By Dr. Gregg Barry | 30 March 2026
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 is exactly what it sounds like — a full arch of teeth (that’s an entire upper or lower set) supported by just four strategically placed dental implants. It’s one of the most transformative treatments we plan and restore at Docklands Dental, and honestly? We love it. Taking someone from failing teeth or uncomfortable dentures to a fixed, permanent smile in a single day — it doesn’t get much better than that.
The concept was developed by Nobel Biocare and has over 20 years of clinical research backing it up. It’s not experimental. It’s not new. It’s proven, predictable, and life-changing for the right patient.
How Does All-on-4 Work?
Traditional implants place one implant per tooth. For a full arch, that could mean 8-10 implants — expensive, and not always possible if you’ve lost bone. All-on-4 solves both problems:
- Four implants per arch: Two placed vertically at the front, two placed at an angle at the back. The angled placement uses the strongest areas of your jawbone
- Immediate loading: A temporary fixed bridge is attached on the same day as surgery. You walk out with teeth
- No bone grafting (usually): The angled rear implants avoid areas of bone loss, which means most patients don’t need bone grafts
- Final prosthesis: After 3-6 months of healing, your permanent bridge is fitted — custom-made, natural-looking, and built to last
All-on-4 vs All-on-6: What’s the Difference?
We get asked this a lot. The short answer: All-on-6 uses six implants instead of four, which can provide extra support and stability.
When might we recommend All-on-6 over All-on-4?
- If you have a larger jaw or wider arch
- If you have good bone density and we can take advantage of it
- If you grind your teeth heavily (bruxism) — the extra implants distribute force better
- For the upper jaw, where bone tends to be softer
At Docklands Dental, we’ll recommend whichever option gives you the best outcome. Sometimes that’s four implants, sometimes six. We’ll explain exactly why during your consultation.
How Much Do All-on-4 Implants Cost in Dublin?
Let’s be transparent about pricing:
- All-on-4 (single arch): from €12,000 to €18,000
- All-on-6 and both-arch (full mouth) cases: quoted individually after your CT scan and consultation
These prices include the implants, temporary bridge, all appointments during healing, and the final permanent bridge. No hidden costs.
Yes, it’s a significant investment. But consider this: a set of dentures needs replacing every 5-7 years, so over 20 years you’re paying for three or four sets — plus adhesives, adjustments, and the daily frustration. All-on-4 is a one-time solution. You can see our full dental implants pricing and treatment details here.
We offer flexible payment plans to spread the cost. Check our price list for current rates, and don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss financing options.
Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4?
All-on-4 is designed for people who:
- Are missing all or most teeth in one or both arches
- Have failing teeth that need to be extracted
- Wear dentures and want a fixed, permanent alternative
- Have been told they don’t have enough bone for traditional implants
- Want to avoid extensive bone grafting procedures
The beauty of All-on-4 is its versatility. Even patients with moderate bone loss are often candidates, thanks to the angled implant placement. We’ll know for certain after your 3D CT scan.
What’s the All-on-4 Process Like?
Here’s what to expect (the surgery itself takes place at ISCD, with the planning and restorative stages at Docklands Dental):
Step 1: Consultation and Planning
We take a detailed 3D CT scan of your jaws, assess your bone quality, and discuss your goals. This is where we give you an exact treatment plan and price. We also take impressions so your temporary bridge is ready for surgery day.
Step 2: Surgery Day
This is the big one. Under local anaesthesia (or sedation if you prefer), specialist oral surgeon Dr. Marie O’Neill extracts any remaining teeth and places the four implants at ISCD, and your temporary fixed bridge is attached. The whole procedure typically takes 2-3 hours per arch.
You walk out that same day with a full set of teeth. Fixed, not removable. Most patients are genuinely emotional — especially those who’ve been hiding their smile for years.
Step 3: Healing (3-6 Months)
Your temporary bridge looks and functions well, but it’s designed to be gentle on the implants while they fuse with your bone. During this time, we recommend a softer diet for the first few weeks, then gradually returning to normal eating.
Step 4: Final Bridge
Once your implants are fully integrated, we replace the temporary bridge with your permanent one. This is custom-designed using high-quality materials — it’s stronger, more detailed, and built to last decades.
Recovery: What to Expect
We won’t sugarcoat it — the first few days after surgery involve some swelling and discomfort. But it’s very manageable:
- Days 1-3: Swelling peaks. Ice packs, prescribed pain relief, and rest. Most patients describe discomfort as a 4-5 out of 10
- Days 4-7: Swelling subsides significantly. You can return to desk work within 3-5 days
- Weeks 2-4: Soft food diet. Things like pasta, fish, scrambled eggs — you won’t go hungry
- Month 2 onwards: Gradually returning to normal foods as confidence grows
All-on-4 vs Dentures: An Honest Comparison
If you’re currently wearing dentures, you already know the downsides. But let’s put it side by side:
- Stability: All-on-4 is fixed permanently. Dentures slip, click, and need adhesive
- Bone preservation: All-on-4 stimulates the jawbone. Dentures accelerate bone loss, which is why your face shape changes over time with dentures
- Eating: All-on-4 lets you eat everything — steak, apples, corn on the cob. Dentures? Not so much
- Taste: Upper dentures cover your palate, reducing taste sensation. All-on-4 doesn’t
- Maintenance: Brush and floss like natural teeth. No soaking, no adhesives, no special cleaning
- Confidence: All-on-4 patients consistently report dramatically improved quality of life
Why Choose Docklands Dental for All-on-4?
We’re not the only clinic in Dublin offering All-on-4 — but we’re passionate about getting it right. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Experience: Our team has extensive training in implant dentistry and full-arch rehabilitation
- Technology: 3D CT scanning and digital planning for precise implant placement
- Transparency: You get an exact price upfront. No surprises, no hidden fees
- Aftercare: We’re with you for the long haul. Regular check-ups, adjustments, whatever you need
Ready to Explore All-on-4?
If you’re tired of dentures, embarrassed by failing teeth, or just want to understand your options — come talk to us. A consultation at Docklands Dental includes a full assessment, a 3D scan where it is needed for planning, and a detailed treatment plan with exact pricing.
No pressure, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about what’s possible for your smile.
Book your All-on-4 consultation or call us on 01 636 0192.
Considering All-on-4? You can book an appointment online or call 01 636 0192 and we will arrange an implant assessment with one of our dentists.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get teeth on the same day as implant surgery?
Yes, All-on-4 allows for immediate loading, meaning a temporary fixed bridge is attached on the same day as surgery. You leave the clinic with a full set of functional teeth. The permanent bridge is fitted after 3-6 months of healing.
What is the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6?
All-on-6 uses six implants per arch instead of four, providing additional support and stability. It may be recommended for patients with larger jaws, good bone density, heavy teeth grinding, or for upper jaw restorations where bone tends to be softer.
