All-on-4 in Chêne-Bougeries

A fixed restoration for a complete dental arch

All-on-4 is a treatment concept designed to support a complete fixed restoration on four implants that are appropriately distributed across one arch.

The term applies to one upper or lower arch. It does not mean that four implants are automatically sufficient for the whole mouth, or that this plan is suitable for everyone.

Depending on the anatomy and prosthetic plan, some posterior implants may be angled. Their distribution must take into account the available bone, the space required for the restoration, the bite and access for cleaning.

This approach does not replace a single tooth. It addresses a different situation: restoring an entire arch when a complete solution needs to be considered.

Planning starts with the existing teeth and the future restoration

The assessment first considers what can be preserved, then compares the options for the arch as a whole.

A photograph, form or remote description cannot establish whether the treatment is indicated. The number of implants and type of restoration are chosen following a clinical and prosthetic assessment.

• Your health, medicines, current treatments and factors that may affect surgery or healing.
• The condition and prognosis of existing teeth, gums and the tissues around any existing implants.
• Bone volume and quality, the anatomy of the arch and any radiographic examinations considered necessary.
• Available space, lip support, smile line, the opposing arch and the future distribution of forces.
• Your expectations and priorities, and your ability to clean beneath the future restoration.

All-on-4 is one option among several

When teeth are still present, the possibility of preserving them should be assessed before considering a complete full-arch restoration.

Depending on the situation, the options may include treatment intended to preserve some teeth, another fixed implant restoration, an implant-retained removable denture or a conventional complete denture.

Each option involves a different balance of surgery, stability, maintenance, repairability, cost and personal preference. Using the fewest possible implants is not a goal in itself: the plan must remain consistent with the future restoration and the possible consequences of a complication.

A coordinated surgical and prosthetic pathway

The sequence, number of appointments and timetable vary. An immediate fixed provisional restoration is only possible when the clinical conditions and implant stability allow it.

1. 1. Assessment and comparison of options

   Clinical examination, medical history, additional investigations and discussion of possible solutions, including preserving teeth when this can be considered.

2. 2. Prosthetic planning

   Definition of the future restoration, the space required, the desired appearance, access for hygiene and the planned implant distribution.

3. 3. Surgical planning and quotation

   Explanation of the proposed procedures, alternatives, risks, loading protocol and estimated cost before you decide.

4. 4. Surgical stage

   Placement of the implants according to the agreed plan. Extractions or an additional procedure are only carried out if they form part of the treatment you have accepted.

5. 5. Provisional restoration according to the conditions

   A provisional restoration may be fitted immediately, later, or replaced by a different temporary solution. The decision depends in particular on the stability achieved and the clinical context.

6. 6. Reviews and final restoration

   Follow-up appointments monitor healing and function. The final restoration is made according to the timetable established for your situation.

A fixed solution with its own constraints

The aim is to restore an arch with a restoration that the patient does not remove. No result, timeframe or lifespan can be guaranteed.

Surgical and biological risks may include infection, healing problems, failure of an implant to integrate or loss of an implant, effects on nearby tissues and inflammation around the implants. Your individual risk depends on your health, oral condition and other personal factors.

Technical complications may also affect the screws, components or restoration and require adjustment, repair or replacement. With four implants, the loss of one may alter support for the restoration as a whole.

A complete fixed restoration needs sufficient access for cleaning. The ability to maintain the area and attend follow-up appointments is part of the discussion before treatment.

The quotation depends on the complete treatment plan

A reliable fee can only be established after the assessment. The quotation covers the surgical and prosthetic stages actually planned.

The cost may vary according to the investigations required, extractions or preliminary treatment, number of implants, any additional procedure, the temporary restoration and the final restoration. The practice provides a personalised quotation before treatment.

In Switzerland, dental care is generally not covered by compulsory health insurance. Exceptions apply in specifically defined situations. Any supplementary cover depends on your policy.

Follow-up covers the implants, tissues and restoration

The restoration remains fixed for the patient, but it must be cleaned every day and professionally reviewed at intervals tailored to the individual.

Cleaning must reach beneath the restoration and around each implant. The instruments and method are adapted to the shape of the restoration and your dexterity.

Follow-up appointments check the tissues, hygiene, function and condition of the prosthetic components. Frequency depends in particular on periodontal history, smoking, hygiene and clinical findings.

Contact the practice if you notice mobility, unusual pain, bleeding, swelling or a change in the restoration. A general information page cannot identify the cause.