Patients in Charlotte, NC who have lost most or all of their teeth, or who are facing full-arch extractions, often ask about All-On-4 dental implants as a way to replace a full arch permanently. Charlotte Dental Arts handles the entire All-On-4 process in-house under Dr. Edwin Porter, DDS, FAGD, including the planning, surgery, and final restoration.
How All-On-4 Works
All-On-4 uses four implant posts positioned in the jawbone to support a complete arch of teeth. The two rear posts are angled rather than placed straight down, which lets Dr. Porter anchor the arch in areas where bone density stays more reliable even after years of tooth loss. In most cases, that approach allows patients to skip the bone grafting step that conventional full-arch procedures often require, because the posts aren’t going into the areas where bone has already resorbed the most.
In eligible patients, a temporary arch goes in the same day as surgery. That temporary is functional — patients leave with teeth they can actually use while the implants integrate over the following months. The permanent arch is placed once osseointegration is complete.
The Treatment Process at Charlotte Dental Arts
Every All-On-4 case starts with a CBCT scan and a dedicated planning session before any surgery happens. Dr. Porter uses the 3D imaging to map exactly where each post goes given the bone that patient actually has. The surgical guide is built from that plan, so placement on the day of surgery follows a pre-set roadmap rather than being worked out in the room.
Surgery takes place in a single appointment with IV sedation. Patients are comfortable throughout. Our team manages post-operative care and check-ins through the full healing process.
What All-On-4 Restores
Patients with a well-placed All-On-4 arch eat normally, speak clearly, and care for the restoration the same way they would natural teeth. Nothing needs to be removed at night, nothing requires adhesive, and the arch doesn’t shift during meals or conversation. Maintenance after that is the same as for natural teeth — regular cleanings and periodic check-ups to keep the implants and surrounding bone in good condition.
Is All-On-4 the Right Option for You?
Whether All-On-4 fits your situation depends on bone volume, overall health, and whether any preparatory treatment is needed first. Most patients dealing with multiple failing teeth or existing dentures are worth a proper evaluation to find out. The consultation at Charlotte Dental Arts includes imaging and a direct conversation about what the process would involve for your specific jaw and health picture. Schedule an appointment to find out whether All-On-4 is right for you.
