For patients who have lost all their teeth or are on the verge of losing them, the All-on-4 implant system is one of the most effective solutions in modern dentistry. A fixed prosthesis built on just 4 implants — often with a temporary prosthesis fitted the same day — restores an entire jaw.
What is an All-on-4 implant?
All-on-4 is a treatment concept that places just 4 implants in one jaw and builds a fixed 12-tooth bridge prosthesis on top of them. The front 2 implants are placed vertically and the back 2 at a 30–45 degree angle. This angled placement makes maximum use of the posterior bone volume — often without sinus lifting or bone grafting.
All-on-4 placement diagram
Treatment steps
- 13D CBCT tomography is used to plan bone volume, nerve canals and the placement angle.
- 2Under local anaesthesia (with sedation when needed), 4 implants are placed in a single session.
- 3A temporary fixed prosthesis (acrylic bridge) is fitted the same day — the patient goes home with teeth.
- 4A 3–6 month osseointegration period: the implants fuse with the bone.
- 5A permanent zirconium prosthesis is made and replaces the temporary one.
The third step above — fitting a temporary fixed prosthesis on the day the implants are placed — is the protocol known as immediate loading. The prosthesis fitted that day is a provisional one, and the approach does not shorten osseointegration; it only removes the period without teeth. Whether it is possible is decided by the dentist from the primary stability measured at placement. More detail: the immediate load dental implant protocol.
All-on-4 vs traditional full restoration
In the traditional approach a separate implant is placed for each missing tooth; bone grafting is needed when bone is lacking; full treatment can take 12–18 months. All-on-4 combines most of these stages into a single session.
| Feature | All-on-4 | Traditional full restoration |
|---|---|---|
| Number of implants | 4 | 6–8+ |
| Number of surgeries | 1 | Multiple stages |
| Temporary prosthesis | Same day | Months later |
| Bone graft (usually) | Not needed | May be required |
| Total duration | 3–6 months | 12–18+ months |
Who is it suitable for?
All-on-4 is considered a primary option for the following patients:
- People who have lost most of the teeth in one jaw or have teeth that cannot be saved
- Patients who do not want to use a removable denture
- People who would need extensive bone grafting with the traditional method but have enough bone for All-on-4
- Patients who want to shorten the treatment time
Uncontrolled diabetes, active periodontitis, heavy smoking and severe osteoporosis can affect the outcome — these conditions are assessed individually.
Care and longevity
The All-on-4 prosthesis is fixed and stays in the mouth. Proper care: daily cleaning with a special interdental brush, a water flosser and an annual check-up. With proper use the implant fixture can last a lifetime; the zirconium bridge is renewed when needed.
For a personalised assessment of the All-on-4 implant system in Baku, contact Dr. Bakhtiyar — a treatment plan is prepared based on 3D diagnostics.
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Treatment suitability must always be based on a medical examination.
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