The All-on-4® dental implant system can provide individuals experiencing multiple missing teeth with the ability to regain form and function, offering a renewed lifestyle of ease and comfort when it comes to their smile. Rather than replace each individual tooth with dental implants as needed or resort to the inconveniences of traditional dentures, All-on-4® implant-supported dentures are designed to replace full rows of teeth while reinforcing stability for the upper and/or lower dental arches.
Dr. Dean Lodding, a cosmetic dentist in Elgin, has extensive experience helping patients restore their smiles and their confidence using the All-on-4® system. He works closely with our implant dentist, Dr. Richard Dryer, to provide the highest quality of cosmetic and functional results for patients.
All-on-4® treatment is designed to replace all of the teeth within a dental arch by affixing a denture into healthy jawbone via four titanium posts (implants), creating a strong and secure dental restoration. The technique may be applied to the upper arch, lower arch, or both depending on the patient’s dental needs and cosmetic goals. For placement, two of the implant posts will be positioned towards the front of the mouth and two will be positioned in the back of the mouth at a tilted, strategic angle to mimic the jaw’s natural structure and obtain an optimal fit.
For patients who have less jawbone support to anchor their denture, our dentists may recommend a technique known as All-on-6®. This process is nearly the same as treatment with All-on-4®, only six dental implants are utilized to further stabilize and secure your restoration.
All-on-4® and All-on-6® anchored dentures are often used for full mouth rehabilitation, allowing patients to regain oral function and aesthetics with strong, durable, and long-lasting results.
All-on-4® offers a reliable, long-term solution for patients dealing with significant tooth loss or failing teeth. Using just four strategically placed implants, this treatment helps support a full arch of prosthetic teeth, restoring both the appearance and function of your smile without the need for individual implants for every missing tooth. Patients can enjoy improved chewing ability, clearer speech, and a natural-looking smile that feels secure. Unlike traditional dentures, All-on-4® implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, eliminating concerns about slipping or adhesives. This treatment can also help preserve jawbone density, supporting long-term facial structure and overall oral health.
Implant-supported dentures have excellent restorative qualities; however, to truly benefit from All-on-4® treatment, there are factors that make certain patients ideal candidates, including:
During an initial consultation, Dr. Lodding will evaluate your overall oral health and study the condition of your teeth, jawbone density, and bone volume. This helps him provide informed guidance for an optimal treatment plan and determine which restorative dentistry option is right for you.
Once it is established that you are a good candidate for an All-on-4® treatment, there may be dental work needed prior to implant surgery, such as a deep dental cleaning or tooth extractions. Once your mouth has been properly prepared, the implants will be placed. The precise placement of your implants will be determined using high-resolution x-rays and digital mapping systems. The advanced capabilities of 3D technology enable our dentists to plan and perform implant surgery with safer, more predictable outcomes.
Your specific dental needs will determine which method should be used:
Upon surgical placement of the All-on-4® implants, it will then take several months for the implants to fuse with the jawbone—a process called osseointegration. During this time, a temporary set of teeth restorations will be worn until the posts become permanently fused, and the custom-made prosthesis can then be attached for the final result.
Recovery from All-on-4® is often a gradual process that unfolds over several months. In the days immediately following the procedure, some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal and typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medications. A soft food diet is usually recommended during the initial healing period to avoid placing stress on the implants. As the implants fuse with the jawbone, your mouth will steadily heal and strengthen. Dr. Lodding and Dr. Dryer will monitor your progress throughout and provide guidance tailored to your recovery.
With proper oral care and adherence to post-procedure instructions, All-on-4® and All-on-6® implant dentures can last 10 to 15 years, or even longer. The best protection you can provide for your implants is daily brushing and flossing, along with twice-annual professional cleanings and dental exams to prevent plaque and bacteria from forming. Poor dental hygiene and untreated bacteria buildup can lead to infections and, in rare cases, implant failure. Additionally, we recommend quitting smoking, which can lead to an increased risk of implant failure. Following these guidelines should optimize the health and longevity of your dental implants.
Each patient receives a customized treatment plan unique to the particulars of their condition, so pricing for the All-on-4® and All-on-6® procedure varies for each individual. In general, costs typically include expenses for any preliminary dental work, laboratory costs, the price of the individual implants, the cost of the dentures, and other factors. After the initial evaluation and consultation, a comprehensive estimate will be provided and reviewed with you, giving you the opportunity to go over the procedure, necessary appointments, and any other questions. Should you require financial assistance, Smile for Life Dental works with trusted third-party lending agencies to provide convenient payment plans for qualified applicants. Our top priority is helping each patient receive optimal oral care and treatments for lifelong dental health.
In the weeks following your All-on-4® procedure, a soft food diet is essential to protect the implants as they heal. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and soup are good options during this phase. Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods should be avoided, as they can place unnecessary pressure on the implants and disrupt healing. As recovery progresses and our team clears you to do so, you can gradually reintroduce firmer foods into your diet. Once fully healed, most patients are able to eat a wide variety of foods comfortably.
Caring for your All-on-4® implants is generally straightforward but essential for long-term success. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using a non-abrasive toothpaste helps keep the prosthesis and surrounding gum tissue clean. Water flossers or interdental brushes are often recommended to clean beneath the prosthesis where traditional floss may not reach. Avoiding tobacco and limiting staining foods and beverages can also help preserve the appearance of your restoration. Regular checkups with Dr. Lodding and Dr. Dryer are important for monitoring implant health and catching any concerns early.
Dental insurance coverage for All-on-4® varies by provider and plan. Some plans may cover a portion of the procedure, particularly components deemed medically necessary, while others may not cover implant-based treatments at all. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand your benefits. Our team is also happy to help you explore available financing options to make treatment more accessible.
If you would like more information about All-on-4® or All-on-6® dental implants, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lodding, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
“Dr. Lodding and his staff are so nice and patient. I wont go anywhere else. They’re the best at what they do.”