How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Work?

Could You Really Get a New Smile in One Day?

If you’re dealing with multiple missing teeth or struggling with dentures that won’t stay put, life becomes a daily negotiation. Which foods can you manage? Will your teeth slip when you’re talking to someone? Is today an ‘avoid smiling in photos’ day?

You’ve probably resigned yourself to thinking, ‘I guess this is just how it is now…’

But what if it didn’t have to be? What if you could walk into your local Adelaide dental clinic in the morning with failing teeth or uncomfortable dentures, and walk out the same day with a full, fixed set of teeth that look natural and feel secure?

That’s exactly what All-on-4 dental implants make possible. At Unley Park Dental Clinic, we’re not your ordinary dentist—and this is definitely not your grandmother’s denture solution. Our care goes beyond the chair, which means we’re committed to finding solutions that genuinely transform your quality of life, not just patch the problem.

Let’s talk about what All-on-4 actually is, how it works, and whether it might be the life-changing solution you’ve been looking for.

So, What are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 is a revolutionary dental implant technique that replaces an entire arch of teeth (your upper or lower jaw) using just four strategically placed implants.

Yes, just four implants supporting a complete set of fixed teeth. No removable dentures. No adhesives. No slipping.

Here’s how it works:

Two implants are placed vertically at the front of your jaw, where the bone is typically denser. Two more implants are placed at an angle toward the back of your jaw. This clever angling is the secret sauce. The angling maximises contact with your existing bone and takes advantage of the stronger bone areas in the front.

A complete bridge of beautiful, natural-looking teeth is then attached to these four anchor points. The result? A full, permanent set of teeth that function like your natural teeth used to. Cool, right?! 

Why the ‘Teeth in a Day’ Promise Actually Works

Here’s what makes All-on-4 truly remarkable: in many cases, you can receive a fixed temporary bridge on the same day as your implant surgery.

You read that right. Same day. As in…Walk in. Walk Out. 

While the implants are healing and fusing with your bone over the next 3-6 months, you’re not walking around without teeth. You have a functional, aesthetic temporary arch that lets you eat (soft foods), speak clearly, and smile confidently.

Once the implants are fully integrated, we replace that temporary bridge with your permanent, custom-crafted final restoration. But from day one, you’re never without teeth.

Compare that to traditional dentures or multiple individual implants, which often involve months of healing time, multiple surgeries, and extended periods without a full set of teeth. All-on-4 streamlines the entire process into a single surgical appointment.

The Game-Changer is Working with the Bone You Have

One of the biggest barriers to traditional dental implants is insufficient bone density. If you’ve been missing teeth for years or have worn dentures for a long time, you’ve likely experienced significant bone loss in your jaw.

Normally, this would mean you’d need bone grafting procedures before implants could even be considered. Bone grafting is time-consuming, costly, and requires additional healing time. Sometimes, this means adding 6-12 months to your treatment timeline.

All-on-4 often bypasses bone grafting entirely.

The angled placement technique works with the bone you have. By tilting those back implants, we can engage the denser bone in the front of your jaw and avoid the areas where bone loss is most severe. This means many patients who thought implants weren’t an option can actually proceed with a fixed solution.

Not everyone can skip bone grafting though. We’ll assess your specific situation with detailed 3D imaging, but for many patients All-on-4 opens doors that were previously closed.

How All-on-4 Compares to Traditional Dentures

Let’s talk about the stability difference, because this is where All-on-4 truly changes lives.

Traditional removable dentures:

• Rest on your gums, relying on suction or adhesives
• Provide only about 20% of your natural biting power
• Shift or slip when you eat, speak, or laugh
• Don’t prevent bone loss (the bone continues to deteriorate)
• Need replacement every 5-8 years
• Can cause pressure sores and speech difficulties

All-on-4 fixed implants:

• Anchored directly into your jawbone
• Restore 80-90% of your natural biting power
• Never shift, slip, or require adhesives
• Stimulate your jawbone and prevent bone loss
• Last 20+ years with proper care
• Feel and function like natural teeth
  

The difference isn’t subtle. All-on-4 patients often say they forget their teeth aren’t natural. They can bite into an apple, eat steak, laugh freely, and speak clearly without any of the anxiety that comes with removable dentures. That’s the kind of life changing treatment we love to do here.  

Who Is All-on-4 Right For?

All-on-4 works beautifully for people who:

• Are missing most or all of their teeth in one or both arches
• Have multiple failing teeth that need extraction
• Are deeply unhappy with traditional dentures
• Want a permanent, stable solution
• Have experienced some bone loss but not extensive enough to require full reconstruction

You don’t need to be completely toothless to qualify. Many patients choose to have their remaining compromised teeth extracted during the All-on-4 surgery, opting for the unified stability and aesthetics of a complete restoration.

Wondering if All-on-4 is your best option? We’ve written a comprehensive guide that dives deeper into the decision-making process. Check out our blog: Full Arch Implant: Is It Right for Me? for a detailed exploration of candidacy, what to expect, and how to know if you’re ready for this life-changing treatment.

Health considerations: Just like with single implants, your overall health matters. Because our care goes beyond the chair, we’ll take the time to review your complete medical history. We’ll need to ensure conditions like diabetes are well-controlled, review any medications that might affect healing, and discuss lifestyle factors like smoking. The good news is that age alone isn’t a barrier. What matters is your overall health, not the number on your birthday cake.

What Does the All-on-4 Process Look Like?

Before Surgery (Planning Phase)

Before we even start with the physical examination, we begin with a minimum 1-hour consultation to ensure we fully understand your needs, expectations, and medical history. This is your opportunity to ask questions, discuss your goals, and understand the entire implant process. We’ll review your dental history, current medications, and any concerns you may have. Only after this thorough consultation do we move forward with the physical planning phase.

Then, we’ll take comprehensive 3D scans and X-rays to map your jaw structure, assess bone density, and plan the precise placement of your implants. This is where we confirm you’re a good candidate and design your personalised treatment plan.

Surgery Day

You’ll receive sedation for comfort. Any failing teeth are removed, and the four implants are placed in your jawbone. The surgery typically takes 3-4 hours.

Here’s the exciting part: before you leave, we attach your temporary fixed bridge. You’ll go home with a complete set of teeth the same day.

Many patients worry, ‘are dental implants painful?’ The honest answer: you won’t feel pain during surgery thanks to anaesthesia and sedation. Afterward, expect some swelling and discomfort similar to a tooth extraction. It is manageable with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relief though. Most patients are back to normal activities within a week and say the temporary discomfort was far less than anticipated.

Healing Phase (3-6 months)

This is when osseointegration happens—your bone fuses with the titanium implants. During this time, you’ll stick to a soft food diet to protect the implants while they heal. You’ll have regular check-ups so we can monitor progress.

Final Restoration

Once the implants are fully integrated, we replace the temporary bridge with your permanent, custom-designed prosthesis made from durable materials like titanium-reinforced acrylic or zirconia. This is built to last for decades.

Total timeline from consultation to final teeth: 3-5 months.

How Much Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost?

In Adelaide, All-on-4 typically costs $17,500-$27,000 per arch. This includes your consultation, surgery, implants, and immediate temporary bridge.

For full arch restoration, the final cost depends largely on your choice of materials for the permanent prosthesis. Premium materials like permanent zirconia can add $8,000-$20,000+ to the base cost.

It’s a significant investment, and we understand that. But let’s put it in perspective:

Traditional dentures cost $2,000-$5,000 but need replacement every 5-8 years. Over 20 years, you’re looking at 3-4 sets of dentures, totalling $6,000-$20,000+. Plus the ongoing cost of adhesives, adjustments, and the functional limitations that come with removable appliances.

All-on-4 lasts 20+ years with proper care. When you calculate the cost per year and factor in the dramatic improvement in quality of life, stability, and function, it’s a genuine long-term investment.

Are Dental Implants Covered by Health Insurance?

Many patients ask: are dental implants covered by health insurance? The answer depends on your specific policy.

Most Australian private health insurance policies provide some coverage for major dental work, including implant surgery. Coverage typically ranges from 50-60% of the surgical component, though this varies by fund and policy level.

Important considerations:

• Check your annual limits for major dental
• Confirm whether you’ve served any waiting periods
• Ask specifically about implant coverage, as some policies exclude them

We offer HICAPS on-site, which means we can process your claim instantly. You’ll receive your rebate immediately and only pay the gap amount—no paperwork, no waiting.

Can I Use My Super for Dental Implants?

Yes. The answer is that you may be eligible to access your superannuation under financial hardship or severe medical grounds.

Services like Access My Super can help you access your funds for dental treatment if you meet the Australian Taxation Office’s eligibility criteria. You’ll need:

• A comprehensive treatment plan and cost breakdown from us
• Evidence of your financial situation
• An application to your super fund

We can provide all necessary documentation to support your application. It’s worth exploring if you’re facing significant dental issues and the cost feels overwhelming.

Making it work financially: We’re not your ordinary dentist, which means we understand that cost is a real concern and we want to help you find a way forward. We offer HICAPS for instant private health insurance claims, payment plans for manageable monthly instalments, and can help eligible patients access superannuation for major dental treatments. Our care goes beyond the chair, so we’ll work with you to explore every option.

How to Clean All-on-4 Dental Implants

Taking care of your All-on-4 is crucial for longevity, and many patients ask us how to clean All-on-4 dental implants properly. The good news? It’s straightforward once you know what to do.

Your daily cleaning routine:

Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush. Pay special attention to where your bridge meets your gums—this is where bacteria love to hide.

Use a Waterpik (water flosser) with an implant-specific tip. This is the most important tool in your arsenal. The water stream flushes out food particles and bacteria from beneath your fixed bridge, reaching areas your toothbrush simply can’t access. Use it at least once daily.

Interdental brushes are your second-best friend. These small brushes fit between the implants and around the abutments, cleaning the tight spaces where plaque accumulates.

Avoid abrasive products. Don’t use whitening toothpastes or other abrasive products that could scratch the prosthesis surface. Stick to regular fluoride toothpaste.

Antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacterial load. We might recommend rinsing daily, especially if you’re prone to inflammation.

Professional maintenance is non-negotiable. Book annual check-ups (some patients need twice yearly visits). We’ll use specialised instruments to clean hard-to-reach areas and check for any early signs of trouble.

The key to cleaning All-on-4 dental implants is consistency. The fixed bridge won’t get cavities, but the surrounding gum and bone can become infected if you don’t maintain excellent hygiene. Spend 5 minutes daily on proper cleaning, and your investment will reward you for decades.

Ready to Say Goodbye to Denture Struggles?

All-on-4 isn’t about replacing teeth; All-on-4 is about reclaiming your life. The freedom to eat what you love, speak without hesitation, laugh without worry, and protect your facial structure for the long term.

If you’re tired of compromising with uncomfortable dentures or facing the loss of multiple teeth, we’d love to have a conversation about whether All-on-4 is right for you.

Because we’re not your ordinary dentist, you won’t walk into a sales pitch. We’re here to listen, understand your unique situation, and help you make the decision that’s right for you, not just right for us. If we don’t think this is the right fit for you, we’ll tell you.

Book a consultation at Unley Park Dental Clinic in Adelaide. We’ll assess your specific situation, discuss your options honestly, and provide a transparent treatment plan and quote. No pressure, just genuine care and expertise.

Because you deserve more than just ‘getting by.’ You deserve to forget your teeth are even there.