Patient enjoying her smile

A Patient Guide

Understanding
All-on-4 Dental Implants

A warm, plain-language guide to the procedure, your candidacy, what to expect, and what it costs in Australia.

What is All-on-4?

All-on-4 is a full-arch dental implant treatment that replaces an entire upper or lower set of teeth using only four titanium implants per arch. It was developed to give patients with extensive tooth loss a fixed, natural-feeling alternative to removable dentures — without the lengthy treatment timelines or bone grafting traditionally required.

Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw, and two are angled at the back. This geometry harnesses the densest available bone and allows a complete bridge of teeth to be supported securely on just four points.

In most cases, a temporary set of fixed teeth is fitted on the same day as surgery. After 3–6 months of healing and integration, a permanent prosthesis is custom-made to your bite, facial structure, and aesthetic preferences.

How does it differ from traditional dentures?

Traditional dentures rest on the gums and are removable. They can shift while eating or speaking, often require adhesives, and over time contribute to bone loss in the jaw. Many patients find them uncomfortable and limiting.

All-on-4 prostheses are fixed in place. They do not move, they do not need to be removed at night, and because they are anchored into bone, they actively help preserve jaw structure. For most patients, the experience is closer to having natural teeth than wearing dentures.

Am I a candidate?

  • Missing most or all of your teeth in one or both arches
  • Multiple failing teeth that are likely to require extraction
  • Currently wearing full dentures and unhappy with the fit, comfort, or function
  • Adequate bone density in the front of the jaw (confirmed via CT scan)
  • In generally good health, including well-controlled chronic conditions

Candidacy is determined at consultation. The Ekera clinics you receive quotes from will all confirm suitability with a clinical assessment and imaging.

What does the process look like?

  1. 01
    Initial consultation

    Clinical examination, discussion of your goals, and a 3D CT scan to assess bone.

  2. 02
    Treatment planning

    Your clinician designs an individualised plan including extractions, sedation options, and prosthetic choices.

  3. 03
    Surgery day

    Extractions if needed, implant placement, and fitting of a fixed temporary bridge — typically in one appointment.

  4. 04
    Healing phase

    3–6 months of integration. Soft-food diet, regular check-ins, and adjustments as needed.

  5. 05
    Final prosthesis

    Your permanent, custom-crafted bridge is fitted and refined for bite and aesthetics.

  6. 06
    Ongoing maintenance

    6-monthly hygiene visits and home care for long-term implant health.

How much does All-on-4 cost in Australia?

Across the Ekera network, All-on-4 typically ranges from $18,000 to $28,000 per arch. This is an honest national range — your specific quote may sit anywhere within or near it.

The variation is driven by several real factors:

  • Implant brand and quality (Straumann, Nobel Biocare, and others all sit at different price points)
  • Prosthetic materials (acrylic, composite, zirconia — each with different longevity and aesthetics)
  • Sedation level and anaesthetic provider arrangements
  • Whether extractions, bone reduction, or grafting are required
  • Included aftercare, warranty, and post-treatment hygiene

Getting multiple quotes via Ekera is how you see this variation transparently — clinic by clinic — rather than guessing.

Frequently asked questions

Treatment is performed under local anaesthetic, often combined with IV sedation or general anaesthetic. Most patients describe post-operative discomfort as manageable with standard pain relief for the first three to five days.

Ready to compare quotes?

One inquiry. Multiple competitive quotes from Ekera clinics in your state — within 48 hours.

Get My Quotes