When teeth are missing, your mouth and jaw lose more than just function. They lose structure and health. Dentures can help, but they can also become loose and need frequent adjustments.
At Anthony Lordo, DDS, our trusted dentists in Worthington, Ohio, often recommend life-changing All-On-4® dental implants—an effective solution that provides a full set of fixed teeth, placed on just four implants, often in just one day.
What Are All-On-4® Dental Implants?
All-On-4® is a dental procedure where four titanium implants are placed into the jawbone to support a full arch of replacement teeth. Unlike traditional implants, which may require six or more individual posts for a full arch, All-On-4® uses only four.
The implants are placed strategically at angles to provide strong support. For many, this cuts down on the need for bone grafting. The teeth themselves are usually screw-retained, meaning they remain fixed in place and don’t come out like removable dentures.
All-On-4® is most often used for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth in one or both arches, or those who are unhappy with their current dentures.
How All-On-4® Implants Work
The technique relies on four dental implants placed at specific points in the jaw. The front two are inserted vertically. The back two are tilted at an angle to maximize contact with bone and avoid areas like sinuses or nerves.
This configuration allows the implants to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth without the need for one implant per tooth. The bridge is designed to attach securely to the implants, creating a stable and functional bite.
The materials used vary. Often, the implants are made of titanium, which fuses well with bone. The visible teeth may be made from acrylic resin or zirconia, depending on the case.
One-Day Procedure: What to Expect
One major advantage of All-On-4 is that the procedure can often be completed in one day. This includes removing any remaining teeth, placing the implants, and attaching a temporary set of teeth.
Before the procedure, your dentist will take images and impressions. They may use a CT scan to evaluate bone structure and plan the crown placement.
On the day of surgery:
- You’ll undergo local anesthesia or sedation.
- Existing teeth will be removed if needed.
- The four implants will be placed.
- A temporary bridge will be attached to the implants the same day.
The temporary teeth look and function like natural teeth but are not permanent. Over several months, the implants will fuse with your bone—a process called osseointegration. Once healing is complete, usually after 3 to 6 months, your dentist will replace the temporary teeth with a permanent set.
Key Benefits of All-On-4® Implants
All-On-4® implants offer more than just a new set of teeth. They restore comfort, function, and appearance with a streamlined process that fits into your life—not the other way around.
Immediate Results
One of the most noticeable advantages is how quickly you can see results. Traditional implant procedures often require several appointments over multiple months, with healing and waiting periods in between.
With All-On-4®, a temporary set of secure teeth is placed the same day as your implant surgery, so you leave the office with a functional smile instead of gaps or removable dentures.
Fewer Implants Needed
A full arch of teeth typically requires six to eight implants with traditional methods. All-On-4® cuts that number down to four by placing the implants in precise positions that maximize stability. Fewer implants reduce the time in surgery, lower overall cost, and shorten recovery.
Stability and Functionality
Unlike removable dentures, All-On-4® teeth stay fixed in your mouth. They won’t shift when you speak or chew. You can enjoy a more natural bite without worrying about adhesives, slippage, or discomfort during meals. This level of stability helps restore daily confidence and ease.
Bone Preservation
Missing teeth can cause your jawbone to shrink over time due to a lack of stimulation. All-On-4® implants fuse directly with the bone and help maintain its volume and shape. This stimulation helps preserve your facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance that often comes with long-term tooth loss.
Less Need for Bone Grafting
One of the key features of All-On-4® is how the implants are angled toward the back of the jaw. This design often avoids areas of low bone density and can anchor securely in available bone. For many patients, this means they can skip bone grafting procedures—even if they’ve been told they don’t have enough bone for traditional implants.
Is the Procedure Right for You?
Not everyone is a candidate for All-On-4®. The procedure requires a certain amount of healthy bone in the jaw. If you’ve had extensive bone loss, grafting may still be needed. You must also be free of active gum disease or other oral infections.
Chronic health conditions like diabetes need to be well-controlled. Smoking can affect healing and the long-term success of implants.
Our dentist evaluates each interested patient for All-On-4® dental implants in Worthington based on case X-rays, CT scans, and a clinical exam. Each plan is customized to the patient.
A Lasting Solution, Starting Today
All-On-4® dental implants offer a modern solution for patients who want to replace missing teeth with something fixed, stable, and long-lasting. With fewer implants, quicker healing, and often same-day placement, the process is streamlined without cutting corners.
Every patient is different. A full evaluation is the only way to know if All-On-4® is right for you. But for many people, it means leaving the office with a new smile—on the same day the procedure begins.
If you’ve been thinking about a permanent solution for missing teeth, talk to our dentist in Worthington, Ohio. Ask if All-On-4® might be a good fit.
