All-on-4® is a dental implant treatment designed to replace an entire arch of missing or failing teeth with a fixed, non-removable prosthesis supported by just four strategically placed implants. For patients who have lost most or all of their teeth—or who are facing full-arch extractions—All-on-4® offers a path to a complete, functional, and natural-looking smile that does not require the daily removal associated with traditional dentures.
The All-on-4® concept uses four implants per arch, with the two rear implants placed at an angle to maximize contact with available bone and avoid areas of reduced density. This angled placement is what makes All-on-4® unique—it allows most patients to receive a full-arch restoration without the bone grafting procedures that are often required with traditional implant approaches. The implants are placed in a single surgical appointment, and a temporary prosthesis is typically attached the same day.
Once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone over several months, the temporary prosthesis is replaced with the final custom-fabricated restoration. The result is a complete arch of teeth that is fixed, stable, and maintained just like natural teeth—brushing and flossing daily, with routine professional care.
All-on-4® is designed for patients who are missing all or most of the teeth in one or both arches, or who have teeth that are failing due to advanced decay, gum disease, or other conditions and require full-arch extraction. It is also a strong option for patients who currently wear conventional dentures and are seeking a fixed alternative.
Because the angled rear implants reduce the need for bone volume, many patients who were previously told they had insufficient bone for implants are candidates for All-on-4®. A thorough evaluation including CBCT imaging of the jaw is performed to assess bone volume and quality and to plan the precise implant positions for each individual patient.
All-on-4® provides stability and confidence that removable dentures cannot match. The prosthesis does not slip, click, or require adhesives. Patients can eat a full range of foods, speak naturally, and smile without concern. Because the implants stimulate the jawbone the way natural tooth roots do, they also help preserve bone volume over time—preventing the facial changes associated with long-term tooth and bone loss.
At Cameron Park Dental Care, we evaluate each patient comprehensively to determine whether All-on-4® is the right solution for their specific situation. If you are living with missing teeth, struggling with failing teeth, or dissatisfied with removable dentures, call us at (530) 676-0400 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
All-on-4® is a full-arch implant system that supports an entire arch of replacement teeth on just four implants. Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw, and two are placed at an angle in the back to take advantage of denser bone and avoid the sinus area. This allows the four implants to support a complete, fixed prosthesis without bone grafting in most cases.
Traditional implant approaches for full-arch restoration typically require an individual implant for each missing tooth, or at minimum six to eight implants per arch, and often require bone grafting when density is insufficient. All-on-4® reduces both the number of implants needed and the overall complexity of treatment for most full-arch candidates.
In most cases, yes—a temporary prosthesis is placed on the same day as the implant surgery. This “teeth in a day” aspect is one of the most appealing features of the All-on-4® protocol. You leave the surgical appointment with a functional set of teeth rather than going through an extended edentulous period while implants heal.
The same-day prosthesis is a temporary appliance. It is designed to protect the implants during the healing period and allow you to function normally. After the implants have fully integrated with the bone—typically three to six months—the temporary prosthesis is replaced with a final, custom-fabricated permanent restoration.
The surgical placement of All-on-4® implants is performed under local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for patients who prefer a more relaxed experience. During the procedure itself, patients should not feel pain—only pressure and movement. Most patients are surprised at how manageable the procedure is relative to their expectations.
After surgery, some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal for several days. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication manages post-surgical discomfort effectively for most patients. Following the post-operative instructions provided—including dietary restrictions and oral hygiene protocols—is the most important factor in a comfortable recovery.
With proper care, All-on-4® implants are designed to be a permanent, long-term solution. The implants themselves can last a lifetime when properly maintained and when the patient maintains good oral hygiene and attends regular professional care appointments. The prosthesis attached to the implants may require replacement or refurbishment over the years due to normal wear.
Long-term success depends on consistent daily cleaning of the prosthesis and the tissue around the implants, regular professional cleanings, and avoiding habits that place excessive force on the restoration such as biting very hard objects. Patients who smoke are encouraged to quit, as smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure.
All-on-4® was specifically designed to address the challenge of reduced bone volume in patients with long-term tooth loss. The angled placement of the two posterior implants allows them to utilize denser bone further forward in the jaw, bypassing areas of significant bone loss and often eliminating the need for bone grafting. Many patients who were told they were not candidates for traditional implants qualify for All-on-4®.
Whether you are a candidate depends on the specific volume and quality of bone available, which is assessed with a CBCT scan and clinical examination. There are cases where bone loss is so severe that additional procedures are needed even with the All-on-4® approach. We will give you an honest assessment of your situation and all available options at your consultation.
Maintaining All-on-4® requires daily cleaning to remove plaque and food debris from around the implants and beneath the prosthesis. This typically involves brushing the prosthesis with a soft toothbrush, using a water flosser or specialized floss to clean beneath the bridge, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Specific tools and techniques will be demonstrated at your post-operative appointments.
Professional maintenance is also essential. Regular cleanings at a dental office—typically every six months, or more frequently as recommended—allow the team to professionally clean beneath the prosthesis, assess the health of the surrounding tissue and bone, and evaluate the condition of the restoration. Ongoing professional monitoring is what protects your investment in the long term.
All-on-4® uses four implants per arch, while All-on-6® uses six. The additional two implants in All-on-6® provide more support points for the prosthesis, which can be beneficial for patients with more available bone volume or who require a longer or heavier prosthesis. Both approaches support a full-arch fixed restoration and use the same basic philosophy of immediately loaded implants.
The choice between All-on-4® and All-on-6® depends on your specific bone anatomy, the span of teeth being replaced, and the clinician’s assessment of what implant distribution will provide the most stable, long-lasting result. We evaluate each patient individually and recommend the configuration best suited to their anatomy and goals.
Yes—All-on-4® can be performed on both the upper and lower arches simultaneously in a single surgical appointment if both arches require full-arch restoration. This approach is efficient because the patient undergoes one surgical and recovery period rather than two. The temporary prostheses for both arches are placed on the same day.
Treating both arches at once does require a longer surgical appointment and may involve a slightly more involved recovery. For patients who are medically suitable and for whom the clinical situation supports it, same-day bilateral treatment can be an excellent option that significantly compresses the overall timeline to a complete smile restoration.
Implant failure, while uncommon, can occur. Early failure—within the first few months before integration is complete—is more likely in patients who smoke, have uncontrolled diabetes, or do not follow post-operative instructions. Late failure can result from infection (peri-implantitis), excessive force, or systemic health changes. In most cases, a failed implant can be removed, the area treated, and a new implant placed after adequate healing.
The All-on-4® system has been extensively studied and has strong long-term success data. Success rates for well-selected patients who maintain proper hygiene are consistently high. We discuss risk factors and how to minimize them at the consultation and throughout the course of care.
At Cameron Park Dental Care, we approach full-arch restoration with thorough planning and patient-centered care. We take the time to evaluate your bone structure, health history, and goals comprehensively before making any recommendations, and we ensure you have a clear understanding of the process, timeline, and expectations before proceeding. Our goal is a result that truly improves your quality of life.
If you are ready to explore whether All-on-4® is the right solution for you, call us at (530) 676-0400 or reach out online. We are happy to answer your questions and schedule a consultation to evaluate your specific situation.
