A busy-patient guide from the team at Dental Wellness Mill Hill

Q: What exactly is All-on-4?

A: All-on-4 is a way of replacing a full arch of missing or failing teeth using just four dental implants, rather than one implant per tooth. The implants are placed into the jawbone at specific angles that make use of the strongest available bone, and a full set of fixed replacement teeth is attached the same day.

That's the part patients find hardest to believe: you don't leave with a gap. You leave with teeth.

At Dental Wellness Mill Hill, every case starts with a 3D CT scan so we can see your jawbone in detail and plan the implant positions before we ever pick up a drill. You'll know what your new smile looks like before treatment begins.

Q: How does this fit around a busy schedule?

A: Better than most people expect. The surgery itself is a single appointment, and you go home the same day with a functioning set of teeth, not a healing socket and a temporary denture. Most patients take three to five days off work afterwards, then get on with life.

After that, we're looking at periodic check-ins while the implants bond with the bone, followed by fitting the final permanent bridge a few months later. It's a handful of appointments spread over months, not a constant stream of visits.

We offer early morning and evening slots for the review appointments, so you're not taking half days off work every time.

Q: Am I a good candidate for All-on-4?

A: If you've been told you're not suitable for implants because of bone loss, All-on-4 is often the answer. It was designed for exactly that situation — the angled back implants avoid the areas where bone has typically receded, which means most patients skip bone grafting altogether.

You're likely a candidate if you're missing most or all of your teeth in an upper or lower arch, wearing dentures you don't trust, or dealing with teeth that are failing one after another. Age on its own rarely rules anyone out. Smokers and diabetics are often surprised to hear they're still candidates, provided the condition is managed.

A consultation and scan at Dental Wellness Mill Hill will tell you exactly where you stand, with no obligation attached.

Q: Is the procedure painful?

A: The surgery is carried out under sedation or general anaesthetic, so you won't feel anything at the time. Afterwards, expect swelling and some soreness for a few days — similar to having wisdom teeth removed — and it's controlled well with the painkillers we prescribe.

Most patients are eating soft food comfortably within a week and back to a normal diet within a few months, once healing is complete.

Q: How is All-on-4 different from dentures?

A: Dentures rest on the gum. All-on-4 is fixed to the bone. That's the whole difference, and it shows up in everything: no slipping when you laugh, no clicking when you eat, no adhesive, nothing to take out at night.

There's a longer-term difference too. A denture sits on top of bone that keeps shrinking once the tooth roots are gone, which is why long-term denture wearers often notice their face changing shape. Implants stimulate the bone the way natural tooth roots do, so that shrinkage stops.

Q: How long do All-on-4 implants last?

A: The implants themselves are built to last decades — often a lifetime — with proper care. The fixed bridge on top typically lasts ten to fifteen years before it needs replacing, much like a crown or bridge would anywhere else in the mouth.

Looking after them is simple: brushing, a water flosser or implant-specific floss, and regular check-ups at Dental Wellness Mill Hill so we can catch any issues early. No overnight soaking, nothing to remove before bed.

Q: How much does All-on-4 cost?

A: Cost depends on your individual case — whether you need one arch or both, and what your scan shows about bone quality and positioning. We'll give you an exact figure after your consultation, not a generic number that may not apply to you.

We offer payment plans to spread the cost over monthly instalments. Compared to years of denture adjustments, relines, and the individual implants some patients try first, All-on-4 often works out more economical once you look at the full picture over ten or fifteen years.

Q: What happens after treatment finishes?

A: Once your final bridge is fitted, maintenance is straightforward — daily cleaning and regular reviews with us, much like caring for natural teeth. There's no retainer phase to manage, because the teeth are fixed in place rather than free to shift.

Book Your Free All-on-4 Consultation

If you've been putting off a decision about missing or failing teeth, a consultation at Dental Wellness Mill Hill is the place to start. We'll take a 3D scan, walk you through your bone levels, and give you an honest answer on whether All-on-4 is the right fit for you.

Book online, call us, or pop in and speak to our reception team. Free consultations, same-day 3D scans, and payment plans to suit your budget.

Watch Us On YouTube

Want to see All-on-4 in action? Visit our YouTube channel for patient testimonials, treatment walkthroughs, and expert tips from the team at Dental Wellness.

youtube.com/@Dental-Wellness-london

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