All-on-4 Dental Implants: A Clinical Overview for Dentists
All-on-4 is a full-arch, implant-supported fixed prosthetic solution that enables rapid rehabilitation of edentulous patients using just four strategically placed implants. This treatment eliminates the need for bone grafting in many cases, offers immediate function, and significantly reduces treatment time and cost compared to traditional implant protocols.
At Godent, we support clinicians with fully guided digital workflows, from surgical planning and guide fabrication to the delivery of provisional and final zirconia or hybrid prostheses.
Indications
All-on-4 is suitable for:
* Fully edentulous patients
* Patients with non-restorable, decayed, or periodontally compromised teeth
* Cases where bone density is limited, but posterior angulation allows implant stability
* Patients unable or unwilling to undergo bone grafting procedures
Treatment Timeline (for international cases)
* Minimum stay: 2–5 days
* Number of visits: 1–2 (depending on immediate loading strategy)
* Implant surgery: 1–2 hours
* Temporary prosthesis delivery: \~1 hour
* Healing period: 2–3 months for final prosthesis
* Final prosthesis fabrication: 3–7 days turnaround at Godent
Clinical Workflow
1. Consultation & Diagnostic Imaging
The patient undergoes a CBCT scan and digital planning session. Intraoral scans or impressions are taken and shared with the lab. At Godent, our team supports clinicians in generating precise surgical plans and prosthetic designs.
2. Extractions & Implant Placement
Extractions are performed (if necessary), followed by placement of four implants per arch. Implants are placed at anterior and posterior positions, typically at 30–45° angulations to maximize bone contact and avoid anatomical limitations.
3. Immediate Load Provisional
If primary stability allows, a screw-retained PMMA or composite provisional bridge is delivered within 24 hours. Our lab fabricates temporaries based on pre-op scans and digital designs for passive fit.
4. Final Prosthesis
After 8–12 weeks of healing and soft tissue maturation, definitive prosthesis (monolithic zirconia or porcelain-layered) is fabricated and delivered. Occlusion, esthetics, and soft tissue adaptation are finalized at this stage.
Why All-on-4?
Clinical Benefits:
* Fixed full-arch restoration with minimal implant placement
* Reduced surgical invasiveness (no sinus lifts or block grafting)
* Immediate function with same-day or next-day loading
* High long-term success rates (>94%)
* Improved patient comfort, function, and esthetics
Limitations:
* Requires careful case selection and implant angulation
* Not suitable for all anatomical scenarios (consider full-arch with 6–8 implants if bone allows)
* May require reinforcement against parafunctional loading
Laboratory Considerations
At Godent, we provide:
* Full digital planning for surgical guides and prosthetic designs
* Temporary PMMA or composite prostheses for immediate load
* High-strength monolithic zirconia or hybrid ceramic options for final restorations
* Seamless case tracking, design previews, and real-time clinician communication
Aftercare & Patient Instructions
* Soft diet for the first 2–3 months
* No smoking for at least 1 week post-op
* Minimize physical exertion for 5–7 days
* Antiseptic rinses, hygiene maintenance, and implant recall program recommended
* Avoid removable prostheses over healing implants
FAQ for Clinical Teams
Q: Can All-on-4 be done without bone grafting?
Yes, it’s often selected specifically for patients who are not candidates for bone grafts due to implant angulation protocols.
Q: What material is best for the final prosthesis?
Monolithic zirconia is preferred for strength and longevity. In esthetically demanding cases, zirconia layered with porcelain can be used.
Q: How long does the prosthesis last?
With proper hygiene and maintenance, the implant system and prosthesis can last 20+ years.
Risks & Long-Term Outcomes
* Minor swelling, bruising, or bleeding post-op
* Possible prosthetic complications (e.g., fracture, loosening)
* Reported 5-year implant success rate: 98.1%
* Reported 10-year prosthetic success rate: 93.8%
Alternative Treatment Options
* Full Arch Implant-Supported Fixed Dentures (6–8 implants per arch)
* Implant-Retained Overdentures (removable, 2–4 implants)
* Removable Acrylic Dentures (non-surgical alternative)
Work with Godent
We support clinicians at every step — from surgical planning to final prosthesis. Our All-on-4 bundle includes:
* Digital planning & guide fabrication
* Immediate temporary prosthesis
* Final full-arch zirconia or hybrid bridge
* Live lab communication and design approval
* Turnaround time as fast as 7 days
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