All-on-4
All-on-4 in Turkey: how full-arch treatment works
What is All-on-4?
All-on-4 replaces a full arch of missing or failing teeth with four implants that carry one fixed, non-removable prosthesis. It is one method of full-arch treatment, not a synonym for it — some cases need more implants, or a different plan entirely, decided from a CT scan rather than a fixed rule.
How four implants carry a full arch
The technique is named for the implant count: four implants are placed per arch, usually positioned to make use of the bone that is already there — commonly two placed upright towards the front and two placed at an angle further back. Placed and angled well, four implants can carry a full fixed arch without needing a bone graft first in many cases. Whether that is possible for your jaw, and exactly where each implant goes, is read from your CT scan.
A fixed prosthesis — the visible row of teeth — is then attached to the four implants. Unlike a denture, it does not come out for cleaning; it is cleaned in place, the way natural teeth are.
The timeline: temporary first, final later
On the first visit, any teeth in that arch that cannot be saved are removed, the four implants are placed, and a temporary fixed prosthesis is fitted during that same trip, so you are not left without teeth. The permanent prosthesis is not fitted then. The implants need months to integrate with the bone first, which is why All-on-4 is normally a two-trip treatment: the second trip, once healing is confirmed, is when the final prosthesis is fitted.
That healing window is biological, not a scheduling choice, and no clinic can responsibly shorten it. Anyone showing you a finished full arch on day one of treatment is showing you the temporary stage, not the result you will be living with.
All-on-4 or All-on-6: how the number is decided
| All-on-4 | All-on-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Implants per arch | Four | Six |
| Usually considered when | Bone volume and bite load allow four implants to carry the arch | More support is wanted, or how the bone is distributed favours it |
| Decided from | CT scan and bite assessment | CT scan and bite assessment |
More implants is not automatically a better plan, and four is not a discount version of six. The number your case needs is a clinical read of your CT scan, not a package tier — if four is right for you, that is what goes on your plan. Per-arch pricing for both is on our All-on-4 cost page. If a scan points the other way, read how and why six implants are chosen on our All-on-6 page.
All-on-4 or full-mouth reconstruction — not the same thing
These two get confused constantly, so here is the distinction we hold to: All-on-4 is a specific protocol — four implants, one arch, one fixed prosthesis. Full-mouth reconstruction is the broader situation where most teeth in the mouth are failing or already gone; it can use All-on-4 on one or both arches, but it can just as easily mean a mixed plan — some implants, some crowns or bridges on teeth that can be saved. If you are not sure which describes your case, send your X-rays and we will tell you plainly rather than quoting the bigger of the two.
Who All-on-4 is not right for
- Not enough bone to hold four implants securely. Grafting can sometimes change that, but it adds healing time before implants can even be placed.
- Active gum disease or an untreated infection in the arch. This is resolved first, which can mean treatment at home before you travel.
- Medical conditions or medications that affect bone healing. Send your medical history with your X-rays — this is read before anything is planned, not after.
- Smoking and untreated bruxism affect how the implants integrate and how long the prosthesis lasts, and both limit what we can warrant.
- Some of your own teeth can still be saved. If a tooth-by-tooth assessment shows that, saving it is usually better dentistry than replacing it — even though it is a smaller invoice for us.
Read more about warranty terms and what voids cover on our warranty page, and about missing single teeth rather than a full arch on our dental implants page.
From The Clinic
What implant placement actually involves
All-on-4 uses the same implants and the same healing process as a single-tooth implant — there are just four of them, carrying one prosthesis instead of one crown each.
What people ask about All-on-4
Why four implants, specifically?
Four is the number the technique is named for, positioned to use the bone that is already there — often two upright at the front and two angled towards the back. It is not a fixed rule for every patient: some cases are planned with six implants instead (All-on-6), and the exact count and position come from your CT scan, not from the name of the technique.
Is All-on-4 the same as full-mouth reconstruction?
No. All-on-4 is one way of fixing a full arch onto four implants. Full-mouth reconstruction is the broader case where most teeth in the mouth are failing or missing, and it can combine implants, crowns and bridges across one or both arches. See how they differ on our full-mouth treatment page.
How long does All-on-4 treatment take, start to finish?
Normally two trips. On the first, any remaining teeth that cannot be saved are removed, the implants are placed, and a temporary fixed prosthesis is fitted during that first trip. The final prosthesis is fitted months later, once the implants have integrated with the bone — that healing time cannot be shortened by paying more or travelling further.
What happens to the teeth I still have?
Whichever of your own teeth can reasonably be kept, we keep — that is better dentistry, even when it means less work for us. All-on-4 is considered once a tooth-by-tooth assessment shows the remaining teeth in that arch cannot be saved or cannot support a fixed restoration.
Who is not a good candidate for All-on-4?
Patients without enough bone to hold four implants securely, patients with active gum disease or infection that has not been treated first, and patients whose medical history or medications affect bone healing. Smoking and untreated bruxism also change what we can responsibly plan and warrant. This is assessed from your CT scan and medical history, not from a photograph.
Send a panoramic X-ray before you decide anything
We will tell you whether All-on-4, All-on-6 or a different plan fits your case — and what that costs — before you book a flight.