Restorative Dentistry
All-on-Four Implants
A full arch of fixed, natural-looking teeth supported by four implants.
What this is, in plain language
All-on-Four is a way to replace every tooth in an upper or lower arch with something fixed and permanent. Four implants are placed at planned angles in the strongest available bone, and a full arch of teeth is attached to them. Unlike a denture, it does not come out at night, does not rest on your gums, and does not move when you eat or speak.
The remarkable part is the timeline. Because the four implants brace each other, a well-made temporary arch can be attached the same day the implants are placed. You arrive in the morning and leave that afternoon with a full set of fixed teeth. Over the following months, while the implants fuse quietly to the bone, you live your life. Then the final, stronger arch is made.
Dr. Holt approaches these cases slowly and thoroughly before the surgical day, using 3D imaging to plan each implant position and working closely with the lab on the shape and shade of your new teeth. Patients considering All-on-Four are often tired: of loose dentures, of failing teeth, of putting it off. The consultation is a calm conversation, not a sales pitch.
This might be right for you if
- My denture moves when I eat and I am tired of adhesive
- Most of my remaining teeth are failing and I want one clear plan
- I want teeth that stay in my mouth around the clock
- I was told I lack bone for regular implants
- I want to bite into food again without thinking about it
What to expect
All-on-Four replaces a full arch with fixed teeth, often the same day the implants are placed. It involves:
- A 3D scan, photographs, and an honest conversation about your goals and bone
- Every implant position planned on screen, with your first arch made ahead of time
- Placement day: any remaining teeth removed, four implants placed, and a fixed temporary arch attached, with sedation available
- Three to four months of healing on a softer diet while the implants fuse
- A stronger permanent arch scanned, crafted, and fixed in place once the implants are solid
How it unfolds, step by step
Consultation and imaging
A 3D scan, photographs, and an honest conversation about your goals. Dr. Holt confirms whether All-on-Four suits your bone and health, and shows you what the finished result will look like.
Digital planning
Every implant position is planned on screen, angled to use your strongest bone. The lab begins crafting your first arch of teeth before the surgical day, so it is ready and waiting.
Placement day
Any remaining teeth in the arch are removed, four implants are placed, and your temporary fixed arch is attached, all in one carefully paced visit. Sedation keeps the day calm and comfortable.
Healing months
For three to four months you eat a softer diet while bone fuses to the implants beneath your temporary teeth. We see you regularly to check healing and make small adjustments.
Final arch
Once the implants are fully integrated, we scan and craft your permanent arch from stronger, more refined materials, fine-tuning shade, shape, and bite. It is fixed in place and cared for like natural teeth.
Caring for it afterward
The placement day asks the most of you up front, then recovery settles quickly with a little care:
- Expect two to four days of swelling and soreness, eased with medication, rest, and cold compresses
- Keep to soft foods for the first few months while the implants integrate
- Avoid smoking, which puts implant healing at real risk
- Clean beneath the arch daily with a water flosser or floss threaders, as we show you
- Come in for professional cleanings two to three times a year to keep the gums healthy
Questions everyone asks
Yes. A temporary fixed arch is attached to the implants before you leave the placement visit, so you are never without teeth. It looks natural and lets you speak and eat soft foods right away. The stronger permanent arch replaces it after the implants finish fusing to the bone.
A denture rests on your gums and comes out at night; an All-on-Four arch is anchored to implants and stays in permanently. It does not slip, it needs no adhesive, and it restores far more chewing strength. It also stimulates the jawbone, which slows the bone loss that dentures allow.
Most patients describe two to four days of swelling and soreness, managed well with medication and rest, then a steady return to normal. You eat softer foods for the first few months while the implants integrate. The vast majority of people say recovery was easier than they had braced for.
The four implants are placed at engineered angles that spread chewing forces across the strongest parts of the jaw, and the rigid arch connects them so they brace one another. The technique was developed specifically to work in bone that has receded, which is why many patients told they lack bone for implants still qualify.
You brush it like natural teeth and clean beneath the arch daily with a water flosser or special floss threaders; we teach you the routine until it feels easy. You also come in for professional cleanings two to three times a year. It does not come out, and you never soak it in a cup.
Often explored together
Wondering if all-on-four implants is right for you?
Bring us the question. A conversation costs nothing and you will leave with a straight answer either way.