All-on-4 Dental Implants: The Complete Guide to Cost, Procedure and Recovery

If you’re missing most or all of your teeth in one jaw, replacing them one at a time isn’t always realistic. All-on-4 was developed for exactly this situation: a full arch of fixed, natural-looking teeth, supported by just four implants instead of one per gap. Here’s what that actually involves, from the first consultation to the finished smile.

What Is All-on-4?

All-on-4 is a full-arch implant technique. Four implants are placed at planned positions and angles in the jaw, two straight at the front and two angled toward the back, and together they support a complete, fixed row of replacement teeth. The angled placement is designed to make use of bone that’s usually still available even where some bone loss has occurred, which is part of why it’s often possible without a separate bone graft first.

Who Is All-on-4 For?

All-on-4 is generally considered by patients with extensive tooth loss across a full arch, whether the teeth are already gone or remaining teeth are failing and need to be removed as part of the same treatment plan. It’s worth comparing against the alternatives before deciding it’s the right fit:

• All-on-4 vs. individual implants. Replacing every missing tooth with its own implant means significantly more surgery and cost for a full arch. All-on-4 is built specifically to avoid that.
• All-on-4 vs. All-on-6. All-on-6 uses six implants instead of four, which can add stability where more bone is available. Whether that’s needed depends on your imaging.
• All-on-4 vs. removable dentures. Dentures don’t require surgery, but sit on the gum rather than being anchored in the jaw. Most patients find a fixed All-on-4 restoration feels and functions much closer to natural teeth.

Candidacy ultimately comes down to bone quality, gum health, and general health, all confirmed through a clinical exam and imaging rather than guessed from a description online.

How the Procedure Works

1. Assessment and planning. Imaging, usually a CT scan, maps out the exact position and angle for each of the four implants.
2. Extraction, if needed, and implant placement. Any teeth that can’t be saved are removed and the four implants are placed, often in the same visit, under local anaesthesia or IV sedation.
3. Temporary restoration. A provisional fixed bridge is typically fitted the same day, so you’re not left without teeth while the implants heal.
4. Final restoration. Once healing is confirmed, generally a few months later, a definitive fixed bridge replaces the temporary one.

Most cases involve two trips: one for extractions and implant placement, and a second, later visit for the final bridge once the implants have integrated with the bone.

Recovery: What to Expect

The first few days matter most. Some swelling and soreness is normal, more noticeable than with a single implant, since All-on-4 often combines extractions and implant placement in one visit:

• Bite down on gauze for about an hour if there’s bleeding, and use ice packs on the outside of the face for the first 24 hours to help with swelling.
• Stick to soft, cool foods in the initial days, gradually returning to normal foods as healing progresses.
• Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours, and ideally longer.
• Plan on resting for the first day or two, with your head elevated, including while sleeping.

Full integration of the implants with the jawbone generally takes 3 to 6 months, though you leave with a complete, fixed set of teeth from the very first visit.

How Much Does All-on-4 Cost?

Pricing varies a lot by country. In the UK, US, and much of Western Europe, All-on-4 for a single arch commonly runs into five figures. At Dentavivo in Istanbul, All-on-4 starts from €5,000 per arch, which is one of the main reasons patients travel for this specific treatment. The final number depends on whether extractions or bone grafting are needed first and the materials chosen for the final bridge, so it’s worth getting a personalized quote rather than comparing headline prices alone.

Getting Started

If you’re weighing up All-on-4 against other options, our dental implants page covers how implants work more generally, and our Before & After gallery has real, unedited full-arch cases. When you’re ready, share your imaging or a description of your case through our contact page, and we’ll follow up with a personalized plan and free quote.