Treatments
Full-arch dental implants and All-on-4
Full-arch dental implant treatment replaces a whole upper or lower set of teeth with a fixed bridge supported by four to seven dental implants. It is an option for people who wear dentures, or whose remaining teeth are failing. At our Wimpole Street practice the treatment is planned with a CT scan taken on site, and in many cases a fixed temporary bridge can be fitted on the day of surgery.
Who is it for?
- People who wear a full or partial denture and want fixed teeth that don’t come out
- People with several failing teeth, crowns or bridges in the same jaw
- People with advanced gum disease where the teeth can’t be saved
Whether it is suitable depends on your general health, how much bone you have and your bite. We go through this at your consultation.
All-on-4 and All-on-6
“All-on-4” describes a full-arch bridge on four implants; “All-on-6” uses six. The number of implants depends on the quality and volume of your jaw bone, the size of the jaw and how strongly you bite. We’ll recommend the number that suits your case rather than a fixed formula.
What happens, step by step
- Consultation: we listen to what you want, examine your mouth, and talk through options, including alternatives to implants.
- CT scan and digital planning: a 3D scan and a digital scan of your mouth are used to plan the implant positions on a computer before surgery.
- Surgery: the implants are placed, often using a surgical guide made from the plan. Any teeth that can’t be saved are removed at the same appointment.
- Same-day teeth (when suitable): a fixed temporary bridge is often attached on the day, so you don’t leave without teeth.
- Final bridge: after healing, usually around three months, the permanent bridge is made and fitted.
How long does it take?
From surgery to the final bridge is usually three to six months. Cases that need bone grafting first take longer.
Fees
Full-arch treatment is planned individually, so we give you a written, itemised fee after your consultation and CT scan. A CT scan is £225. See our fees page.
Questions patients ask
Is full-arch implant treatment painful?
The surgery is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during it. Most people have swelling and tenderness for a few days afterwards, which is managed with ordinary painkillers.
Can I have fixed teeth on the same day?
Often, yes. If the implants are stable enough when they are placed, a fixed temporary bridge can be attached the same day. We’ll tell you at the planning stage whether this is likely in your case.
How long do full-arch implant bridges last?
With good home care and regular check-ups, implant bridges can last many years. The bridge may need maintenance or replacement over time, and we recommend a check-up of your implants at least once a year.
I’ve been told I don’t have enough bone. Can I still have implants?
Possibly. Bone grafting or a sinus lift can rebuild bone, and in some cases implants can be angled to avoid the need for grafting. See bone grafting and sinus lifts.
Can you look after implants placed elsewhere?
Yes. We can check and maintain implants placed at another practice.
Results vary from person to person. Every treatment begins with a consultation and a written treatment plan.
Reviewed by Dr David Guy BDS (Wales), MSc Implant Dentistry (Warwick) · GDC No. 81898 · Updated November 2026