All-on-4 implants in Chessington: a full new smile in a single day

Losing most or all of your teeth changes more than your smile; it can affect how you eat, speak and feel about being seen. All-on-4 implants offer a way to replace a whole arch of teeth, fixed permanently in place, often in a single day of treatment. Here’s what the procedure actually involves, who it suits, and how it compares to more traditional options like dentures.

Key takeaways

1. All-on-4 implants replace an entire arch of teeth using just four (sometimes a few more) titanium implants
2. Placement is typically completed in one day, with a temporary set of teeth fitted immediately
3. Unlike dentures, All-on-4 restorations are fixed in place, not removed at night
4. Full healing and fitting of the final restoration takes several months after the initial placement

What All-on-4 implants actually are

All-on-4 is a way of replacing a full row of teeth using a small number of implants rather than one implant per missing tooth. Two implants are placed towards the front of the jaw, and two more are angled further back, positioned to make the most of whatever bone is available. Together, those four implants support a complete, custom-made bridge of teeth that clips or screws securely into place.

It’s sometimes called “same day teeth”, and for good reason: because the implants are angled to use existing bone more efficiently, many patients avoid the bone grafts that would otherwise be needed before treatment, which is often what makes same-day placement possible in the first place.

Who tends to be a good candidate

All-on-4 is generally suited to people who are missing most or all of their teeth in an arch, are currently struggling with loose or uncomfortable dentures, or are facing multiple extractions and want to avoid a removable plate altogether. It isn’t automatically right for everyone; jawbone density, general health and how many teeth remain all play into the assessment.

That’s why the first proper step is always a consultation and CT scan, rather than a decision made from a leaflet or a search result. Some patients who assume they need a bone graft find they’re actually well suited to All-on-4 precisely because it works around lower bone volume in a way traditional implants don’t.

The All-on-4 journey, step by step

1. Consultation and full assessment, including a CT scan to map your jaw and check bone density
2. A conversation about treatment options, costs and finance, so there are no surprises later
3. Any necessary extractions carried out, often on the same visit as implant placement
4. Implant placement itself, using digital 3D planning for precise positioning
5. A temporary set of teeth fitted the same day, so you’re never left without teeth
6. A healing period while the implants fuse with your jawbone (osseointegration)
7. Fitting of your final, permanent restoration once healing is complete

That temporary-to-permanent handover matters. You leave your placement appointment with a functioning, natural-looking set of teeth, then move to the final version once your jaw has properly healed around the implants, which typically takes a few months.

All-on-4 versus dentures versus single implants

Dentures are removable and sit above the gum, which makes them more affordable but also means they can shift, need adhesive, and place no direct support on the jawbone itself. Single implants replace one tooth at a time and work brilliantly for isolated gaps, but become expensive and impractical if you need to replace most of an arch.

All-on-4 sits between the two: fixed like an implant, but engineered to replace a full arch without needing one implant per tooth. For patients who’ve been living with loose dentures and are tired of the compromises that come with them, it’s often the option that finally feels like getting real teeth back.

Cost and finance options

All-on-4 is a significant investment, and Love Teeth is upfront about that rather than hiding costs until the consultation room. Finance is available, with 0% interest over 12 months, or extended plans from 24 up to 60 months at 16.9%, for treatment plans over £1,000, and no deposit is required to get started. A consultation will give you a precise figure based on your own treatment plan, including whether extractions or additional preparation are needed.

Spreading the cost this way means the decision doesn’t have to hinge on finding a lump sum up front, which for many patients is the difference between putting treatment off indefinitely and actually booking the consultation that gets things moving.

Recovery and what to expect afterwards

The first few days after placement usually involve some swelling and tenderness, managed with standard painkillers, and a soft food diet while things settle. Most patients are back to normal daily activities within a matter of days, though full bone healing takes longer in the background. Good oral hygiene from day one matters just as much with implants as with natural teeth; the implants themselves can last a lifetime with proper care, even though the visible restoration may eventually need replacing.

Love Teeth’s Chessington clinic (based at the Hook Road practice) provides implant assessment and treatment alongside the wider Surrey network, so if travel between appointments matters to you, that’s worth raising when you book.

Frequently asked questions

Is All-on-4 painful?

Placement is carried out under anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure itself. Afterwards, mild discomfort and swelling are normal for a few days and are usually managed easily with over-the-counter painkillers.

How much do All-on-4 implants cost?

Cost depends on your individual treatment plan, including how many extractions are needed and whether both arches are involved. A consultation and CT scan will give you an accurate figure, and finance options are available to spread the cost.

Will my temporary teeth look natural?

Yes. The temporary restoration fitted on the day of surgery is custom-made to look natural and function properly while you heal, not a placeholder that looks obviously artificial.

How long do All-on-4 implants last?

The implants themselves are designed to last for many years, often decades, with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups. The visible bridge may need occasional maintenance or eventual replacement depending on wear.

Ready to take the next step?

If loose or missing teeth are holding you back, book a free consultation at Love Teeth’s Chessington clinic to find out whether All-on-4 implants are right for you. A CT scan and honest conversation about your options is the quickest way to know where you actually stand.