When every tooth in a jaw is missing or failing, replacing them one by one is neither necessary nor sensible. Full-arch implant treatment uses four to six strategically angled implants to carry a complete fixed bridge of twelve to fourteen teeth. The angulation allows us to use the denser bone at the front of the jaw and avoid the sinus and nerve, which frequently means no bone graft is needed even in patients told elsewhere that implants were impossible.
Is this treatment for you?
Consider a consultation about full-arch implants & all-on-4 if you have:
- A full denture you struggle to eat or speak with
- Widespread gum disease or decay with a poor outlook for the remaining teeth
- Significant bone loss making individual implants difficult
- A wish for fixed teeth that are cleaned like natural teeth and never taken out
All-on-4, All-on-6 and hybrid prostheses
The number of implants is chosen for your bone, bite force and the material of the final bridge. Four implants is the classic minimum; six adds a safety margin for larger jaws, heavy bites or when a zirconia bridge is planned. The final prosthesis may be acrylic-titanium hybrid, or monolithic zirconia for maximum strength and aesthetics.
Teeth on the same day
In suitable cases the remaining teeth are removed, implants placed and a fixed provisional bridge screwed on within 24 to 72 hours. You leave with teeth, not a denture. The final bridge is made after three to four months of healing.
Who plans and performs it
Full-arch surgery is one of the more demanding procedures in implant dentistry. Here it is planned from a CBCT scan and performed by one of our two consultant maxillofacial surgeons, with the prosthetic phase coordinated in-house so the surgeon who places the implants also oversees how the final teeth sit on them.
What happens, step by step
- 1
Assessment
CBCT scan, photographs, impressions and a frank discussion of options and costs.
- 2
Surgery
Extractions if needed, implant placement and, where possible, fitting of a provisional fixed bridge. Usually under local anaesthesia with sedation.
- 3
Integration
3 to 4 months on a softer diet while bone bonds to the implants.
- 4
Definitive bridge
Try-in for bite and appearance, then the final screw-retained bridge is fitted.
Recovery and aftercare
Swelling and bruising peak at 48 to 72 hours and are visibly better within a week. A soft diet is essential for the first weeks so the implants are not overloaded while they integrate. We see you at one week, one month and three months, and then every six months for professional cleaning around the bridge.
Common questions
Is All-on-4 better than a denture?
For most patients, yes: chewing strength is several times higher, there is no palate coverage, no adhesive, no slipping, and the implants preserve the jaw bone. The trade-off is a higher initial cost and the need for surgery.
Can the bridge be removed?
Only by us. It is held by screws and is taken off at maintenance visits for thorough cleaning, then refitted.
What does it cost?
Full-arch treatment is a significant investment and the price depends on the number of implants, the bridge material and whether extractions or grafting are needed. You will receive a written, itemised estimate after your assessment.
What this costs
Fees depend on the complexity of your case, the materials used and whether preparatory work such as grafting is needed. You receive a written, itemised estimate after your examination, before any treatment begins.
Medically reviewed by Dr Syed Muhammad Zaki Mehdi, BDS, FCPS (OMFS), CHPE, C-Implantology, Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. Last reviewed 16 September 2026. This page is general information and does not replace an examination.