch, or both to restore healthy dental function and a confident smile. When placed by an experienced, qualified dentist—such as our cosmetic dentist in New Albany, Andrew E. Skasko, DDS—the All-on-4® system can provide patients with long-lasting, stable results that look and feel like natural teeth.
Quick Facts About All-on-4® Dental Implants
- Potential Benefits: All-on-4® dental implants can restore a full arch of teeth with a stable, fixed solution that looks and feels natural. This approach may improve chewing ability, speech clarity, and overall confidence, while also helping to preserve jawbone density over time.
- Candidates: Ideal candidates often include individuals missing most or all teeth in an arch, as well as those experiencing significant dental deterioration. Many patients who currently wear dentures may also qualify, even if some bone loss has occurred.
- Procedure: The treatment involves placing approximately four to six strategically positioned implant posts within the jawbone to support a custom-designed bridge. A temporary restoration is typically worn during the healing phase before the final prosthetic is secured.
- Recovery: Initial healing after implant placement generally takes one to two weeks for soft tissues, while the full integration of implants with the jawbone occurs over several months. Most patients can resume normal daily activities shortly after the procedure.
- Dentists: At Elite Dental, Dr. Andrew E. Skasko utilizes advanced diagnostics, digital smile design, and collaboration with experienced surgical professionals and dental technicians to plan and execute each case with precision and attention to detail.
- What Are All-on-4® Dental Implants and Bridges?
- All-on-4® Dental Implants and Bridges Benefits
- All-on4® Dental Implants Candidates
- All-on-4® Dental Implants and Bridges Procedure
- All-on-4® Dental Implants Results
- Switching to All-on-4® from Dentures
- All-on-4® Dental Implants and Bridges Cost
What Are the Benefits of All-on-4® Dental Implants and Bridges?
Unlike removable dentures, which may be ill-fitting and cause discomfort, All-on-4® dental implants and bridges typically feel like a natural part of your mouth. In addition to a secure, comfortable fit, All-on-4® treatment can offer numerous other benefits, including:
- Prevention of jawbone deterioration caused by missing teeth
- Restoration of dental integrity and a proper bite
- Improved functionality for chewing and speaking
- Stability and security without “slippage”
- No messy pastes or adhesives
- Implants fuse with the jawbone and are designed to last a lifetime
Additionally, since All-on-4® is intended as a replacement for all upper and/or lower teeth, this treatment can be a more cost effective option to avoid replacing individual missing teeth with single-tooth dental implants.
Am I a Candidate for All-on-4® Dental Implants?
All-on-4® dental implants can be an excellent option for individuals seeking a long-term solution to extensive tooth loss or failing dentition. You may be a candidate if you are missing multiple teeth, currently rely on removable dentures, or are facing widespread dental concerns that cannot be predictably addressed with individual restorations.
A key factor in candidacy is the condition of your jawbone, as dental implants require sufficient bone support for stability. However, one of the advantages of the All-on-4® approach is its ability to maximize existing bone through strategic implant placement, which often allows patients with some degree of bone loss to qualify without the need for extensive grafting procedures.
Good overall oral health is also important. Conditions such as untreated gum disease or active infections may need to be resolved prior to treatment. Additionally, lifestyle factors, such as smoking or chronic teeth grinding, will be evaluated, as they can impact healing and long-term outcomes.
The best way to determine your eligibility is through a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Skasko. Using detailed imaging and a personalized assessment, he can recommend whether All-on-4® is appropriate for your needs or if alternative treatments should be considered.
What Can I Expect from the All-on-4® Procedure?
Depending on the patient, additional dental work may be needed prior to full mouth reconstruction with All-on-4® dental implants and bridges, such as tooth extractions or a deep dental cleaning for periodontal (gum) disease prevention. Once the mouth has been adequately prepared, each of the titanium implant posts will be placed in optimal positions within the jawbone. In order for the treatment to be successful and long-lasting, the implants need to completely fuse to the surrounding bone—a process called osseointegration—over a period of several months. During this time, patients receive a custom temporary restoration to wear until the fusion process is complete.
It is important to note that the precise number of implants needed for treatment may vary between patients depending on factors like jawbone density. Dr. Skasko and the surgical team will assess your unique needs in order to determine the optimal number of implants for the most stable results. In most cases, somewhere between four and six implants will be required.
To ensure the most natural fit, feel, and look, Dr. Skasko performs a facial analysis using state-of-the-art diagnostic and photographic case planning to design your new teeth. The advanced technology employed in the Skasko Smile Design Studio at Elite Dental provides patients a visualization of how their new smile will appear with a final restoration that offers the most natural-looking appearance and a comfortable fit. After the dental implants have fully fused with the jaw bone, the design is sent to our world renowned technicians to create the customized final implant bridge.
How Long Do All-on-4® Dental Implants Last?
All-on-4® dental implants are designed as a durable, long-term solution for full-arch tooth replacement. The implant posts themselves, which are made of biocompatible titanium, have the potential to last for decades—and in many cases, a lifetime—when properly placed and maintained. Their longevity is largely due to osseointegration, the process by which the implants fuse with the surrounding jawbone to create a stable foundation.
The custom bridge attached to the implants is also built for durability, though it may experience normal wear over time. Depending on the materials used and individual habits, the prosthetic teeth may need maintenance or replacement after several years to preserve optimal aesthetics and function.
Long-term success with All-on-4® implants depends on consistent oral hygiene, routine dental visits, and healthy lifestyle choices. Patients are encouraged to brush and clean around the restoration daily and attend regular check-ups so the dental team can monitor the condition of both the implants and the prosthetic.
With proper care and professional oversight, All-on-4® dental implants can provide a reliable, natural-looking smile for many years, making them a worthwhile investment in both oral health and quality of life.
Can I Switch to All-on-4® from Dentures?
Many patients who wear traditional dentures can successfully transition to All-on-4® dental implants and bridges. In fact, switching to All-on-4® is often a transformative step for individuals seeking greater comfort, stability, and confidence in their smile. Unlike removable dentures, which may slip out of place or require adhesives, the All-on-4® system provides a fixed, secure solution that feels more like your natural teeth.
For long-time denture wearers, one of the biggest advantages of making the switch is improved jawbone health. Traditional dentures sit on top of the gums and do not stimulate the jawbone, often leading to bone loss over time. All-on-4® implants are surgically anchored into the jaw, helping preserve bone density and prevent further deterioration.
If you’re currently using dentures, our team at Elite Dental will first evaluate your oral health to determine whether All-on-4® is right for you. This assessment may include imaging, a review of your dental history, and an evaluation of your bone volume. Even if some bone loss has occurred, many patients are still eligible for All-on-4® due to the strategic placement of implants in areas with sufficient bone density.
In some cases, preparatory treatments such as extractions or gum therapy may be necessary to ensure a healthy foundation for your new implant-supported smile. Once complete, you can enjoy a more secure bite, enhanced aesthetics, and renewed confidence—without the daily inconvenience of removing dentures.
If you’re ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional dentures, our team is here to guide you through every step of the All-on-4® process.
How Much Do All-on-4® Dental Implants and Bridges Cost?
Each patient’s needs are unique and the exact cost of All-on-4® dental implants and bridges will be determined after a thorough evaluation by Dr. Skasko. A personalized price estimate will be provided based on a variety of factors, such as the number of implants needed, any preemptive dental work required, the materials used to create the restoration(s), the complexities of the procedure, and more. If financial assistance is needed, our friendly and knowledgeable team is available to discuss dental financing options that can result in smaller, more manageable monthly payments.
If you would like to learn more about how All-on-4® dental implants and bridges can restore full upper and/or lower arches, please contact Elite Dental to schedule your appointment.