All-on-4 dental implants replace a full arch of teeth (top, bottom, or both) using just four implant posts per jaw instead of one implant per tooth. It is a solution most often considered by three types of patients: people tired of loose dentures, people whose remaining natural teeth are failing, and people researching implant options and weighing the cost and timeline. This post is for all three. If your situation is different, for example you are missing only one or two teeth, read our single tooth implant guide instead.
If You Wear Dentures and Want Something That Stays Put
Dentures that slip while eating, click when you talk, or require adhesive every morning are a common reason patients switch to All-on-4. Because the prosthetic is anchored to four implants fused into your jawbone, it does not move. You can eat steak, corn on the cob, and raw vegetables without planning around them. Adhesive is no longer part of your routine. Speech is often clearer because there is no plastic palate covering the roof of your mouth, and taste returns to normal for the same reason. The prosthetic is cleaned differently from dentures, and your dentist will walk you through the new routine at your follow-up visit.
If Your Remaining Teeth Are Failing
Advanced gum disease, multiple fractured teeth, or years of postponed dental care can reach a point where each remaining tooth becomes a liability. The old approach was to extract them one by one over many years, replacing each with an individual implant or bridge. All-on-4 offers a different path: extract the compromised teeth and place four implants per arch in a single coordinated plan. This is often faster, more predictable, and more affordable than replacing teeth individually. If you are weighing whether to keep struggling with failing teeth or make a change, understanding what happens if you do not replace missing teeth helps frame the decision.
If You Are Still Researching Your Options
All-on-4 is one of several implant options, and it is not always the right one. Two implants with an overdenture, six to eight individual implants, or traditional dentures may fit your needs better depending on bone volume, budget, and long-term goals. For a full breakdown of implant types and benefits, see our dental implants service page. The best next step is a consultation where a 3D scan shows exactly what your bone and gum tissue will support. Newport Dental does not recommend All-on-4 unless the imaging confirms it is the right fit.
What Does All-on-4 Cost?
All-on-4 pricing varies based on the type of prosthetic (acrylic, zirconia, or hybrid), whether extractions and bone work are needed, and your sedation choice. As a ballpark:
Single arch (upper or lower): $20,000 to $30,000
Both arches (full mouth): $40,000 to $55,000
These ranges include the implants, abutments, and the final prosthetic. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion but rarely the full amount. To see what your specific plan will pay, we submit a predetermination of benefits before treatment begins. Newport Dental also offers financing to spread the out-of-pocket cost across several months.
How Long Does the Process Take?
From consultation to final prosthetic, most All-on-4 cases take four to six months. Extractions, implant placement, and a temporary set of teeth usually happen at the same surgical appointment. The implants need three to four months to fuse with the jawbone, during which you wear the temporary. Once healing is complete, your permanent prosthetic is fabricated and fitted. You are never without teeth during the process.
Ready to See If All-on-4 Is Right for You?
Schedule a consultation at Newport Dental in Factoria. We will take a 3D scan, review your options honestly, and give you a detailed cost estimate before any treatment is scheduled. Call 425-641-5303 or book online.
