If you’re missing most or all of your teeth in an arch, replacing them one implant at a time isn’t the only path — and it isn’t usually the most practical one. All-on-4 uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. Here’s what the process actually involves.
What Is All-on-4?
All-on-4 is a full-arch replacement technique that anchors a complete set of upper or lower teeth on four implants, rather than placing an individual implant for every missing tooth. The four implants are positioned at specific angles to maximize contact with available bone — including areas that often still have good bone density even after years of tooth loss.
Who Is a Candidate?
All-on-4 was specifically developed for patients who:
- Are missing most or all teeth in an upper or lower arch
- Currently wear a full denture and want a fixed alternative
- Have experienced bone loss that would otherwise require extensive grafting for individual implants
The angled placement is what makes this option accessible to many patients who wouldn’t have enough bone for a full set of individually placed implants without significant grafting first. For the broader candidacy factors that apply to any implant procedure, see Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
What to Expect: The Process
- Evaluation and planning. A 3D scan maps your bone structure precisely and determines the ideal implant positions and angles.
- Implant placement. The four implants are surgically placed in a single appointment, under sedation.
- Temporary teeth, same day. Most patients leave with a temporary fixed arch the same day — you’re not without teeth during healing.
- Healing period. Over the following months, the implants fuse with the jawbone (osseointegration), which is what gives the final result its stability.
- Final restoration. Once healed, the temporary arch is replaced with the final, custom-fitted permanent set of teeth.
All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dentures
The biggest practical difference is that All-on-4 is fixed in place — no removing it at night, no adhesives, no slipping while eating. It also stimulates the jawbone the way natural teeth do, which helps slow the bone loss that continues under a traditional denture. The tradeoff is cost and the initial healing period, which a removable denture doesn’t require.
All-on-4 vs. Individual Implants for a Full Arch
Replacing every missing tooth with its own individual implant can mean 8 or more implants per arch, plus a higher likelihood of needing bone grafting first. All-on-4 typically means lower total cost and a shorter timeline for patients missing most or all of an arch, using the angled four-implant approach to work with your existing bone.
Recovery and Long-Term Care
Initial healing typically involves some swelling and a softer-food diet for the first weeks. Long-term, All-on-4 teeth are cared for similarly to natural teeth — regular brushing, flossing under the arch, and routine dental check-ups to monitor the implants and surrounding tissue.
What Does It Cost?
All-on-4 involves a different cost structure than single-tooth implants, since it covers a full arch rather than one tooth. See our full cost breakdown in Dental Implant Cost in Langley for what factors into the total.
Find Out If All-on-4 Is Right for You
The only way to know if All-on-4 fits your case is a 3D scan and a conversation about your bone structure and goals. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect for your specific situation. We serve patients across Langley Township, Walnut Grove, Willowbrook, Brookswood, Fort Langley, and nearby Maple Ridge and Aldergrove.
Call 604-888-6885 or contact us online to book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many implants does All-on-4 actually use?
Four implants per arch, placed at specific angles to maximize contact with available bone — supporting a complete fixed arch of replacement teeth.
Do I leave the office without teeth after All-on-4 surgery?
No. Most patients receive a temporary fixed arch the same day as implant placement, so you’re not without teeth during the healing period.
Is All-on-4 removable like a denture?
No — All-on-4 is fixed in place. It doesn’t come out at night, doesn’t use adhesives, and doesn’t slip while eating, unlike a traditional removable denture.
Am I a candidate for All-on-4 if I’ve already lost a lot of bone?
Often, yes. The angled implant placement is specifically designed to work with bone that’s still present even after years of tooth loss, which is why All-on-4 is accessible to many patients who wouldn’t qualify for individually placed implants without grafting first.
How long does All-on-4 treatment take from start to finish?
Implant placement happens in a single appointment, with temporary teeth fitted the same day. The final permanent restoration follows after a healing period of several months, once osseointegration is complete.