All-on-4 replaces a full arch of teeth with a fixed bridge held by four or more implants. Dr. Jennifer Okhiria places the implants and a temporary fixed set of teeth on the same day at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta. The final teeth follow about six months later.
For people tired of the revolving door
Who is All-on-4 for?
The patient Dr. Okhiria has in mind has been in and out of dental offices for years, fixing one failing tooth after another, and wants a long-term answer. It can also help someone whose loose denture keeps them from eating what they want.
People who have worn a denture for decades may not have enough bone left for it. The scan tells us.
Is it really teeth in a day?
Not exactly, and we won't sell it that way. On surgery day you get implants and a temporary fixed bridge, so you don't leave without teeth. The bone needs months to heal around the implants. The final bridge is made after that, usually around six months.
What does surgery day look like?
Most patients choose IV sedation. Dr. Okhiria removes any remaining teeth in that arch, places the implants using a surgical guide, and attaches the temporary bridge. You go home the same day with someone to drive you.
What if I already have a snap-on denture?
Sometimes a snap-on denture on two implants can be converted to a fixed bridge by adding implants. Dr. Okhiria will tell you at the consult whether your existing implants can be used.
Honest limits
Dr. Okhiria does most full-arch cases from start to finish. Some patients prefer their general dentist to make the final bridge, and we plan the case together from the first scan. Either way, you'll know who is doing what before you start.
Cost and scheduling
Full-arch treatment is usually not covered by dental insurance. You'll get a printed estimate at the consult, and treatment can be financed through third-party companies or broken into phases.
Questions patients ask about all-on-4 full-arch implants
How many implants does All-on-4 use?
Usually four implants per arch, sometimes more depending on your bone. Dr. Okhiria decides the number and position from your CBCT scan at our Atlanta office. More implants can spread the load when the bone is softer or the bite is strong.
Will I be without teeth at any point?
No. With All-on-4 you leave on surgery day with a temporary fixed bridge attached to the implants. You wear that while the bone heals, then it's replaced with the final bridge, usually about six months later at our Atlanta office.
Can I eat normally with the temporary teeth?
You'll start on softer foods while the implants heal, and you'll get a written guide for what to eat and avoid. Chewing very hard foods too early can stress the implants. Most patients move back to a normal diet once the final bridge is in at our Atlanta office.
Am I too old for All-on-4?
Age alone doesn't rule it out. Overall health and the amount of jawbone matter more. Patients in their sixties and seventies are among Dr. Okhiria's most common full-arch patients. A medical history review and CBCT scan at our Atlanta office will show whether it's a safe option for you.
How do I clean a fixed bridge?
You brush it like natural teeth and clean underneath with a water flosser or special floss. You'll also need regular professional cleanings and checkups. We show you how before you leave our Atlanta office, and your dentist helps keep it healthy long term.
Request a consult
Send a request and our team will call you to find a time. Most patients come with a referral from their dentist, and you're welcome without one.