All-On-4 dental implants offer a faster, more efficient alternative to traditional full-mouth dental restorations. By using just four strategically placed implants per arch, this technique allows many patients to leave surgery with a full set of temporary teeth the very same day. But while the initial transformation can be quick, the entire process from consultation to receiving your final set of permanent teeth takes more time than most patients realize. Understanding the full treatment timeline — including evaluations, surgery, healing, and final placement — helps set realistic expectations and ensures better decision-making and long-term success.
What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?
All-On-4 dental implants are a full-arch tooth replacement solution that supports a fixed prosthesis using just four dental implants per jaw. Unlike traditional implants that may require 6 to 8 posts per arch and months of bone grafting, All-On-4 uses angled implants to maximize contact with existing bone — even in patients with bone loss.
This technique is often used for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth or are currently wearing dentures. The biggest advantage is efficiency: most patients receive a temporary set of teeth on the same day as surgery, minimizing downtime and allowing them to return to normal activities sooner.
Key features include:
- Four implants per arch (upper, lower, or both)
- Immediate-load capability, meaning temporary teeth can often be placed right after surgery
- Angled posterior implants to avoid anatomical structures and reduce the need for bone grafts
- Fixed, non-removable prosthesis, providing better comfort and function than dentures
All-On-4 is especially suitable for patients looking for a permanent, full-mouth restoration with fewer surgeries and a shorter treatment timeline.
Phase 1: Initial Consultation and Evaluation
The first step in the All-On-4 process is the consultation and diagnostic phase. This stage is essential for determining if you’re a good candidate for the procedure and mapping out your personalized treatment plan.
What Happens During This Phase:
- Comprehensive dental exam
- 3D imaging and CT scans
- Medical and dental history review
- Discussion of expectations and treatment goals
Timeframe:
This phase usually takes 1 to 2 appointments over 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how quickly diagnostics are completed and decisions are made.
Phase 2: Pre-Surgical Preparation (If Needed)
Not all patients can move straight to surgery after the initial consultation. Some may need additional dental work or medical clearance before implant placement can begin. This preparatory phase ensures the surgical site is stable, healthy, and ready for long-term success.
Common Pre-Surgical Procedures:
- Tooth Extractions
- Minor Bone Contouring
- Treatment of Infection or Gum Disease
- Medical Clearances (if needed)
Healing Time (If Required):
If any procedures are performed in advance of surgery, healing time can range from 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the complexity. However, in many cases, extractions and implants are placed on the same day.
Phase 3: Surgical Placement of Implants
This is the core phase of the All-On-4 treatment — when the dental implants are surgically placed into your jaw and, in most cases, temporary teeth are attached the same day.
What Happens During Surgery:
- Placement of 4 implants per arch
- Immediate load with temporary teeth
- Sedation or anesthesia options
- Post-op recovery begins
Timeframe:
- Surgical appointment: Typically completed in 1 day
- Initial rest and recovery: Most patients take 1–2 days to rest
- Back to light activity: Usually within 3–5 days
Phase 4: Healing and Osseointegration
After the implants are placed and your temporary teeth are attached, the healing process begins. This phase is critical for long-term success, as it allows the implants to fuse securely with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
What Happens During This Phase:
- Bone integration
- Follow-up appointments
- Adjustments to temporary prosthesis (if needed)
- Soft food diet recommended
Timeframe:
- Healing duration: Typically 3 to 6 months
- Pain/swelling: Usually resolves within a few days to a week
- Osseointegration: Ongoing throughout this phase
Phase 5: Final Prosthesis Placement
Once the implants have fully integrated with your jawbone, it’s time for the final and most satisfying step: receiving your permanent prosthetic teeth.
What Happens During This Phase:
- Final impressions and bite registration
- Customization of the permanent teeth
- Try-in and adjustment
- Permanent attachment
Timeframe:
- From impressions to placement: 1 to 2 weeks
- Fitting appointment: Typically 1 visit
Total Time From Start to Finish
The complete All-On-4 dental implant process generally takes 4 to 8 months, depending on your case.
Typical Timeline Breakdown:
- Consultation & Diagnostics: 1–2 weeks
- Pre-Surgical Prep (if needed): 1–6 weeks
- Surgical Placement & Temporary Teeth: 1 day
- Healing & Osseointegration: 3–6 months
- Final Prosthesis Placement: 1–2 weeks
What May Shorten the Timeline:
- Good bone health
- No extractions or infections
- Digital workflows and experienced team
What May Extend the Timeline:
- Bone loss or gum issues
- Medical complications or slow healing
- Complex prosthetic design needs
Conclusion
All-On-4 dental implants offer one of the fastest paths to a new, full smile — often with temporary teeth placed the same day as surgery. But while the immediate transformation is impressive, the full process from start to finish typically takes 4 to 8 months. This includes careful planning, surgical placement, healing, and the final prosthetic attachment.
Understanding this timeline helps you prepare both physically and mentally. While most patients can return to normal routines within days after surgery, successful long-term results depend on proper healing, follow-up care, and your commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene.
If you’re considering All-On-4, speak with your dentist about your specific needs and what to expect at each phase. With the right planning and care, you’ll walk away with a long-lasting, functional, and natural-looking smile.
