Losing your teeth is hard enough. Not knowing how long it’ll take to fix your smile can make the decision even harder. If you’re wondering how long the All-on-4 surgery takes, here’s your answer: the procedure usually takes 2 to 4 hours per arch, and in most cases, you’ll walk out the same day with a brand-new set of teeth.
At Hanna Dental Implant Center, we’ve seen how the All-on-4 technique changes lives fast. Plus, you can get your complete and functional smile on the same day. It’s a streamlined solution designed for people who want to smile, eat, and live normally again.
Let’s break down the timing of each step, what happens during the procedure, and how this advanced method makes full-mouth restoration faster and easier than traditional implants.
Key Takeaways
- All-on-4 surgery usually takes 2 to 4 hours per arch, with many patients completing the full procedure in one day.
- Most patients leave with permanent teeth the same day, though a temporary set may be used in some cases.
- The All-on-4 technique uses just four implants per arch, reducing surgical time and often avoiding the need for bone grafts.
- Recovery is quick, with many of our patients returning to daily activities within a couple of days and full healing in 3 to 6 months.
How Long Does Each Step Take?
The All-on-4 treatment is known for being efficient and well-structured. Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens and how long each step usually takes:
Initial Consultation and Planning
Before anything else, you’ll come in for a consultation. This visit includes a full-mouth evaluation, 3D imaging, and a personalized treatment plan.
Time: About 60 to 90 minutes
Pre-Surgical Prep (If Needed)
If you need extractions or other prep work like removing damaged teeth, it’s often done right before the implants are placed.
Time: 30 to 60 minutes
Implant Placement Surgery
This is the main procedure. Using four strategically placed implants per arch, your dental team secures a strong foundation for your new smile.
Time: 2 to 4 hours per arch
Temporary or Permanent Teeth Placement
Once the implants are in, you’ll receive your new set of teeth. In most cases, they’re permanent. But in rare cases, a temporary restoration may be placed while the jawbone heals.
Time: 1 to 2 hours
Post-Procedure Recovery and Discharge
You’ll be monitored briefly before going home with your new smile. Most patients walk out on the same day, ready to eat soft foods and rest.
Total in-clinic time on surgery day: Around 4 to 8 hours, depending on your individual case and whether one or both arches are treated.
How the All-on-4 Technique Saves Time
Traditional dental implants often take months and multiple procedures to complete. The All-on-4 technique was designed to make full-mouth restoration faster, simpler, and more comfortable.
Instead of placing 6 to 8 implants per arch, the All-on-4 approach uses just four implants strategically angled to maximize bone contact. This clever positioning often removes the need for bone grafting, which can add months of healing time with traditional implants.
Because it avoids extra surgical steps and uses fewer implants, the entire process is more efficient. That’s why most patients can complete surgery and leave with new teeth on the same day.
What Is “Smile in a Day” or “Teeth in a Day”?
“Smile in a Day” is exactly what it sounds like, and it’s made possible by techniques like All-on-4. Once the implants are placed, a full arch of teeth is secured right away. These teeth look and feel natural, and you can speak and eat (soft foods) on the same day.
At Hanna Dental Implant Center, we specialize in this approach. Our team uses advanced imaging, guided surgery, and in-house lab support to make same-day smiles not just possible but predictable.
Plus, once the implants are in place, they’re stable enough to support a full set of teeth on the same day. That means you can smile, speak clearly, and eat soft foods without delay. This is what makes All-on-4 different from traditional implants, which often require months of healing before teeth can be attached.
What to Expect After Surgery: Recovery Time
After your All-on-4 surgery, the healing process begins right away. While you’ll leave with a complete set of teeth the same day, your implants still need time to fully bond with your jawbone.
Most patients return to light activities within a day or two. You’ll be advised to stick to soft foods for the first few weeks, allowing the implants to settle without pressure. Any swelling or soreness is typically mild and manageable with medication.
Complete healing usually takes three to six months, depending on your overall health and how well your body responds. During this time, your implants become fully integrated with the bone, creating a stable foundation for long-term function.
Why Patients Choose Hanna Dental for All-on-4
Getting a new smile is a big step, and where you go to get your new smile matters. At Hanna Dental Implant Center, every part of your All-on-4 journey is handled in-house by a skilled team that’s done this hundreds of times.
We use advanced imaging, guided technology, and a custom surgical plan to make your procedure as smooth and precise as possible. Our on-site lab means your new teeth are crafted and adjusted without delay, allowing for real-time refinements during your visit.
Many patients come to us after being told they’re not a candidate elsewhere. Our expertise in the All-on-4 technique lets us treat complex cases without bone grafts, saving time and reducing recovery stress.
More than anything, we focus on comfort. With sedation options, clear communication, and a dedicated team by your side, you’ll feel supported from the first consultation to your final smile.
Book a Consultation Now for Your New Smile!
All-on-4 surgery typically takes just a few hours, and most patients leave with a full set of teeth the very same day. From consultation to recovery, the entire process is designed to be fast, smooth, and life-changing.
You don’t have to wait months to smile again. At Hanna Dental Implant Center, we make full-mouth restoration simpler and more accessible without unnecessary delays or discomfort.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to guide you. Schedule your consultation now to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does All-on-4 surgery take?
The surgery typically takes 2 to 4 hours per arch, depending on the complexity of your case. If you’re having both upper and lower arches treated, expect to spend about 4 to 6 hours at the clinic on the day of the procedure.
How painful are All-on-4 dental implants?
Most patients report only mild to moderate discomfort after the procedure. The surgery itself is done under local anesthesia or sedation, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Any soreness afterward is usually managed with medication and eases within a few days.
Do they put you to sleep for All-on-4 implants?
It depends on your preference and the dental practice. At Hanna Dental Implant Center, we offer conscious sedation and IV sedation options to ensure you’re calm, comfortable, and pain-free throughout the procedure. You can discuss your sedation plan during your consultation.
How long after All-on-4 can I eat normally?
You can eat soft foods the same day after surgery. Most patients return to a normal diet after about 8 to 12 weeks once the implants have had time to integrate with the jawbone. Your dental team will guide you through each phase of your eating plan.
Is All-on-4 better than dentures?
For many people, yes. All-on-4 implants are fixed in place, so they don’t slip, shift, or need adhesives like traditional dentures. They also help preserve bone and support facial structure. Most patients find them more comfortable, more natural-looking, and easier to maintain.
