All-on-4® Dental Implant Cost and Procedure Guide

Tooth loss can be a difficult, debilitating condition. It can lead to trouble eating, difficulty speaking and low self-esteem — all of which can impact your quality of life.¹ The good news is that there are options available to help you restore your smile and get your confidence back.

For people missing most or all of their teeth in the upper or lower jaw, one option is All-on-4® dental implants. This treatment provides a secure, natural-looking set of teeth in less time than many traditional methods.²

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants replace all the teeth in either your upper or lower jaw with a new set that functions and looks just like your natural teeth. The bridge is held permanently in place with only four implants. Typically, the procedure and recovery time are faster than traditional implants.²

Materials

Your prosthodontist may give you a choice of different materials for your prosthesis, such as:³

• Acrylic with titanium bar. Acrylic material is typically only used for the temporary prosthesis that you wear while your jaw is healing. This is because it’s comfortable for healing but less durable over time.
• Zirconia. This material is durable, less prone to staining, natural-looking and long-lasting. It’s more rigid than some other options, so it requires more precision when being affixed to your jaw.
• Nano-ceramics. This material is lightweight and natural in appearance, but less strong than zirconia and less able to withstand a stronger bite.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal. This option used to be more common, but because it’s heavier and costlier and can be difficult to repair when chipped.

Some providers believe zirconia is the preferred option due to its durability and natural appearance.³

Candidates

A good candidate for All-on-4 dental implants is someone who:²

• Has lost all (or most of) the teeth in their upper or lower jaw
• Wants a faster recovery time than traditional implants
• Wants to avoid bone grafting

How Much Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost?

The national average cost* for All-on-4 dental implants is $15,176, but the cost ranges between $11,640 and $27,500. The exact price can vary depending on the type of material used, whether you need extra implants and your surgeon’s experience.⁴

Calculate the cost of All-on-4 dental implants near you*

Average cost of All-on-4 dental implants by state/district

Where you live can also make a difference in how much the implants will cost. Below is a look at the average cost* of All-on-4 dental implants in each state and the District of Columbia.⁴

Does Dental Insurance Cover All-on-4 Dental Implants?

Most insurance plans consider All-on-4 dental implants to be cosmetic or elective treatments and won’t cover the procedure. But this can vary, so you should read the details of your policy to know for certain.⁵

For example, a dental insurance plan that covers major restorative work might cover at least part of the cost of All-on-4 dental implants. Or, if your dentist can show that the treatment is medically necessary, your health insurance may cover part of the cost.⁵

Having alternative financing such as the CareCredit credit card, may help empower you to move forward with All-on-4 dental implants.

All-on-4 Dental Implants Process

The process for getting All-on-4 implants can be straightforward.

Preparation

You’ll start by having a consultation with a prosthodontist to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. This will include a full exam and X-ray of your jaw and teeth. You may be shown samples of what your teeth will look like after the procedure.

If you still have some teeth in the part of your jaw that’s receiving the implant, you will also need an extraction to remove the teeth. This may be done the same day as your surgery.

Procedure

On the day of your surgery, your mouth will be numbed, and four implants will be surgically implanted into your jaw at the front and back.⁶

You’ll need a few months for your jawbone to heal and fuse fully with your implants. Because of this, your surgeon will affix a temporary bridge to your jaw while you wait for your bone to heal.⁶

Once your jawbone has healed, you’ll come back to get your permanent All-on-4 bridge secured to your implants.

Possible Side Effects

You may experience some side effects after your surgery, such as:

• In the first 48 to 72 hours, you may experience mild pain and swelling.⁷
• Some bruising may occur during the first week.
• The new bridge may feel slightly bulky or heavy. Patients typically get used to this over time, sometimes in just a few hours.⁸
• You might not “feel” your bite as distinctly at first, and you won’t feel temperature on your teeth due to no longer having nerves in the “new” teeth. Patients get used to this over time.⁸
• Your speech may temporarily change while you get used to your prosthesis.

As with any dental procedure, there are also potential complications to be aware of. Your surgeon will explain in detail what you need to know, but complications may include:⁸

• Broken implants. These are more likely if you grind your teeth at night, so your dentist may recommend a night guard.
• Fractured bridge. This is less likely with zirconia materials.
• Infections. These can happen shortly after surgery or even years later. This is why it’s important to practice good dental hygiene daily and see your dentist regularly.

Recovery Tips and Timing

It may take about three to four weeks to fully recover from your surgery. Your surgeon may recommend the following while your jaw heals and you wait for your bridge to be secured to the All-on-4 implant:⁷

• Focus on getting rest for at least 72 hours after your surgery.
• Maintain a soft food diet for at least three months, while your implants fuse to your jawbone and heal.
• Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
• You may be able to resume light exercise in about a week, but ask your surgeon.

Restore Your Smile With All-on-4 Implants

While All-on-4 dental implants can come with a significant price tag, for many patients, the long-term benefits outweigh the up-front cost. The treatment offers a stable, natural-looking smile, and it can greatly increase both your confidence and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions About All-on-4 Implants

Do you still have questions about All-on-4 dental implants? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about them.

Financing All-on-4 Dental Implants With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you’re investing in dental implants or you’re simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news and animal health and is a business owner, non-practicing attorney and writer.