All-on-4 Dental Implants: Full Smile Restoration in One Day

January 22, 2026

Imagine walking into the dental office with failing teeth or uncomfortable dentures, and walking out the same day with a beautiful, functional set of teeth. That’s not a fantasy. It’s the reality of All-on-4 dental implants.

If you’re facing complete tooth loss or dealing with extensive dental problems, All-on-4 offers a revolutionary solution that combines the permanence of traditional implants with remarkable efficiency. At Biltmore Dental Center, we’ve seen countless patients transform not just their smiles, but their entire lives with this innovative treatment.

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 is a specialized implant technique that replaces an entire arch of teeth (upper or lower) using just four strategically placed dental implants. Unlike traditional implant approaches that might require 6-8 implants per arch, All-on-4 maximizes the strength of your available bone with an innovative angled placement technique.

Here’s what makes All-on-4 different:

The two front implants are placed vertically in the front of your jaw, where bone tends to be denser. The two back implants are placed at a 45-degree angle, avoiding areas where bone is typically weaker and sidestepping the need for extensive bone grafting in most cases.

These four implants support a full arch of prosthetic teeth, secured to a titanium framework. The result? A complete set of fixed, permanent teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

The Revolutionary Benefits of All-on-4

Same-Day Teeth

One of the most exciting aspects of All-on-4 is the possibility of immediate function. In many cases, you can receive temporary teeth the same day as your implant surgery. While these temporary teeth need to be somewhat soft-food friendly during healing, you won’t leave our office without teeth.

After about 3-6 months of healing, we’ll replace your temporary teeth with your permanent, custom-crafted prosthesis. But even during the healing phase, you’ll have functional teeth, not an uncomfortable gap.

Fewer Implants, Less Invasive

Traditional full-mouth dental implant treatments often require 6-8 implants per arch. All-on-4 achieves the same result with just four implants per arch. Fewer implants mean:

  • Less surgery time
  • Reduced overall cost
  • Faster recovery
  • Lower risk of complications

The angled placement of the posterior implants is particularly clever. By tilting these back implants at 45 degrees, we can use your available bone more efficiently and often avoid sensitive areas like sinuses in the upper jaw or nerve channels in the lower jaw.

Avoids Bone Grafting in Most Cases

Many patients facing complete tooth loss have experienced significant bone deterioration. Traditional implant approaches often require extensive bone grafting, adding months to treatment time and thousands to the cost.

The All-on-4 technique works with your existing bone structure. The strategic placement and angle of the implants maximize use of available bone, eliminating the need for bone grafting in approximately 90% of cases, according to research published in the Journal of Oral Implantology.

Fixed, Non-Removable Solution

Unlike traditional dentures that you remove nightly for cleaning, All-on-4 teeth are permanently fixed in your mouth. You brush and care for them like natural teeth. No messy adhesives, no worrying about them slipping when you eat or talk, no taking them out at night.

This fixed solution offers the convenience and confidence of natural teeth while providing the full-arch coverage needed to restore your complete smile.

Preserves Facial Structure

When you lose all your teeth, your jawbone no longer receives the stimulation it needs to maintain its density. Over time, this leads to bone resorption, causing your face to take on a sunken, aged appearance.

Because All-on-4 implants fuse with your jawbone, they provide the stimulation needed to maintain bone health. This preserves your facial structure, helping you maintain a more youthful appearance.

Restores Full Chewing Power

Traditional dentures restore only about 25-30% of your natural chewing power, according to studies published by the American College of Prosthodontists. That’s why denture wearers often struggle with tough or chewy foods.

All-on-4 dental implants restore up to 90% of your natural chewing power. After healing, you can eat virtually anything: steak, apples, corn on the cob, nuts. Foods that have been off-limits with dentures become enjoyable again.

Am I a Candidate for All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 can be an excellent solution for patients who:

  • Are missing all or most of their teeth on one or both arches
  • Have dentures that don’t fit well or feel uncomfortable
  • Have failing teeth that need extraction
  • Want a permanent solution rather than removable dentures
  • Have been told they need extensive bone grafting for traditional implants
  • Want to minimize treatment time and number of procedures

Even if you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for traditional implants, you might still be a candidate for All-on-4. The angled implant technique works with less bone density than traditional vertical placement requires.

However, successful All-on-4 treatment does require:

Adequate bone volume in key areas: While All-on-4 requires less bone than traditional implants, you still need sufficient bone where the four implants will be placed. During your consultation, we’ll use advanced imaging to assess your bone structure.

Good overall health: Certain conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders can affect healing. However, many health conditions don’t automatically disqualify you. We’ll evaluate your specific situation.

Commitment to oral hygiene: While All-on-4 teeth can’t get cavities, you can still develop gum disease around the implants. Successful long-term outcomes require commitment to daily brushing and flossing, plus regular professional cleanings.

Non-smoking or willingness to quit: Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, quitting before treatment and remaining smoke-free during healing dramatically improves your chances of success.

The only way to know for certain if All-on-4 is right for you is through a comprehensive evaluation at Biltmore Dental Center.

The All-on-4 Process: Your Journey to a New Smile

Understanding what to expect helps you feel prepared and confident.

Comprehensive Consultation and Planning

Your All-on-4 journey begins with a thorough evaluation. We’ll discuss your dental history, current concerns, and goals for your new smile. Using 3D digital X-rays, we’ll assess your bone structure and plan the precise placement of your implants.

This advanced imaging technology allows us to see exactly where nerves, sinuses, and blood vessels are located, ensuring safe, precise implant placement. We’ll create a detailed surgical guide that maps out the exact position and angle for each implant.

We’ll also discuss the appearance of your new teeth. What shade do you want? What shape feels natural to you? This is your opportunity to design your ideal smile.

Pre-Surgical Preparation

If you still have teeth that need extraction, we’ll schedule this for the day of your implant surgery. If you currently wear dentures, you might be able to wear them (modified) during the initial healing phase for certain situations, though most patients receive temporary teeth the same day as surgery.

We’ll review pre-operative instructions, which typically include:

  • Fasting for several hours before surgery (if using sedation)
  • Arranging transportation home
  • Having soft foods prepared at home
  • Filling any prescribed medications

Surgery Day: Implant Placement

On the day of your procedure, we’ll ensure you’re completely comfortable. For All-on-4 surgery, most patients opt for sedation dentistry, which helps you remain relaxed throughout the procedure.

First, if needed, we’ll extract any remaining teeth. Then we’ll carefully place the four implants according to our digital treatment plan. The front implants go in vertically, while the back implants are placed at precise angles for maximum stability.

The entire procedure typically takes 2-4 hours per arch. While that might sound like a long time, most sedated patients report that it feels like minutes.

Immediate Temporary Teeth

In most cases, we’ll attach a temporary prosthesis to your new implants the same day. These temporary teeth are fully functional, allowing you to eat soft foods immediately. While you’ll need to be cautious during healing, you won’t leave our office toothless.

These temporary teeth serve multiple purposes. They protect your implants during healing, maintain your appearance, and allow us to make adjustments before crafting your permanent prosthesis.

Healing and Osseointegration

Over the next 3-6 months, your implants will undergo osseointegration, fusing with your jawbone. During this time, you’ll stick to softer foods and follow careful oral hygiene protocols we provide.

You’ll have periodic follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing and make any necessary adjustments to your temporary teeth. Most patients continue working and maintaining relatively normal routines during this healing phase, though you’ll want to avoid strenuous activity for the first week.

Final Prosthesis Placement

Once your implants have fully integrated, we’ll take new impressions for your permanent prosthesis. This permanent set of teeth is custom-crafted from high-quality materials designed to look natural and withstand years of use.

When your permanent teeth are ready, we’ll remove your temporary prosthesis and secure your final teeth. We’ll make any final adjustments to ensure perfect fit, comfortable bite, and natural appearance.

And just like that, your smile transformation is complete.

All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants vs. Dentures

How does All-on-4 compare to other tooth replacement options? Let’s break it down:

All-on-4 vs. Traditional Full-Arch Implants:

  • All-on-4 uses four implants per arch; traditional approaches often use 6-8
  • All-on-4 typically avoids bone grafting; traditional approaches often require it
  • All-on-4 offers same-day teeth in most cases; traditional approaches may require months before receiving teeth
  • All-on-4 costs significantly less than traditional full-arch implants
  • Both offer permanent, fixed solutions

All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dentures:

  • All-on-4 is permanently fixed; dentures are removable
  • All-on-4 restores up to 90% chewing power; dentures restore only 25-30%
  • All-on-4 preserves bone; dentures allow continued bone loss
  • All-on-4 requires normal oral hygiene; dentures require removal and special cleaning
  • All-on-4 costs more upfront but lasts much longer
  • All-on-4 feels and functions like natural teeth; dentures often feel bulky and can slip

All-on-4 vs. Implant-Supported Dentures:

  • All-on-4 is non-removable; implant-supported dentures are typically removable
  • All-on-4 uses four implants; implant-supported dentures often use 2-4
  • All-on-4 provides maximum stability; implant-supported dentures offer good but not complete stability
  • All-on-4 eliminates palate coverage (upper arch); implant-supported dentures may still cover the palate
  • Both preserve bone better than traditional dentures

For a detailed comparison of all tooth replacement options, including bridges and other alternatives, check out our comprehensive guide: Dental Implant vs. Bridge vs. Dentures: Choosing the Best Tooth Replacement.

Caring for Your All-on-4 Implants

One of the best things about All-on-4 implants is how simple they are to maintain. You care for them much like natural teeth:

Daily care:

  • Brush thoroughly twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Floss daily using special floss designed for implant bridges or water flossers
  • Rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash
  • Pay special attention to where the prosthesis meets your gum line

Professional care:

  • Visit Biltmore Dental Center every 3-6 months for professional cleanings
  • Regular checkups allow us to ensure your implants remain healthy
  • We’ll professionally clean areas you can’t reach at home
  • We’ll check the stability of your prosthesis and make any needed adjustments

Lifestyle considerations:

  • Avoid smoking, which increases risk of implant failure
  • Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
  • Maintain good overall health, as conditions like uncontrolled diabetes can affect implant health

With proper care, your All-on-4 implants can last 20+ years. Many patients enjoy their All-on-4 teeth for life.

What Does All-on-4 Cost in Phoenix?

All-on-4 costs vary based on several factors:

  • Whether you’re treating one arch or both
  • The materials used for your prosthesis
  • Whether you need any tooth extractions
  • Your insurance coverage

While All-on-4 represents a significant investment, it’s typically 30-50% less expensive than traditional full-arch implant approaches. When you factor in that All-on-4 can last decades while dentures need replacement every 5-7 years, the long-term value becomes clear.

At Biltmore Dental Center, we offer flexible financing options to make All-on-4 accessible. Many patients find that monthly payments are comparable to what they’d spend on denture maintenance, adhesives, and replacements over time.

During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate and review all available financing options. We’ll also check your insurance benefits, as many plans now provide partial coverage for implant procedures.

Common Questions About All-on-4

How long does All-on-4 surgery take?

The surgery typically takes 2-4 hours per arch. If you’re having both upper and lower arches done, plan for a longer appointment, though both can often be completed in a single day.

Is All-on-4 painful?

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure and recovery are. We use local anesthesia and sedation to ensure you feel no discomfort during surgery. Afterward, some tenderness is normal, but most patients manage it easily with prescribed medications. Many patients return to work within a few days.

What can I eat with All-on-4 implants?

During the first few months of healing, you’ll stick to soft foods. Once fully healed and your permanent prosthesis is in place, you can eat virtually anything, including tough or chewy foods that might have been off-limits with dentures.

Will people be able to tell I have All-on-4?

No. Your prosthetic teeth are custom-designed to look natural and proportionate to your face. They’re crafted to match the shade and shape you desire. Even your dentist friends will be impressed by how natural they look.

How long do All-on-4 implants last?

The implant posts can last a lifetime with proper care. The prosthetic teeth typically last 15-20 years before needing replacement due to normal wear. That’s significantly longer than any other full-arch tooth replacement option.

What if I already wear dentures?

Many of our All-on-4 patients are previous denture wearers seeking a better solution. If your dentures fit well, we might be able to convert them temporarily during healing, though most patients receive new temporary teeth on surgery day.

Why Choose Biltmore Dental Center for Your All-on-4 Treatment?

All-on-4 is a specialized procedure that requires advanced training and experience. Here’s why Phoenix patients trust Biltmore Dental Center:

Advanced Technology: We use the latest 3D imaging technology for precise treatment planning and guided implant placement.

Experienced Team: Our dentists have extensive training in implant dentistry and have successfully completed numerous All-on-4 cases.

Comprehensive Care: From your initial consultation through your final prosthesis and beyond, you’ll receive all your care in our comfortable office.

Sedation Options: We offer multiple sedation options to ensure your complete comfort during the procedure.

Personalized Approach: We design your treatment plan and your new teeth specifically for you, considering your facial structure, preferences, and lifestyle.

Transform Your Life with All-on-4

Living with missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures doesn’t have to be your reality. All-on-4 dental implants offer a proven path to a complete, confident smile in less time than you might think.

If you’re ready to explore whether All-on-4 is right for you, we’re here to help. Contact Biltmore Dental Center at 602-954-8200 or schedule your consultation online.

During your visit, we’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine whether All-on-4 is the best solution for your situation. If you’re considering other options, you might find our guide helpful: Dental Implants in Phoenix: Your Complete Guide to Permanent Tooth Replacement.

Your journey to a transformed smile is just a phone call away. Don’t wait any longer to reclaim the confidence and quality of life you deserve.