Medically Reviewed by Dr. Edwin Porter, DDS, DICOI, FAGD on July 22, 2026
Losing most or all of your teeth creates challenges that go beyond appearance. Chewing a full range of foods, speaking without slipping, and maintaining the facial structure that supports your jaw all depend on teeth being present. All-on-4 dental implants address each of those issues in a single procedure, delivering a fixed set of replacement teeth that function like natural teeth from the day of surgery.
At Charlotte Dental Arts, we offer both traditional dental implants and All-on-4 dental implants for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth on a full arch. Dr. Edwin Porter, DDS, DICOI, FAGD has placed more than 6,000 implant cases and brings advanced clinical training to every consultation, helping patients understand their options and choose the path that fits their anatomy and goals.
How All-on-4 Works
The All-on-4 approach uses four titanium implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. Two implants are positioned vertically at the front of the jaw, while two are placed at an angle toward the back. That angled placement distributes biting force more effectively and, in most cases, allows the prosthesis to be secured without bone grafting, even in patients with some degree of bone loss.
On the day of placement, a temporary fixed prosthesis is attached directly to the implants while you are still in the office. This means patients leave with a complete, functional set of teeth the same day as surgery. Over the following three to six months, osseointegration takes place: the jawbone grows around and bonds to the implant posts. Once integration is confirmed at a follow-up visit, the temporary prosthesis is replaced with the permanent restoration built for long-term function.
Why the Angled Placement Matters
Bone density in the rear of the jaw is often reduced in patients who have been missing teeth for an extended period. Traditional implants placed in that region frequently require bone grafting to create a stable foundation, which adds procedures and healing time to the process. The angled placement used in All-on-4 reaches denser bone further from the area of greatest loss, allowing most patients to proceed without grafting. Research on implant-supported restorations, including a review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, supports the long-term effectiveness of implant-supported restorations for patients with full-arch tooth loss.
All-on-4 Compared to Removable Dentures
Traditional removable dentures rely on suction and adhesive to stay in place. Over time, changes in jaw shape caused by bone loss make the fit progressively looser, and the dentures themselves do nothing to prevent that bone loss from continuing. Many denture wearers report restrictions on the foods they can eat comfortably, difficulty speaking in certain situations, and the constant awareness that their prosthesis may shift.
All-on-4 implants are fixed directly to the bone. There is no slipping, no adhesive, and no need to remove them at night. Because the implant posts transmit biting force to the jawbone, they stimulate it the same way natural tooth roots do, slowing or stopping the bone resorption that accelerates with tooth absence. For patients who are currently wearing dentures and experiencing stability problems, discomfort, or visible changes in facial shape, All-on-4 offers a fundamentally different level of function and stability.
The Treatment Process at Charlotte Dental Arts
Every All-on-4 case begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Porter uses 3D cone beam imaging to assess bone volume, map anatomical structures, and plan precise implant positions before surgery begins. This digital planning step allows us to anticipate challenges and place implants with the accuracy that long-term success depends on.
On the day of surgery, sedation dentistry options are available to keep patients comfortable throughout the procedure. Once the implants are in place and the temporary prosthesis is secured, patients receive detailed recovery instructions before leaving. Follow-up visits at scheduled intervals confirm healing progress and guide the transition to the permanent restoration.
Candidacy for All-on-4
Most patients missing all or most teeth on a full arch are candidates for evaluation. The key variables are bone density at the implant sites, overall systemic health, and the management of any conditions that affect healing, including uncontrolled diabetes or active tobacco use. Many patients who have been told they lack sufficient bone for traditional implants remain candidates for All-on-4 because of the angled posterior placement technique, which reaches denser bone that is often still present.
During the consultation, Dr. Porter reviews your 3D imaging, health history, and goals before recommending an approach. Patients with specific anatomical factors may be better suited to a hybrid solution, and we walk through all options during that visit rather than defaulting to a single treatment path.
Life After All-on-4
The temporary prosthesis placed on the day of surgery is designed to function during the healing period, not for heavy use. Soft foods are recommended for the first several weeks following placement as the bone heals around the implants. As Dr. Porter confirms osseointegration at follow-up appointments, normal dietary function can be resumed progressively.
The permanent prosthesis placed after osseointegration is built for full chewing function. Daily care involves brushing along the prosthesis and cleaning around the implant bases with a soft toothbrush and, where appropriate, a water flosser or interdental brush. Twice-yearly professional cleanings and periodic X-rays allow our team to monitor the implants and surrounding tissue over the long term and catch anything that needs attention early.
All-on-4 Dental Implants in Charlotte, NC
Dr. Edwin Porter, DDS, DICOI, FAGD has placed more than 6,000 implant cases and holds Diplomate credentials from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, a professional body that tests and certifies clinicians specifically in implant placement and management. Named Top Dentist by Charlotte Magazine for more than 20 consecutive years, he provides every All-on-4 patient with a treatment plan built from their specific imaging and health profile, not a one-size approach.
If you are missing most or all of your teeth on a full arch, or if your current dentures are no longer fitting reliably, All-on-4 may provide the permanent, stable solution you have been looking for. Contact Charlotte Dental Arts to schedule a consultation and find out whether All-on-4 is the right fit for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About All-on-4 Dental Implants
How long does the All-on-4 procedure take?
The surgical placement of All-on-4 implants and the attachment of the temporary prosthesis typically takes several hours and is completed in a single appointment. By the end of that appointment, you leave with a full set of fixed, functional teeth. The timeline varies based on the complexity of each case, which Dr. Porter reviews during your consultation.
Is the All-on-4 procedure painful?
Sedation options are available to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure, and most patients report manageable soreness in the days following surgery. Discomfort typically peaks in the first 48 hours and decreases progressively. Prescribed medications and cold compresses help during the early recovery period, and our team provides detailed aftercare instructions before you leave the office.
Do All-on-4 implants require bone grafting?
In most cases, no. The angled placement of the two posterior implants reaches denser bone that is often still present even when significant bone loss has occurred at the rear of the jaw. This design allows many patients who have been told they need bone grafting for traditional implants to proceed with All-on-4 without it. Dr. Porter reviews your 3D imaging during the consultation to confirm whether grafting is needed in your specific case.
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
With proper daily care and regular professional visits, All-on-4 implants can last many years. Long-term studies show high implant survival rates at 10 years and beyond. The implant posts are designed to be permanent; the prosthesis may require adjustment or replacement over time as normal wear occurs. Dr. Porter monitors the implants at each visit and addresses any changes early.
Can I eat normally with All-on-4 implants?
After full healing and placement of the permanent prosthesis, most patients can eat a wide range of foods with greater confidence and stability than removable dentures allow. Soft foods are recommended during the healing period. Dr. Porter provides specific dietary guidance at each phase of recovery based on your healing progress, and the transition to normal function happens progressively as osseointegration is confirmed.
About the Author
Dr. Edwin Porter, DDS, DICOI, FAGD
Dr. Edwin Porter is the founder of Charlotte Dental Arts and has been recognized as a Top Dentist by Charlotte Magazine for more than 20 consecutive years. A Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (DICOI) and Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), Dr. Porter has completed more than 6,000 implant cases and serves as a trainer and mentor in advanced implant education. He trained at Georgia Regents University and brings that clinical foundation to every patient at Charlotte Dental Arts.
