What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants and How Do They Work?

What are All-on-4 dental implants?

All-on-4 is a full-arch treatment concept in which a fixed temporary bridge may be supported by at least four dental implants. It can be considered for patients with many missing or non-restorable teeth. The number and positions of implants are planned for the individual patient; the name does not guarantee that exactly four implants will be used.

How is the plan made?

At OFSIH, Dr. L.T. Johnson reviews the medical history, oral examination, and CT imaging to assess available bone and implant positions. He also considers bite forces and a history of grinding or clenching. The final number of implants can change during surgery if bone quality differs from the plan.

Dr. Johnson performs the surgical work, including necessary extractions and implant placement. He coordinates the plan with a prosthodontist or the restorative dentist the patient chooses, who designs and provides the teeth.

Can patients with limited bone qualify?

Some patients need grafting before implant placement. For selected upper jaws with severe bone loss, zygomatic implants may offer another approach. CT findings and a surgical evaluation determine which options are reasonable. No approach can promise to avoid grafting or guarantee same-day teeth.

What happens on treatment day?

If the implants have enough initial stability, a temporary set of teeth may be attached on the day of surgery. This cannot be confirmed until placement. Patients use the temporary teeth while the tissues heal and can give feedback on the smile and cleaning. The restorative dentist plans the final prosthesis after healing, often several months later.

What are the alternatives?

A removable implant-supported denture, conventional denture, individual implants, or preserving treatable teeth may fit better depending on the patient. OFSIH reviews these choices with the restorative clinician so the patient can compare maintenance, timing, cost, and repair needs.

How are full-arch teeth maintained?

Patients need daily brushing and cleaning beneath the bridge, often with floss or a water flosser, plus professional hygiene visits. Dr. Johnson commonly discusses three to four maintenance visits per year, adjusted to the patient’s home care and the restorative team’s instructions.

To discuss your options, contact OFSIH or call (281) 491-4545. You can also review the full-arch service page.