The short answer

All-on-4 treatment moves from assessment and bridge planning to surgery, healing and the definitive restoration. Some patients receive a fixed provisional bridge promptly, but only when clinical conditions support it. Ask for the alternative pathway before the surgical appointment.

The key points

  • Planning includes the bridge as well as implant placement.
  • Temporary teeth do not establish completed integration.
  • A written sequence should include review and maintenance.
On this page
  1. Assessment and preparation
  2. Surgery and the provisional stage
  3. From review to the definitive bridge
  4. Sources & further reading

Assessment and preparation

The team assesses existing teeth, gums, bone and medical history, then plans the intended bridge and its supports. Discuss any extractions separately and ask whether teeth can be retained. Consent should include alternatives and the possibility that findings require a different approach from the initial proposal.

Sources: [1][2]

Surgery and the provisional stage

Implants are placed according to the agreed surgical plan. Immediate loading with a fixed provisional bridge depends on appropriate case selection and stability. If it is unsuitable, the team needs another restoration plan. The temporary teeth may require particular eating and cleaning instructions while the implants heal.

  • Which procedures will occur at the surgical visit?
  • What determines whether fixed temporary teeth are fitted?
  • What should I wear and eat if the plan changes?

Sources: [3][2]

From review to the definitive bridge

Healing checks and restorative appointments assess tissues, bite and the developing result. The definitive bridge should allow a practical hygiene routine and ongoing care. Ask how appearance and function will be reviewed before completion and what follow-up arrangements continue after the final bridge has been fitted.

Sources: [2][4]

IMPLANTVERIA · FAQ

Common questions

Can a single visit complete every stage?

A short visit may deliver surgery and temporary teeth in a selected case. It does not eliminate healing, review or the work needed for the definitive restoration.

Will I be given a fixed schedule in advance?

The team can explain the intended sequence, but clinical findings and healing may change it. Ask which dates are provisional and how changes affect appointments and costs.

Sources & quality

Sources & further reading

These references inform this article. Individual recommendations require a conversation with a dental professional.

  1. Number of Implants Placed for Complete-Arch Fixed ProsthesesInternational Team for Implantology · EN
  2. Having a dental implantGuy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust · EN
  3. Loading Protocols for Fixed Prostheses in Edentulous JawsInternational Team for Implantology · EN
  4. Peri-implant disease: PreventionEuropean Federation of Periodontology · EN