If you’re missing most or all of your teeth — or struggling with loose, uncomfortable dentures — All-on-4 dental implants in London, Ontario may be the most effective solution available. Using just four strategically placed implants per arch, All-on-4 delivers a full set of fixed, permanent teeth that look and function like natural ones. At Apple Tree Dental, we offer All-on-4 consultations at both our North London (Beaverbrook Ave) and South London (Wonderland Rd) locations, using advanced 3D imaging for precise treatment planning and lasting outcomes.
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are a full-arch tooth replacement system that uses exactly four implants per arch — two placed vertically at the front, two angled at approximately 45 degrees at the rear — to support a complete fixed set of replacement teeth. The angled rear placement is the key innovation: it maximises contact with available bone, eliminates the need for grafting in most cases, and provides the same stability as conventional protocols that use six to eight implants per arch.
You may also see this treatment referred to as all-on-four implants, all-on-four dentures, or teeth-in-a-day — the goal is consistent: a fixed, non-removable full arch of teeth delivered in significantly less time than traditional implant protocols.
Did You Know?
According to the Canadian Dental Association, proper case planning and professional guidance significantly improve long-term implant outcomes. At Apple Tree Dental, every All-on-4 case begins with a comprehensive 3D scan to map bone density, nerve positions, and optimal implant angles before surgery begins.
How All-on-4 Works: The Science Behind 4 Implants
The All-on-4 system solves a fundamental challenge in full-arch implant dentistry: the rear jawbone (where most chewing force is applied) is also where bone loss occurs most rapidly after tooth loss. Traditional protocols requiring 6–8 implants often need bone grafting at these sites — adding months to treatment time.
All-on-4 solves this by angling the two rear implants at approximately 45 degrees, which:
- Reaches denser bone further forward in the jaw
- Increases the implant-to-bone contact surface area
- Distributes chewing forces across a wider area
- Eliminates the need for sinus lifts in the upper jaw in most cases
The result: full-arch restoration with only four surgical sites, faster healing, and — crucially — same-day temporary teeth placement in most cases.
Step-by-Step: The All-on-4 Procedure at Apple Tree Dental
| Stage | What Happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Consultation | 3D imaging, bone assessment, treatment plan, cost breakdown | 1 visit |
| 2. Extractions | Any remaining failing teeth removed (same day as surgery if needed) | Same day or separate |
| 3. Implant Placement | 4 implants placed under local anaesthetic or sedation | 2–4 hours |
| 4. Temporary Arch | Temporary teeth attached same day — you leave with a smile | Same day |
| 5. Osseointegration | Bone fuses with implants — soft diet required | 3–6 months |
| 6. Final Arch | Permanent zirconia or acrylic arch fitted and secured | After healing confirmed |
Step 1: Consultation and 3D Imaging
Your All-on-4 journey starts with a comprehensive assessment at either Apple Tree Dental location. We take detailed 3D scans to map your bone density, assess nerve positions, plan exact implant angles, and build a fully personalised treatment plan. You’ll receive a complete cost breakdown at this appointment — nothing is hidden or added later.
Step 2: Extractions (If Required)
If you have remaining failing or damaged teeth, these are removed — often on the same day as implant surgery to minimise appointments. Our team will confirm the best approach during your consultation.
Step 3: Implant Placement Surgery
Under local anaesthetic — or sedation dentistry for patients with dental anxiety — all four implants are placed in a single surgical session. The procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours per arch. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is.
Step 4: Same-Day Temporary Teeth
In most cases, a temporary prosthetic arch is attached to the implants the same day as surgery. You leave the clinic with functional teeth — this is the “teeth in a day” aspect of All-on-4 that makes it so appealing compared to conventional implant timelines.
Step 5: Osseointegration — The Healing Phase
Over the following 3 to 6 months, your jawbone fuses with the implant posts through osseointegration. During this period you’ll follow a soft food diet and attend follow-up appointments so your dental team can monitor healing progress. Health Canada recognises dental implants as regulated Class II medical devices — following post-surgical care instructions during this phase is essential to long-term success.
Important Warning
Smoking is one of the leading causes of All-on-4 implant failure. It significantly slows osseointegration and increases infection risk. Patients are strongly advised to stop smoking before surgery and throughout the healing phase. Health Canada’s quit smoking resources can help.
Step 6: Your Permanent Final Arch
Once osseointegration is confirmed at your follow-up appointment, your permanent prosthetic arch — typically zirconia for its durability and natural appearance — is custom-fabricated and permanently secured to your implants. This is your final smile.
Are You a Candidate for All-on-4 in London, Ontario?
All-on-4 is suitable for a wider range of patients than traditional implant protocols. You may be a strong candidate if you:
- Are missing most or all teeth on one or both arches
- Currently wear dentures and want a fixed, non-removable solution
- Have been told you have moderate bone loss (often not a barrier with All-on-4)
- Were previously told you weren’t a candidate for traditional implants
- Are in generally good overall health
- Are a non-smoker or prepared to stop smoking before and after surgery
Even patients with significant bone loss may qualify — the angled implant technique is specifically designed to work with reduced bone volume in the rear of the jaw. A 3D imaging assessment at your consultation is the only way to confirm candidacy with certainty.
Prosthetic Material Options: Acrylic vs. Zirconia
| Material | Durability | Aesthetics | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia | Excellent — chip resistant | Most natural-looking | Permanent final arch | Higher |
| Acrylic | Good — some wear over time | Good appearance | Temporary / budget option | Lower |
Zirconia is the preferred material for permanent All-on-4 restorations at Apple Tree Dental. It is exceptionally strong, highly aesthetic, and does not stain over time. Acrylic is commonly used for the temporary arch during the healing phase, and is sometimes chosen as a permanent option for budget considerations — your dentist will discuss what’s right for your case.
All-on-4 vs. Dentures vs. Traditional Implants
| Feature | All-on-4 | Traditional Dentures | Conventional Implants (6–8) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed / Removable | Fixed ✅ | Removable ❌ | Fixed ✅ |
| Same-Day Teeth | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Rarely ❌ |
| Bone Graft Required | Rarely ✅ | Never ✅ | Often ❌ |
| Preserves Jawbone | Yes ✅ | No ❌ | Yes ✅ |
| Implants Per Arch | 4 | 0 | 6–8 |
| Treatment Timeline | Faster ✅ | Immediate ✅ | Longer ❌ |
| Long-Term Durability | Excellent ✅ | 5–8 years ❌ | Excellent ✅ |
| Chewing Strength | Near natural ✅ | Reduced ❌ | Natural ✅ |
Benefits of All-on-4 at Apple Tree Dental London
Fixed, Non-Removable Teeth
Unlike dentures, your All-on-4 arch is permanently secured to the implants. No adhesives, no overnight soaking, no shifting while eating or speaking. You treat them exactly like natural teeth.
Eat What You Want Again
Once healing is complete, All-on-4 patients can eat a full range of foods — including harder textures that denture wearers often avoid. Chewing strength returns to near-natural levels.
Jawbone Preservation
The four implant posts stimulate the jawbone the same way natural tooth roots do — preventing the bone resorption that causes the sunken facial appearance common in long-term denture wearers. This is a benefit dentures fundamentally cannot provide.
Faster Treatment Than Conventional Implants
Because bone grafting is rarely required and all four implants are placed in a single session, All-on-4 significantly reduces total treatment time compared to conventional full-arch implant protocols.
Natural Appearance
Zirconia arches are custom-designed to match your facial structure and aesthetic goals — giving you a completely natural-looking smile that most people won’t distinguish from real teeth.
Dramatically Improved Confidence
For patients who have been self-conscious about their smile for years, All-on-4 is genuinely life-changing. Speaking clearly, smiling freely, and eating without anxiety are outcomes that extend well beyond oral health.
All-on-4 Cost in London, Ontario
All-on-4 cost in London, Ontario depends on several factors specific to your case:
| Treatment | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| All-on-4 — Single Arch (Acrylic) | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| All-on-4 — Single Arch (Zirconia) | $25,000 – $30,000 |
| All-on-4 — Both Arches | $40,000 – $60,000+ |
| Extractions (if needed) | Confirmed at consultation |
Every patient at Apple Tree Dental receives a full itemised cost breakdown at their consultation — before any treatment begins. Financing options are available to make All-on-4 more accessible. For a broader overview of implant pricing across Canada, see our dental implants cost Canada guide.
Cost Tip
If you need both arches restored, treating upper and lower at the same time is usually more cost-efficient than two separate surgeries. Ask our team about combined-arch treatment plans at your consultation.
Recovery After All-on-4 Surgery
First Few Days
Expect mild swelling, some soreness, and light bleeding in the first 24–48 hours. Most patients manage this comfortably with over-the-counter pain relief. Rest, ice packs on the jaw, and sticking to liquids and very soft foods are the key priorities. Most people return to light normal activities within 2–3 days.
During Osseointegration (3–6 Months)
Follow a soft diet as directed — avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could put stress on the healing implants. Maintain consistent oral hygiene around the temporary arch. Attend all follow-up appointments — these are how your dental team confirms osseointegration is proceeding correctly.
Long-Term Maintenance
All-on-4 requires the same care as natural teeth — brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular professional cleanings. With this routine, All-on-4 implants can last decades — the posts potentially for life, the prosthetic arch for 10–20+ years before any replacement is needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with All-on-4
- Choosing a clinic based on price alone — quality of materials, imaging technology, and provider experience directly affect long-term outcomes
- Skipping the 3D imaging consultation — proper bone assessment is non-negotiable for accurate implant placement
- Continuing to smoke — the single biggest risk factor for implant failure
- Eating hard foods too soon — putting stress on implants during osseointegration risks failure
- Missing follow-up appointments — healing must be monitored by your dental team throughout the process
- Not asking about prosthetic material — acrylic and zirconia have very different durability profiles; understand what you’re getting
Frequently Asked Questions: All-on-4 Dental Implants London Ontario
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
The titanium implant posts can last decades — often a lifetime with proper care. The prosthetic arch (zirconia or acrylic) typically lasts 10–20+ years before any replacement or adjustment is needed, depending on material, bite forces, and maintenance habits.
Is the All-on-4 procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic — you won’t feel pain during surgery. Most patients experience manageable swelling and soreness for 2–5 days afterwards, controlled with over-the-counter pain relief. Many patients describe the experience as less uncomfortable than expected. Sedation is available for patients with dental anxiety.
Do I need bone grafting for All-on-4?
In most cases, no — this is one of All-on-4’s key advantages over conventional implant protocols. The angled rear implants are designed to use available bone in areas less affected by resorption. Your 3D imaging assessment will confirm whether any grafting is needed in your specific case.
Can I eat normally after All-on-4?
After the healing phase is complete and your permanent arch is fitted, yes — you can eat a full range of foods comfortably. During the healing phase (3–6 months), a soft diet is required to protect the implants during osseointegration.
How much do All-on-4 implants cost in London, Ontario?
A single arch All-on-4 in London, Ontario costs approximately CAD $20,000–$30,000 depending on prosthetic material (acrylic vs. zirconia) and case complexity. Both arches together range from $40,000–$60,000+. Financing options are available — ask at your consultation for a full itemised breakdown.
How is All-on-4 different from regular dental implants?
Traditional full-arch protocols use 6–8 implants per arch and often require bone grafting. All-on-4 uses just four implants with angled rear placement to achieve the same stability — with less surgery, no grafting in most cases, and faster treatment. For patients missing only one or a few teeth, single or multiple permanent implants are the more appropriate solution.
Do you offer All-on-4 at both Apple Tree Dental locations?
Yes. All-on-4 consultations and treatment are available at both our North London location (Beaverbrook Ave) and South London location (Wonderland Rd). Book at whichever location is most convenient for you.
Are All-on-4 implants better than dentures?
For most patients seeking a full-arch solution, yes — All-on-4 provides superior stability, natural chewing ability, jawbone preservation, and long-term durability compared to removable dentures. Dentures do not stimulate the jawbone and typically need replacing every 5–8 years. If you’re weighing both options, see our comparison guide: dental implants vs. dentures.
Final Thoughts: Is All-on-4 Right for You?
All-on-4 dental implants are one of the most significant advances in modern restorative dentistry — delivering a full, fixed, natural-looking smile using just four implants per arch, often without bone grafting, and with same-day temporary teeth. For patients in London, Ontario who are struggling with missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures, it represents a genuine long-term investment in quality of life.
The first step is always a conversation. Our team at Apple Tree Dental is here to assess your specific situation honestly, confirm whether All-on-4 is the right solution for you, and give you a complete, transparent picture of what treatment involves and what it costs — with no pressure and no surprises.