All-on-4 and full-arch implants: replacing a full set of teeth
Full-arch treatment replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw with a bridge held by several implants. This page explains the stages and the questions to ask.
What full-arch implant treatment is
Full-arch treatment replaces every tooth in one jaw, the upper or the lower, with a single bridge held by implants. It is sometimes called full-mouth implants when both jaws are treated. The bridge is usually fixed: it is screwed to the implants and removed only by the dentist.
"All-on-4" is a name used for one approach, in which a full-arch bridge is held by four implants, with the back two often placed at an angle to make use of the available bone. The name is a trade mark of an implant manufacturer, and similar approaches are offered under other names or with more implants, such as six. The right number of implants for a given jaw is a clinical decision.
Who is typically assessed for it
Full-arch treatment is usually discussed with people who have lost most or all of their teeth in a jaw, whose remaining teeth are failing, or who wear a full denture and want a fixed alternative. Whether it is suitable depends on bone, general health, the opposite jaw and what the person wants, and only a full assessment can answer that.
Because it is a large treatment, it is reasonable to ask for time to consider the plan, to ask for the plan in writing, and to ask about non-implant options as well.
The stages, in general terms
Every practice and every case differs. The outline below is general information only.
- Assessment and records. Examination, a 3D scan, photographs, bite records and a discussion of how the teeth should look.
- Surgery day. Remaining teeth are removed if planned, and the implants are placed. This may be done under local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic, sometimes in a hospital or day theatre.
- Temporary bridge. In many full-arch protocols a temporary fixed bridge is fitted soon after surgery, when the dentist judges the implants to be stable enough.
- Healing. A period of months while the implants join the bone and the gums settle.
- Final bridge. New records are taken and the final bridge is made and fitted.
- Maintenance. Regular reviews, professional cleaning and home care around the bridge.
Questions to ask before you agree
- How many implants are planned for each jaw, and why?
- Is the temporary bridge included, and how long is it worn?
- What is the final bridge made of, and is it included in the quote?
- Who does the surgery, who makes the bridge, and where is the surgery done?
- What maintenance visits are needed afterwards, and what do they cost?
- What happens, and who pays, if an implant or part of the bridge needs attention later?
What influences the cost
We do not publish prices. The practice that assesses you gives you a treatment plan and a quote for your case. These are the factors that usually make the difference:
- One jaw or both, and the number of implants in each.
- Extractions and any bone grafting needed on the day or beforehand.
- Imaging, digital planning and any surgical guide.
- Anaesthesia: local, sedation or general, and any hospital or theatre fees.
- The temporary bridge fitted during healing.
- The material and laboratory work for the final bridge.
- Follow-up visits and maintenance appointments.
- Medical aid rules, which often fund implant stages differently from the prosthesis.
Our guide to what influences a dental implant quote explains how to read an itemised plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is All-on-4 the same as full-arch implants?
All-on-4 is the name of one full-arch approach using four implants. Full-arch treatment can also use more implants. The dentist decides how many are suitable for your jaw.
Will I leave the surgery with teeth?
In many full-arch protocols a temporary bridge is fitted soon after surgery, but this depends on the stability of the implants on the day. Ask the treating dentist what applies to your plan.
Can a full-arch bridge be taken out at home?
Usually not. A fixed full-arch bridge is removed only by the dentist. A removable alternative is an implant-supported denture.
Why do quotes for full-arch treatment vary so much?
Because the number of implants, anaesthesia, theatre fees, grafting and the bridge material all change the cost. Ask for an itemised plan so you can compare like with like.