Facing the loss of all your teeth doesn’t have to mean years of loose, uncomfortable dentures. For patients in Citrus Heights considering dental implants, All-on-4 can replace a full arch of teeth using just four strategically placed implants, often with a fixed set of teeth attached the same day.
At Expert Dental Group, Dr. Leila Nikpour — a prosthodontist with more than 15 years of dentistry experience and 2,500+ dental implants placed — uses in-house 3D CBCT imaging and advanced surgical planning for full-arch restorations that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Here is what Citrus Heights patients should know about All-on-4.
What Is the All-on-4 Technique?
All-on-4 is a full-arch restoration method in which an entire upper or lower arch of teeth is supported by only four dental implants. A custom-made fixed bridge attached to those implants replaces every missing tooth with a stable, non-removable set of teeth.
Unlike traditional full dentures, which rest on the gums and can slip, an All-on-4 bridge is anchored directly to the jawbone. It stays firmly in place while you eat, speak, and smile — and only a dentist can remove it for maintenance.
How Four Implants Support a Full Arch
The engineering behind All-on-4 is all about placement. Two implants are positioned vertically in the front of the jaw, where bone is typically densest. The two rear implants are placed at a carefully calculated angle to reach denser bone further back while avoiding the sinus cavity or nerve canal. This spreads support across the entire arch, so four implants can carry a full bridge securely. Because the angled implants use available bone more efficiently, many patients told they needed bone grafting for conventional implants turn out to be All-on-4 candidates without it. Every case begins with 3D CBCT imaging, which maps your bone, sinuses, and nerves in three dimensions so the surgical plan is precise.
The Same-Day Process: What Your Visit Looks Like
One of the reasons patients travel from Citrus Heights to our Roseville office is the “teeth in a day” concept. Here is the typical sequence:
- Planning: A consultation with 3D scans and photographs; your bridge is designed from digital impressions.
- Surgery day: Damaged teeth are removed, the four implants are placed, and — in most cases — a provisional fixed bridge is attached the same day. You leave with teeth.
- Healing: Over three to six months, the implants fuse with the jawbone (osseointegration) while you wear your provisional bridge.
- Final bridge: Once healing is complete, your permanent bridge is fitted — fine-tuned for bite, comfort, and appearance.
Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4?
You may be a candidate if you are missing most or all of your teeth in an arch, currently wear dentures you are unhappy with, or have teeth that can no longer be saved. Even patients with significant bone loss may qualify, because the angled posterior implants make use of bone that traditional straight implants cannot.
One of the most common surprises we see: patients told they needed extensive bone grafting for conventional implants can often proceed with All-on-4 right away — a 3D scan is the deciding factor. Consultations are free at our practice, where we will review your medical history and oral health before recommending treatment.
Recovery and Diet Timeline
Recovery is usually manageable:
- Days 1–3: Mild swelling and soreness, managed with medication and ice. Rest at home.
- Weeks 1–2: Soft foods only — yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies. Swelling fades within a week or so.
- Weeks 2–6: Gradually add softer solids as comfort allows.
- Months 3–6: The implants integrate with the bone. Your diet returns closer to normal, and your final bridge arrives once healing is complete.
Most patients return to desk work within a few days, with a written aftercare plan and scheduled follow-ups.
Caring for Your All-on-4 Smile
Your fixed bridge doesn’t get cavities, but daily care still matters. Brush twice daily with a soft brush, clean under the bridge with a water flosser or interdental brushes, and keep your regular dental checkups — during these visits we remove the bridge professionally, inspect the implants, and clean everything thoroughly. Good home care plus professional maintenance keeps full-arch restorations healthy for the long term.
All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dentures
Dentures rest on the gums, can slip while eating or speaking, and must be removed nightly. They also do nothing to preserve the jawbone, which shrinks underneath them over time — the reason dentures eventually need relining or replacement.
All-on-4 dental implants stay fixed in place, let you bite with far more confidence, and help preserve bone volume and facial structure because the implants stimulate the jawbone. Many denture wearers describe the change as getting their life back: no adhesives, no slipping, no taking teeth out at night.
Why Choose a Prosthodontist for Full-Arch Treatment
Full-arch implant restoration is one of the most complex procedures in dentistry, and it sits squarely in the prosthodontist’s specialty. Prosthodontists complete three additional years of training beyond dental school focused on complex tooth replacement — the bite, the aesthetics, and the long-term function of full-mouth restorations.
Dr. Nikpour combines that specialty training with a one-year implantology fellowship in France and an in-house digital workflow, from 3D imaging to guided surgery. Patients from across the region — including Citrus Heights, Rocklin, and Lincoln — choose Expert Dental Group’s prosthodontist in Roseville because planning, surgery, and the final restoration are handled by one specialist team. If you are coming from Rocklin, our All-on-4 dental implants in Rocklin page has more detail.
Ready to explore All-on-4 dental implants in Citrus Heights? Call Expert Dental Group at (916) 888-1646 for a free consultation. Our office at 5070 Foothills Blvd, Suite 2, Roseville, CA 95747 is a short drive from Citrus Heights; hours are Monday through Friday 9–6 and Saturday 9–1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-on-4 really completed in one day?
Implant placement — and attachment of a fixed provisional bridge — usually happens in a single appointment. Your permanent bridge is fitted several months later, after the implants have fused with the bone.
Will I need bone grafting for All-on-4?
Often, no. The angled rear implants work with the bone you already have, which is why many patients told they needed grafting for traditional implants qualify for All-on-4 without it. Your 3D scan determines whether grafting is needed in your case.
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
The implants themselves are designed to be a long-term solution, and many patients keep them for decades with proper care. The bridge may eventually need maintenance or replacement after years of normal wear — regular checkups catch issues early.
What can I eat right after the procedure?
Expect soft foods for the first several weeks — smoothies, yogurt, eggs, mashed vegetables, and fish are good choices. You will add more texture gradually as healing progresses.
Are All-on-4 teeth removable?
No — your bridge is fixed in place and only your dentist can remove it for professional maintenance. That fixed design is what gives you the stability to eat and speak with confidence.