At Idea Dental in Istanbul, Turkey, All-on-4 treatment replaces a full arch of teeth with a fixed bridge supported by just four dental implants. Our indicative price for All-on-4 is £2,300–£4,600 per jaw, depending on the implant brand and the prosthetic material. When the implants are stable enough, a fixed temporary bridge is fitted on the day of surgery, and the permanent bridge follows after a healing period of around 3–6 months.
Tooth loss is not merely an aesthetic issue; it affects chewing, speech, facial support and self-confidence. Removable dentures used to be the only option for patients who had lost all their teeth. This guide explains how a full arch of fixed teeth can be supported by four implants, what the procedure involves, who it suits and what it costs.
What is All-on-4?
All-on-4 is a rehabilitation protocol developed for patients who are completely edentulous or whose remaining teeth need to be extracted. It allows a full dental arch (bridge) to be fixed in place on just four dental implants, often on the same day as surgery.
The fundamental philosophy of this concept is to provide a rapid and stable solution by making the best use of the patient’s existing bone, often without additional bone surgery such as bone grafting. Whilst conventional full-arch treatment may require 6–10 implants per jaw, the All-on-4 concept achieves a fixed restoration with fewer implants.
The power of the 45-degree angle
The most significant technical feature distinguishing All-on-4 from other implant treatments is the angle at which the implants are placed. The four implants are positioned as follows:
- Front region: Two implants are placed vertically (axially) in the front part of the jaw.
- Rear region: The two implants at the back are placed at an angle of up to 45 degrees.
Why an angled implant?
There are several reasons for placing the posterior implants at an angle:
- Bone support: Angled placement allows longer implants to be used and increases their contact with the bone, providing strong support even when bone volume is reduced.
- Protection of vital structures: Angled placement can help avoid the maxillary sinuses in the upper jaw and the inferior alveolar nerve canal in the lower jaw. The mental nerve, a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve, exits through the mental foramen and must also be considered during planning.
- Avoiding bone grafting: In most patients, bone loss is more pronounced in the posterior regions. Angled placement makes use of the denser, higher-quality bone at the front of the jaw, which often removes the need for bone grafting.
- Wide support area: Increasing the distance between the implants distributes the load of the prosthesis (up to 12 teeth) more evenly.
Advanced Technology Behind Our All-on-4 Dental Implant Treatment
For patients considering All-on-4 dental implants in Turkey, we use a digital treatment workflow that combines 3D planning, guided implant surgery and customized full-arch prosthetics. Each stage is planned according to the patient's jawbone anatomy, oral health and individual treatment requirements.
What are the characteristics of the implants and prostheses used in the All-on-4 system?
In summary, the All-on-4 system combines angled titanium implants with a fixed prosthesis on a titanium framework produced using CAD/CAM technology, often without additional surgical procedures such as bone grafting.
The key characteristics of the components used in this system:
Characteristics of the implants
- Material and technology: Implants are typically made from biocompatible titanium, which integrates with the bone (osseointegration). Their threaded, micro-textured surfaces are designed to promote bone growth.
- Implant brands: The implant options in our price guide are Osstem, Medentika and Straumann. The selected brand should be named in your written treatment plan.
- Abutments: Multi-unit abutments are used to secure the prosthesis onto the implants. These components are available in 17° and 30° angled versions and in different gingival heights, so that the prosthesis sits passively on both straight and angled implants.
Characteristics of the prosthesis
- Temporary prosthesis (same-day function): When implant stability and clinical conditions allow immediate loading, a temporary prosthesis is screwed onto the implants on the day of surgery. It is usually made of acrylic and can carry up to 12 teeth. If immediate loading is not suitable, your dentist will discuss an interim option for the healing period.
- Permanent (final) prosthesis: Permanent restorations, fitted once the healing process is complete, are manufactured from more durable materials:
- Framework: Permanent bridges are typically built on a single-piece biocompatible titanium framework milled using CAD/CAM technology, which gives a precise, passive fit.
- Superstructure materials: Depending on the patient’s needs, acrylic teeth, composite veneering or individually crafted ceramic/zirconia crowns can be placed on the titanium framework.
- Stability and comfort: As the prostheses are screwed onto the implants, they are fixed; they do not move around in the mouth like traditional dentures, do not require denture adhesive, and feel much closer to natural teeth.
Material selection and quality standards
There are three main categories of final restoration for All-on-4 treatment, depending on the patient’s budget and aesthetic expectations:
- Basic: Acrylic teeth and gums on a titanium framework. This is the most affordable option.
- Medium: A titanium framework with composite veneering. It offers good aesthetics and is easy to repair in the clinic.
- Premium: Custom-made ceramic or zirconia crowns bonded to a titanium framework. This option can offer excellent aesthetics and durability, depending on the material, prosthetic design, bite forces and maintenance.
What is the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6?
The main differences between the All-on-4 and All-on-6 treatment concepts are the number of implants, the level of support and the bone volume required:
- Number of implants: All-on-4 uses four implants per jaw; All-on-6 uses six.
- Support and stability: The two extra implants in All-on-6 provide more anchor points and help spread chewing forces more evenly over the jawbone.
- Bone requirements and suitability: A CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scan helps assess bone availability and anatomical structures. All-on-6 requires suitable bone at six planned sites. All-on-4 may avoid grafting in selected patients by tilting the posterior implants, but suitability depends on the available bone and the prosthetic plan.
- Cost and surgical procedure: All-on-4 uses fewer implants and components and is generally more economical for comparable bridge materials. Surgical complexity and recovery depend on implant positioning, extractions and any grafting, as well as the number of implants.
- Similarities: Both methods are compatible with the ‘Teeth in a Day’ protocol, and both use titanium implants that act as permanent roots for the new teeth.
All-on-4 or All-on-6? The right choice varies for everyone. Bone structure, chewing force, and long-term stability… We determine the safest and most comfortable implant solution together through detailed analysis.
When should I consider All-on-4 versus All-on-6?
The choice between All-on-4 and All-on-6 is primarily determined by the condition of your jawbone (volume and density), the level of support you require and your budget. Your dentist will make a recommendation based on your CBCT scan.
In which cases should All-on-4 be chosen?
- Limited bone volume: All-on-4 is well suited to patients with significant bone loss, especially in the posterior sections of the jaw, because the angled posterior implants draw support from the front of the jaw, where the bone is densest.
- No bone grafting: All-on-4 often avoids the time and cost of bone grafting when bone volume is limited.
- Surgical planning: Four implants may reduce the number of placement sites, but the extent of surgery and recovery also depend on extractions, bone contouring and any grafting.
- Cost-effectiveness: It is more economical than conventional full-arch methods that require 6–10 implants.
In which cases should All-on-6 be chosen?
- Sufficient bone mass and density: If your jawbone is wide and strong enough to support six implants, All-on-6 may be a suitable option.
- Additional support points: Six implants provide more anchor points. Their benefit depends on implant distribution, bone support and bridge design; implant number alone does not guarantee better outcomes.
- Strong chewing force: If you have very strong chewing muscles, the extra implants can offer greater stability.
For a wider comparison of full-arch options, see our guide to full mouth dental implants in Turkey.
All-on-4 procedure step by step
The ‘Teeth in a Day’ approach used with All-on-4 is designed to shorten a rehabilitation that takes months with conventional techniques. Suitable patients can leave the clinic with fixed temporary teeth on the day of surgery. The process consists of a series of carefully planned stages.
Stage 1: Evaluation and digital planning
This is the most important stage before treatment starts:
- Clinical assessment: The dentist evaluates the health of the existing teeth, gums and bone structure.
- 3D imaging: CBCT scans provide a three-dimensional view of the volume and density of the jawbone.
- Virtual planning: With the help of planning software, the position and angle of each implant are determined digitally.
Stage 2: Surgical procedure (surgery day)
On the day of surgery, the patient receives the appropriate type of anaesthesia (local, sedation or general), and the surgery begins.
- Preparation: Any teeth that cannot be saved are removed, and the bone surface is shaped for implant placement (bone contouring).
- Placement of the implants: Two straight implants are placed in the anterior part of the jaw, and two angled implants (up to 45 degrees) are placed in the posterior.
- Advantages of placement at an angle: This technique makes the best use of the available bone and reduces the risk to important structures such as the maxillary sinus and the inferior alveolar nerve.
Stage 3: Abutments and temporary teeth placement
When the implants achieve adequate primary stability and the clinical conditions are suitable, a fixed temporary bridge can be fitted on the same day, after implant placement:
- Abutment connection: The multi-unit abutments are screwed onto the implants.
- Temporary bridge: A fixed acrylic bridge is attached to these abutments with screws. Thanks to this prosthesis, the patient does not leave the clinic without teeth and can speak and chew soft foods from the first day.
Stage 4: Osseointegration healing phase
Osseointegration is the phase in which the titanium implants bond biologically with the jawbone, providing a solid base for the permanent teeth. The details of this period are as follows.
Timeline and duration
- Healing time: The implants normally take 3 to 6 months to integrate fully with the bone. During this time, the bone grows onto the implant surface.
- Delayed loading: If the implants do not achieve adequate primary stability during surgery, your dentist may recommend allowing them to heal before attaching a fixed bridge (delayed loading) instead of proceeding with ‘Teeth in a Day’. Stability is assessed using insertion torque and, where appropriate, other measurements, according to the implant system and treatment protocol.
Biological process: implant surface technology
Modern implant surfaces are micro-textured so that bone can bond directly to the pores and grooves of the implant. This helps to maintain the stability of the implant during osseointegration.
Nutrition and the need for a soft diet
- Restrictions: The most important rule during osseointegration is to follow a soft diet.
- Why is this important? Chewing hard foods during bone healing can put too much strain on implants that are not yet fully stable, which can disrupt healing and lead to the loss of an implant.
Oral hygiene and care
- First 24 hours: Avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting forcefully, and follow your dentist’s individual postoperative instructions.
- After 24 hours: Gently rinse with salt water or the prescribed mouthwash as directed by your dentist. Continue cleaning unaffected teeth, and avoid brushing the surgical sites until your dentist advises that it is safe.
- Long-term hygiene: As healing progresses, you can resume normal brushing and interdental cleaning to keep the implant surfaces clean and remove food debris.
- Gum health: Implants do not decay, but poor cleaning can cause gum disease around them, which could jeopardise the success of the implant.
Use of temporary prostheses
For patients who are suitable for immediate loading, the temporary acrylic bridge placed on the day of surgery is worn throughout the healing period. It provides an aesthetic solution and, by splinting the implants together, helps limit implant movement during healing. If loading is delayed, your dentist will explain the interim restoration and its use during healing.
Stage 5: Completion of the process
- Check-up: The final stage starts when the dentist is satisfied that the bone and gums have healed sufficiently.
- Transition to the permanent prosthesis: Following successful osseointegration, the temporary bridge is removed and a final bridge made of more durable materials, such as porcelain or zirconia, is fitted.
All-on-4 Before and After in Istanbul, Turkey
How long do you need to stay in Turkey for All-on-4?
All-on-4 treatment is generally planned over two trips to Istanbul, with a healing period commonly lasting 3–6 months between them:
- First visit – surgery (approximately 3–5 days): Examination, 3D imaging, any necessary extractions and implant placement. A fixed temporary bridge is fitted when implant stability and clinical conditions allow immediate loading.
- Healing at home: Follow your dentist’s diet and cleaning instructions and attend the agreed follow-up appointments. Your dentist confirms when the implants are ready for the final bridge.
- Second visit – permanent teeth (approximately 5–7 days): Impressions or digital scans, try-in, and fitting and adjustment of the permanent bridge.
These are planning estimates. Extractions, grafting, healing and laboratory requirements may change the schedule or require additional visits. Confirm your individual treatment and travel schedule with the clinic before booking.
Why All-on-4? Benefits
The All-on-4 system offers patients a number of benefits:
- Fast results: Suitable patients can go from having no teeth to a fixed temporary bridge on the day of surgery.
- High success rate: Published clinical studies of the All-on-4 concept report implant survival rates above 95% in both jaws. Individual results depend on bone quality, general health, smoking and oral hygiene.
- Preservation of facial structure: Implants stimulate the bone and help limit the bone loss that follows tooth loss, supporting the lips and cheeks.
- Comfort and confidence: The teeth stay in place and do not slip like removable dentures, and they do not require adhesives. Upper full-arch bridges generally leave the palate uncovered, which may improve comfort and the experience of eating, although individual adaptation varies.
- Cost-effectiveness: It is less expensive than conventional full-mouth implant treatment because it requires fewer implants and usually less surgery.
Who is suitable for All-on-4?
Most people who are completely edentulous or have lost most of their teeth are candidates for this treatment. However, certain conditions need to be assessed:
- Bone dimensions: The required bone height and width depend on the implant system, implant dimensions, planned positions and safe distances from nerves and sinuses. There is no single measurement that determines suitability for every patient; your dentist assesses each planned site using 3D imaging. For severe bone loss in the upper jaw, zygomatic implants may be an alternative.
- Primary stability: Adequate initial implant stability is required for immediate loading. Some All-on-4 protocols use a minimum insertion torque of 35 Ncm, but the criteria depend on the implant system, treatment protocol and clinical assessment. If stability is insufficient, the fixed bridge is fitted after a healing period.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding): Severe grinding or clenching places excessive load on the implants and the bridge. These patients need careful assessment and may be advised to wear a night guard or to consider a different treatment plan.
- General health: Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and some medications can affect healing and should be discussed with your dentist.
Are there any disadvantages to the All-on-4 method?
Although the All-on-4 treatment concept has a high success rate, it does have certain disadvantages, risks and limitations:
- As with any implant surgery, there is a risk of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw or to the walls of the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw. Careful 3D planning is used to reduce these risks.
- If the available bone is insufficient, standard All-on-4 may not be suitable. Depending on the individual case, your dentist may consider bone grafting or other treatment options. For severe bone loss in the upper jaw, zygomatic implants may be an alternative.
- Prosthetic teeth do not decay; however, if the surrounding gums are not kept clean, peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant) may develop. Poor hygiene can also lead to bad breath (halitosis).
- In patients with a very high smile line, the ‘transition zone’ where the prosthesis meets the natural gum may be visible when smiling. In such cases, the bone level may need to be adjusted surgically beforehand.
Post-treatment care: Living with your new teeth
The care guidelines that help your implants last as long as possible are simple but require discipline:
- Hygiene: Implant-supported teeth do not decay, but the surrounding gums can become diseased (peri-implantitis). Regular brushing and the use of interdental brushes, floss or a water flosser are essential.
- Diet: Follow the soft diet recommended by your dentist during healing. After the permanent teeth have been fitted, gradually expand your diet as advised, taking account of the prosthetic material and your individual treatment plan.
- Check-ups: Your dentist sets a follow-up schedule based on healing, oral hygiene and your risk of complications. Early postoperative reviews and regular professional maintenance are needed; more frequent visits may be recommended for patients with gum disease, smoking or cleaning difficulties.
What is the lifespan of the All-on-4 treatment (implants and prosthesis)?
With good oral hygiene and regular professional maintenance, dental implants can remain in function for many years. The bridge and its components are subject to wear and may need repair or replacement. Their lifespan depends on the materials, bridge design, bite forces, general health and maintenance; a fixed service life cannot be guaranteed.
How much does All-on-4 cost in Turkey?
At Idea Dental in Istanbul, the indicative cost of All-on-4 treatment is £2,300–£4,600 per jaw. The final price depends on the implant brand, the prosthetic material and your individual clinical needs, and is confirmed after an examination and 3D imaging.
Below is a comparison of Idea Dental’s indicative prices per jaw in Istanbul and indicative private-treatment price ranges in the UK:
| Treatment | Idea Dental (Istanbul) | UK (private, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| All-on-4 (per jaw) | £2,300 – £4,600 | £10,000 – £15,000+ |
| All-on-6 (per jaw) | £3,100 – £6,200 | £12,000 – £18,000+ |
Prices are indicative. We can provide a free, personalised preliminary treatment plan and estimate after reviewing your X-ray. The final treatment plan and price are confirmed after an in-person examination and 3D imaging.
5 key factors determining the price
- Implant brand: Premium brands such as Straumann are more expensive than Osstem or Medentika.
- Prosthetic material (superstructure): Zirconia prostheses are generally more expensive than acrylic or porcelain-fused-to-metal prostheses because of their appearance and durability.
- Additional surgical procedures: In patients with jawbone resorption, additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifting may be required.
- The dentist’s experience and the clinic’s location: The experience of the dentist performing the treatment and the city where the clinic is located also influence the cost.
- Scope of treatment: It is essential to clarify whether the quote includes the temporary prosthesis, the permanent prosthesis, all X-rays and CT scans, anaesthesia and follow-up appointments. The cheapest quotes may exclude some of these items.
To receive a personalised treatment plan and quote, contact our team and send us your panoramic X-ray or CT scan if you have one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the All-on-4 treatment concept?
It is a method that allows a full dental arch (bridge) to be fixed on just four implants, often on the same day, for patients who are completely edentulous or whose remaining teeth are to be extracted.
Will I experience a lot of pain during or after All-on-4 treatment?
The procedure is performed under anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during surgery. Swelling, bruising and discomfort are common for a few days afterwards and are usually managed with the prescribed pain relief.
Will I need a bone graft?
As the All-on-4 system is designed to make the best use of the existing bone, a bone graft is often not needed. This is confirmed with a CBCT scan.
What exactly is ‘Teeth in a Day’?
It means fitting a fixed, temporary prosthesis onto the implants on the day they are placed, when adequate implant stability and suitable clinical conditions allow it. If immediate loading is not appropriate, your dentist will discuss an interim option and fit the fixed bridge after healing.
What material are the implants made of?
Implants are made of titanium because it is biocompatible and bonds directly with the jawbone (osseointegration), providing a strong hold.
When will my permanent (final) teeth be fitted?
Generally 3 to 6 months after the operation, once the implants have fully integrated with the bone, the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is fitted.
Will my All-on-4 teeth look like my natural teeth?
All-on-4 prostheses are designed individually to match your face and smile, and to look and function as naturally as possible.
What is the difference between All-on-4 and traditional implants?
All-on-4 supports a fixed full-arch bridge on four implants, whereas other full-arch plans may use more implants. It can reduce component costs and may avoid grafting in selected cases. The extent of surgery depends on the available bone, extractions and the prosthetic plan.
Will my speech be affected by this treatment?
A slight lisp may occur at first, but most patients return to normal speech within a few days to a couple of weeks.
How should I clean my implants?
Brush twice a day, clean under the bridge with interdental brushes, floss or a water flosser, and attend regular check-ups with your dentist.
What is ‘primary stability’, and why is it important?
Primary stability is the initial mechanical stability of an implant in the bone. Adequate stability is essential before a fixed temporary bridge can be fitted on the same day. Some All-on-4 protocols use a minimum insertion torque of 35 Ncm, but your dentist assesses stability according to the implant system, treatment protocol and clinical conditions. If stability is insufficient, loading is delayed to allow healing.
What can I eat during the healing period?
During the 3–6 months whilst the implants are integrating with the bone, a soft diet should be followed to prevent excessive strain on the implants.
I have a teeth-grinding (bruxism) problem; is this treatment suitable for me?
Severe grinding or clenching places excessive load on the implants and the bridge. Your dentist will assess your case individually and may recommend a night guard or a different treatment plan.
What happens if there is not enough bone in my upper jaw?
In cases of severe bone loss in the upper jaw, the fixed bridge can be supported by zygomatic implants anchored in the cheekbone.
Reviewed by Spec. Dent. Gamze Kavuncu. Last reviewed: .
