If you’re living with failing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, or the prospect of losing several teeth, you’ve probably heard about All-on-4®. It’s one of the most life-changing solutions in modern dentistry, a way to replace a full arch of teeth with a fixed, natural-looking set anchored by just four dental implants.
But naturally, you have questions: Am I a candidate? What actually happens on surgery day? And how long until I walk around with my permanent teeth? Here’s a clear, honest guide from Jenkins Family Dentistry in Floyds Knobs.
What Is All-on-4®?
All-on-4® is a full-arch restoration that replaces all the teeth on the top or bottom (or both) using four strategically placed dental implants as a foundation. Instead of resting on the gums like traditional dentures, your new teeth are securely anchored to these implants, giving you a stable, comfortable, and natural-feeling bite.
As the American Dental Association notes, dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, designed to blend in with your natural teeth, and represent one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years.
Learn more about dental implants from the ADA here.
Explore our All-on-4® treatment here.
Who Qualifies for All-on-4®?
All-on-4® is designed for patients who are:
- Missing most or all of their teeth on one or both arches
- Facing the loss of failing teeth due to decay, gum disease, or damage
- Struggling with removable dentures that slip, click, or feel uncomfortable
- Looking for a permanent, fixed solution rather than something they take in and out
One of the advantages of All-on-4® is that it’s often possible even for patients who’ve been told they don’t have enough bone for traditional implants, because the technique uses the areas of the jaw with the most available bone.
That said, candidacy is always determined individually. Factors like overall health, gum health, and bone density all play a role. The only way to know for sure is a consultation and evaluation with Dr. Jenkins, which includes digital imaging to assess your unique situation.
What Surgery Day Looks Like
Understanding the process removes a lot of the anxiety. Here’s what a typical All-on-4® surgery day involves:
- Preparation & comfort — We ensure you’re comfortable before we begin. The procedure is designed with your comfort as a priority.
- Removing any failing teeth — Any remaining damaged or failing teeth on the arch are gently removed.
- Placing the implants — Four dental implants are precisely positioned in the jaw to serve as anchors, using the strongest available bone.
- Attaching your new teeth — In many cases, a temporary fixed set of teeth is attached the same day, so you leave with a smile.
Thanks to careful planning with advanced digital technology, the surgery is more precise and predictable than ever before.
How Long Until Your Final Teeth?
This is the question everyone asks, so here’s the honest answer. All-on-4® typically involves two phases:
Phase 1: Your Temporary (Immediate) Teeth
In many cases, you can receive a set of temporary fixed teeth on or shortly after surgery day. These let you eat, speak, and smile while you heal—no going without teeth.
Phase 2: Your Final Teeth
Here’s the key part: your implants need time to fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This healing period generally takes a few months. Once your implants have fully integrated and your gums have healed, we place your final, permanent set of teeth, custom-crafted for optimal fit, function, and appearance.
So while you can leave surgery day with a smile, your final teeth typically come a few months later, once your foundation is rock-solid. Dr. Jenkins will give you a personalized timeline based on your healing.
Learn about our implant restorations here.
Why Choose Jenkins Family Dentistry for All-on-4®?
Full-arch restoration is a significant decision, and it deserves an experienced, caring team. Dr. Chris Jenkins brings more than 24 years of dentistry experience, combined with advanced in-office technology and a genuine, patient-first approach that’s earned the practice over 1,000 five-star reviews.
From your first consultation to your final teeth, you’ll have a team that knows your name and guides you every step of the way.
Ready to Rebuild Your Smile?
If failing teeth or uncomfortable dentures are holding you back, All-on-4® could be the fresh start you’ve been waiting for. The first step is simple: a consultation to see if you’re a candidate.
Schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
All-on-4® is ideal for patients missing most or all of their teeth, facing the loss of failing teeth, or struggling with removable dentures. It’s often possible even for patients with some bone loss. A consultation with Dr. Jenkins, including digital imaging, determines your candidacy.
The procedure is designed with your comfort as a top priority. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is, and Dr. Jenkins will discuss comfort options with you beforehand.
In many cases, no. A temporary fixed set of teeth is often placed on or shortly after surgery day, so you can eat, speak, and smile while you heal.
Your implants need a few months to fuse with the jawbone before your final teeth are placed. You’ll wear temporary teeth during this healing period, and Dr. Jenkins will provide a personalized timeline.
