All-on-4 dental implants replace an entire arch of missing or failing teeth with just four strategically placed implants — giving you fixed, natural-looking teeth in as little as one day. Red Rose Dentistry in downtown Hamilton offers full arch implant consultations with Dr. Firas Khakani, including digital planning and transparent cost breakdowns before you commit to a single procedure.
Book your free All-on-4 consultation → | Open 7 days | Call (905) 521-2221
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 is a full-arch dental restoration technique that uses four dental implants to support an entire set of fixed teeth — upper arch, lower arch, or both. Unlike traditional implants that require one implant per tooth (up to 14 for a full arch), All-on-4 achieves complete arch restoration with just four implants by angling the rear two implants to maximize contact with available bone.
The result: a permanent, fixed bridge of teeth that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth — with no removal at night, no denture adhesive, and no gaps from missing teeth.
All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dentures — Full Comparison
| Factor | All-on-4 Implants | Traditional Removable Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed or removable? | Fixed — never take them out | Removable — taken out daily |
| Feels like natural teeth? | ✅ Yes — anchored in bone | ❌ No — sits on gum, can slip |
| Eating function | Full — eat what you want | Limited — avoid hard/chewy foods |
| Bone preservation | ✅ Implants stimulate jaw bone | ❌ Bone continues to shrink |
| Long-term fit | Stable indefinitely | Loosens as bone shrinks — relining needed |
| Adhesive required? | No | Often yes |
| Maintenance | Brush and floss like natural teeth | Remove, soak, and clean daily |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| 10-year total cost | Lower — no relines, replacement adhesives, or repeated fittings | Higher over time |
| Confidence & social comfort | Full — no fear of slippage | Limited — fear of denture movement |
All-on-4 vs. Individual Dental Implants
Traditional full-arch implant restoration requires 6–8 individual implants per arch (or up to 14 for one-to-one replacement). All-on-4 achieves the same functional result with four — making it accessible to patients who may not have sufficient bone density for a full complement of individual implants.
| Factor | All-on-4 | Individual Implants (full arch) |
|---|---|---|
| Implants needed (per arch) | 4 | 6–14 |
| Bone grafting usually required? | Often not — angled implants use available bone | Often yes for patients with bone loss |
| Treatment timeline | Teeth same day (temporary); final 3–6 months | 6–18 months (bone graft + healing) |
| Cost (per arch) | Lower | Significantly higher |
| Best for | Full arch replacement, patients with some bone loss | Replacing individual missing teeth |
Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4?
All-on-4 is suitable for adults who have lost most or all teeth in one or both arches, or whose remaining teeth are failing and require full extraction. You may be a good candidate if:
- You are missing all or most teeth in one or both arches
- Your remaining teeth are failing due to decay, gum disease, or fracture
- You currently wear dentures and want a permanent, fixed alternative
- You have moderate bone loss (All-on-4 is specifically designed to work with less bone than traditional implant placement requires)
- You are a non-smoker, or willing to quit around the procedure (smoking significantly reduces implant success rates)
- Your general health is stable — controlled diabetes, heart conditions, and other systemic conditions do not automatically disqualify you, but must be disclosed at consultation
Patients with severe, uncontrolled systemic disease, active infections, or insufficient remaining bone in specific anatomical locations may need modified approaches. We assess this comprehensively at your consultation with digital X-rays and a 3D CBCT scan.
The All-on-4 Procedure at Red Rose Dentistry — Step by Step
Step 1 — Consultation & Imaging
We take digital panoramic X-rays and review your medical and dental history. We assess bone quantity/quality, gum health, and overall suitability for implants. You receive a treatment plan with full cost breakdown before anything is scheduled.
Step 2 — Extractions (if needed)
Any remaining failing teeth are extracted. In many cases, extractions and implant placement happen in the same appointment — reducing overall treatment time and anaesthetic exposure.
Step 3 — Implant Placement
Four titanium implants are placed into the jaw — two vertical at the front, two angled at the rear to maximize contact with available bone. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic with sedation options available.
Step 4 — Temporary Teeth (Same Day)
A pre-fabricated temporary bridge is attached to the implants at the same appointment. You leave with a full set of functional teeth — not a gap. These temporary teeth allow you to eat soft foods while the implants integrate with the bone (osseointegration).
Step 5 — Healing & Integration (3–6 Months)
Over the next 3–6 months, the implants bond to the jaw bone. You have check-in appointments during this period to monitor healing.
Step 6 — Final Permanent Bridge
Once integration is confirmed, the temporary teeth are replaced with your final custom-made permanent bridge — crafted from zirconia or acrylic-fused metal depending on your case and preference.
All-on-4 Cost in Hamilton
All-on-4 cost in Hamilton varies significantly based on your specific case, the materials used for the final bridge, and whether extractions and bone grafting are needed. Here is a realistic range:
| Treatment Scope | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| All-on-4 (single arch — upper or lower) | $18,000 – $28,000 |
| All-on-4 (full mouth — both arches) | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Extractions (if needed, per arch) | $500 – $2,000 additional |
| Bone grafting (if required) | $1,000 – $4,000 additional |
| Zirconia final bridge (premium option) | $3,000 – $6,000 additional over standard |
Financing: We offer in-office payment plans with no-interest options. Most dental insurance plans do not cover implant treatment beyond a modest annual maximum, but we submit all eligible claims on your behalf. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) currently does not cover implant procedures — check CDCP eligibility for what is covered.
Recovery & What to Expect
- Day 1–3: Swelling, mild to moderate discomfort, some bruising around the jaw — normal. Prescribed pain medication and antibiotics will be given. Rest and soft foods only.
- Days 4–10: Swelling reduces significantly. Most patients return to desk work within 3–5 days. Continue soft diet.
- Weeks 2–8: Healing progresses. You will have follow-up appointments. Gradually expand diet as comfort allows.
- Months 3–6: Osseointegration (bone-to-implant fusion) completing. Final bridge fabrication begins at the 4–5 month mark if healing is confirmed.
- Long-term: All-on-4 implants, with proper home care and regular dental check-ups, are designed to last 20+ years. The prosthetic bridge may require replacement or adjustment after 10–15 years depending on material and wear.
Frequently Asked Questions — All-on-4 Dental Implants in Hamilton
Q: Can I really get teeth in one day with All-on-4?
A: Yes — you receive functional temporary teeth the same day implants are placed. These are not your final permanent teeth (those come 3–6 months later), but they are fixed, not removable, and allow you to eat soft foods and smile immediately.
Q: Does All-on-4 require bone grafting?
A: In most cases, no — that is the main advantage of All-on-4. The angled rear implants are placed in areas with the highest available bone density, avoiding areas with the most loss. However, some cases with extreme bone atrophy may still require grafting. We assess this at your consultation with a panoramic X-ray.
Q: How painful is All-on-4 recovery?
A: The procedure itself is done under local anaesthetic (and sedation if requested) — you should feel pressure but not sharp pain during surgery. The post-operative period involves 3–5 days of significant swelling and moderate soreness, manageable with prescribed medication. Most patients describe it as more comfortable than expected.
Q: How long do All-on-4 implants last?
A: The implants themselves are designed to be permanent — 20+ years with proper care. The prosthetic bridge attached to them typically lasts 10–15 years before needing replacement or major servicing, depending on material choice and wear patterns.
Q: What is the success rate of All-on-4 implants?
A: Clinical studies report All-on-4 implant survival rates of 94–98% at 5–10 years in appropriately selected patients. Non-smoking status, good systemic health, and excellent oral hygiene are the biggest predictors of long-term success.
Q: Can I eat normally with All-on-4?
A: After the healing period is complete and the final bridge is placed, yes — you can eat the vast majority of foods. Some providers recommend avoiding extremely hard foods (ice, hard candy, bone-on-tooth) to extend the life of the prosthetic bridge.
Q: Is All-on-4 covered by dental insurance in Ontario?
A: Most dental insurance plans in Ontario have a lifetime implant maximum ($1,500–$3,000) which covers a small fraction of All-on-4 costs. We submit all eligible claims. The CDCP does not currently cover implants. We offer payment plans to help bridge the gap.
Related Implant & Restorative Services
- Single & Multiple Dental Implants in Hamilton — Complete Guide →
- Dentures in Hamilton — Full, Partial & Implant-Supported →
- Dental Crowns & Bridges in Hamilton →
- Emergency Dentist — Same-Day Appointments →
- Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) — Check Your Coverage →
Ready to replace a full arch of missing teeth permanently? Book a free All-on-4 consultation at Red Rose Dentistry in downtown Hamilton. We provide a complete treatment plan with timeline and pricing before you commit to anything. Book now →