Dental Implants
WHAT ARE ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Huntersville (Charlotte Metro), NC
Full-arch tooth replacement with four implants, explained by Dr. Haigney
Full-arch tooth replacement with four implants, explained by Dr. Haigney
All-on-4 dental implants are a full-arch restoration technique that replaces an entire row of missing or failing teeth using just four strategically placed All-on-4 dental implants. Unlike traditional implant methods that may require six to eight implants per arch, the All-on-4 protocol achieves full-arch stability with fewer implants, often eliminating the need for bone grafting — making it a faster, more accessible solution for patients with significant tooth loss.
At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery in Huntersville (Charlotte metro), Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II — a double board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon — has helped hundreds of patients regain full dental function and confidence through the All-on-4 procedure. Below is a comprehensive look at how the technique works, who it is for, and what to expect from consultation through your final smile.
The All-on-4 concept was developed by Dr. Paulo Maló in the late 1990s and has since become one of the most studied and validated implant protocols in modern dentistry. The technique uses four titanium implants per arch:
The angled posterior implants achieve a wider "spread" across the arch, creating a stable foundation for a fixed prosthetic bridge — typically 10–14 teeth — that is attached the same day as surgery in many cases. Because the implants engage denser bone at an angle rather than relying on vertical placement alone, patients who would otherwise need a sinus lift or extensive grafting can often proceed straight to implant placement.
All-on-4 implants are designed for patients who:
Patients must be in stable general health and have controlled chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Heavy smokers and patients with uncontrolled periodontal disease may need to address those factors before moving forward, since both significantly raise the risk of implant failure during healing.
The treatment timeline typically spans three to six months from initial consultation to final prosthesis delivery.
A 3D cone-beam CT scan (CBCT) maps your jaw anatomy, bone volume, nerve locations, and sinus position. Dr. Haigney uses this data to plan precise implant positions using digital surgical planning software, and in many cases a surgical guide is 3D-printed to ensure millimeter-level accuracy during placement.
The procedure is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Any remaining teeth are extracted, the four implants are placed, and a temporary fixed bridge — often acrylic — is secured to the implants the same day. Total surgical time runs approximately two to three hours per arch.
During osseointegration, the process by which bone fuses to the titanium implant surfaces, patients wear the temporary bridge and follow a modified soft diet. Regular check-ups at Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery monitor healing progress and confirm the implants are integrating as expected.
Once integration is confirmed, impressions are taken for the final prosthesis — typically a zirconia or acrylic hybrid bridge. This permanent restoration is designed for aesthetics, strength, and long-term durability, often lasting 15 to 25 years or more with proper care.
As with any surgical procedure, All-on-4 carries some risk: implant failure occurs in roughly 2–5% of implants, and infection, nerve irritation, or prosthesis fracture are possible during the healing phase. Smoking significantly increases failure rates, which is why Dr. Haigney recommends quitting, or at minimum pausing, well before and after surgery. Proper patient selection, experienced surgical technique, and adherence to post-operative instructions minimize these risks considerably.
All-on-4 treatment typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per arch depending on prosthesis material (acrylic hybrid vs. zirconia), sedation type, and case complexity. While the upfront cost exceeds traditional dentures, the long-term value — factoring in denture replacements, adhesives, relines, and the quality-of-life cost of compromised chewing and confidence — often makes All-on-4 the more economical choice over a 15- to 20-year horizon. Financing options are available, and our team can walk you through what your insurance may cover during your consultation.
If you are missing most or all of your teeth in an arch, or you are wearing a denture that no longer feels secure, All-on-4 may be the fastest path back to a fixed, confident smile. The best way to know for certain is a consultation and 3D scan with Dr. Haigney, who will walk you through your specific bone anatomy and compare All-on-4 against other full-arch options such as All-on-6 or traditional implant bridges. Call Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery at (704) 987-3132 to schedule your evaluation.
Related Article: Can I Get Full Mouth Dental Implants?
Words cannot express enough, how wonderful, caring and professional Dr. Haigney and his staff are! After being rushed to the Huntersville hospital with an orbital fracture, broken nose and other facial damage, Dr. Haigney rushed me into surgery (on his day off I must add) and corrected all my problems. I only wish all doctors cared as much about their patients and their recovery as Dr. Haigney and his staff did. Thank you so much for everything! Your attention and compassion has helped me make my recovery as comfortable as possible. 5 star service!
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