In most cases, no. A temporary fixed bridge is often placed the same day as your implants, so you leave with a functional, natural-looking set of teeth while your permanent restoration is fabricated.
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A Full Arch of New Teeth, Anchored by Just Four Implants
All-on-4 is an innovative full-arch replacement technique that restores an entire row of missing or failing teeth using only four dental implants per arch. Two implants are placed vertically toward the front of the jaw, and two are angled toward the back, taking advantage of the denser bone typically found in those areas. This approach allows many patients to receive a complete, fixed set of teeth even without extensive bone grafting.
Dr. Brown has performed All-on-4 treatment for patients dealing with extensive tooth loss, failing dentures, or teeth that are beyond saving due to decay or periodontal disease. The result is a permanent, non-removable arch that looks and functions like natural teeth.
How All-on-4 Works
- Any remaining unhealthy or failing teeth in the arch are removed
- Four implants are strategically placed using the angled protocol described above
- A temporary fixed bridge is attached the same day in many cases, so you don’t leave without teeth
- Once healing is complete, a custom-fabricated final bridge is placed for long-term use
Is All-on-4 Right for You?
All-on-4 tends to be a strong fit for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth in an arch, who wear an unstable denture, or who have some bone loss but not enough to require extensive grafting. Because the procedure uses fewer implants and often avoids grafting altogether, it’s frequently more accessible and quicker than traditional full-arch implant approaches.
Benefits of All-on-4
- Fixed, non-removable teeth — no adhesives, no slipping
- Often completed with a same-day temporary bridge
- Fewer implants required compared to traditional full-arch restoration
- May reduce or eliminate the need for bone grafting
- Restores full chewing function and facial support
Curious if All-on-4 is the right fit for your smile? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown to review your options.
Experience Exceptional Oral Health Care
Request an appointment at one of our locations in the Kansas City area to meet with an expert oral surgeon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional full-arch restorations may use six or more implants and often require more extensive bone grafting. All-on-4 uses a specific angled placement technique to maximize the bone that’s already available, which can mean fewer implants and less prep work.
With proper home care and regular dental visits, All-on-4 restorations are designed to last many years. The implants themselves, once integrated, can last decades; the prosthetic bridge may need replacement or adjustment over time.
There’s no upper age limit for treatment — candidacy depends more on overall oral and general health than age. Many of our All-on-4 patients are in their 60s, 70s, and beyond.