Replace an entire arch of missing or failing teeth in a single appointment with four strategically placed implants. Board-certified periodontist Dr. Chanook David Ahn brings Yale training and 5,000+ implants of experience to every All-on-4 case. Located in Costa Mesa, just 15 minutes from Huntington Beach.
All-on-4 dental implants are a full arch tooth replacement solution that uses four strategically placed titanium implants to support a complete bridge of fixed, non-removable teeth. Unlike traditional implant approaches that may require six to eight implants per arch, the All-on-4 protocol achieves full arch support with just four implants by angling the two posterior implants at 30 to 45 degrees. This angulation engages a greater surface area of existing bone, distributes biting forces more effectively, and eliminates the need for bone grafting in many patients who would otherwise require it before implant placement.
The concept behind All-on-4 was developed to solve a specific clinical problem: patients who have lost all or most of their teeth in an arch often have significant bone loss in the posterior jaw, precisely where bone grafting would be most complex, expensive, and time-consuming. By tilting the posterior implants forward, the surgeon can anchor them in the denser bone of the anterior jaw while the angled emergence allows the prosthesis to extend to the back teeth. The two anterior implants are placed vertically in the front of the jaw where bone is typically most abundant.
The most transformative aspect of All-on-4 is the immediate loading protocol. Because four implants placed at strategic angles achieve high primary stability, a provisional set of fixed teeth can be attached to the implants on the same day as surgery. Patients who arrive at our Costa Mesa office with failing or missing teeth can leave that afternoon with a full arch of functioning, natural-looking teeth. This is not a removable denture balanced on healing implants. It is a fixed prosthesis screwed directly to the implants, stable enough to eat soft foods that same evening.
Same-Day Teeth: The All-on-4 immediate loading protocol means you do not spend months without teeth while waiting for implants to heal. Dr. Ahn places four implants and attaches a provisional prosthesis in a single appointment. You walk out with a full set of fixed teeth that look and feel natural from day one.
Understanding the All-on-4 process from consultation through final prosthesis helps patients feel prepared and confident about the journey ahead. Here is what Huntington Beach patients can expect when they choose The Loft Dental Studio for their full arch restoration.
Every All-on-4 case begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Ahn takes a CBCT 3D cone beam scan to map the precise dimensions of your jawbone, locate the maxillary sinus and inferior alveolar nerve, and identify the optimal positions and angles for each implant. He assesses your remaining teeth, evaluates gum health, reviews your medical history, and discusses your goals. Digital planning software allows Dr. Ahn to virtually place implants before surgery, ensuring each one is positioned for maximum bone engagement and ideal prosthesis support. Dr. Lu, our board-certified prosthodontist, collaborates on the prosthetic design from the start to ensure the implant positions support the best possible final result.
On the day of surgery, any remaining teeth in the arch are extracted. Dr. Ahn then places two implants vertically in the anterior region of the jaw, where bone density is typically greatest. Two additional implants are placed in the posterior region at 30 to 45 degree angles. This angulation achieves three critical goals: it engages a longer length of bone for stronger anchorage, it avoids the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw and the inferior alveolar nerve canal in the lower jaw, and it positions the implant platforms to support the posterior teeth of the prosthesis without the need for cantilevered extensions. The entire surgical phase typically takes 2 to 4 hours per arch.
After the implants are placed and Dr. Ahn confirms that each one has achieved sufficient primary stability, measured in torque values, the immediate provisional prosthesis is connected. This PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) provisional bridge is pre-fabricated based on the digital treatment plan and adjusted chairside for fit and bite. You leave the office with a full set of fixed teeth.
Over the next 4 to 6 months, the titanium implants undergo osseointegration, a biological process in which the surrounding bone grows directly onto the implant surface, creating a permanent bond. During this healing period, you function normally with your provisional prosthesis, eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence. Once osseointegration is confirmed through clinical evaluation and imaging, Dr. Lu designs and fabricates the final prosthesis, which is milled from your chosen material and screwed securely onto the implant abutments.
All-on-4 implant placement is among the most surgically demanding procedures in modern dentistry. It combines multiple extractions, precise implant angulation, immediate loading decisions, and soft tissue management in a single surgical session. The difference between having this procedure performed by a board-certified periodontist versus a general dentist or even a general oral surgeon is significant and directly impacts the long-term success of the treatment.
Dr. Chanook David Ahn is a board-certified periodontist who completed his surgical residency at Yale. His training focused specifically on the bone and soft tissue structures that support teeth and dental implants. With more than 5,000 implants placed throughout his career, Dr. Ahn has the depth of surgical experience needed to navigate the anatomical challenges that are common in All-on-4 cases: thin alveolar ridges, proximity to the maxillary sinus, compromised bone density from years of tooth loss, and soft tissue that must be managed precisely to create a hygienic, maintainable result around the prosthesis.
A periodontist's expertise in bone biology is particularly critical for All-on-4 because the tilted posterior implants must be placed at exact angles and depths to achieve maximum bone contact without perforating the sinus floor or encroaching on the nerve canal. Millimeters matter. Dr. Ahn's training in bone grafting, ridge augmentation, and sinus management means he can adapt the surgical plan intraoperatively if the bone anatomy differs from what was expected on the scan, something that requires deep knowledge of bone biology and extensive surgical experience.
All-on-4 success depends on two things: achieving high primary stability at the time of implant placement, and creating a soft tissue environment that allows for long-term hygiene and health around the prosthesis. These are fundamentally periodontal skills. A periodontist understands how bone responds to loading, how soft tissue heals around implant abutments, and how to manage the transition from a failing dentition to a fully supported prosthesis in a single surgical session. At The Loft Dental Studio, Dr. Lu and I work as a team from the first consultation through final delivery, ensuring the surgical foundation and prosthetic design are integrated from the start.
Patients researching full arch implant options often encounter both All-on-4 and All-on-6 protocols. Both use strategically placed implants to support a fixed prosthesis, but they differ in the number of implants, bone requirements, and clinical situations where each is most appropriate.
Dr. Ahn evaluates each patient's bone volume, density, and anatomy with CBCT imaging to determine whether All-on-4 or All-on-6 will deliver the most predictable, long-lasting result. In cases where sufficient posterior bone exists, All-on-6 provides additional implant support and reduces the mechanical load on each individual implant. For patients with posterior bone loss, All-on-4 is often the superior choice because it avoids the sinus and nerve while eliminating the cost, healing time, and surgical complexity of bone grafting.
The prosthesis that sits on top of your All-on-4 implants is just as important as the implants themselves. At The Loft Dental Studio, Dr. Lu, our board-certified prosthodontist, designs every final prosthesis to optimize aesthetics, strength, and long-term durability. The three primary material options each offer distinct advantages.
Zirconia is a high-strength ceramic material that is milled from a single block and layered or stained to match natural tooth color and translucency. Zirconia prostheses are extremely durable, highly resistant to chipping and staining, and provide the most lifelike appearance. They are also lighter than metal-acrylic alternatives and easier to keep clean because their smooth, non-porous surface resists plaque accumulation. Zirconia is the premium material choice for patients who want the most natural-looking and longest-lasting result.
Acrylic prostheses feature a strong titanium metal framework overlaid with acrylic teeth and pink acrylic gum tissue. This is a proven, reliable option that has been used in implant dentistry for decades. Acrylic is more affordable than zirconia and easier to repair if a tooth chips. However, acrylic is more porous than zirconia, which means it can stain over time and may harbor more bacteria if not cleaned meticulously. Acrylic prostheses typically need to be replaced or relined every 10 to 15 years.
PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) is the material used for the immediate provisional prosthesis that is placed on surgery day. It is designed to function well during the 4 to 6 month healing period while your implants integrate with the bone. PMMA is not intended as a permanent solution, but it provides excellent aesthetics and function during the transition to your final prosthesis. Some patients choose to extend the life of their PMMA provisional while saving for a zirconia upgrade.
One of the greatest advantages of the All-on-4 protocol is that it expands implant candidacy to patients who might not qualify for traditional implant approaches. Because the tilted posterior implants engage existing bone without requiring grafting, many patients with moderate bone loss can proceed directly to implant placement.
Not Sure If You Qualify? Dr. Ahn evaluates every patient individually with a CBCT 3D scan and comprehensive clinical examination. Even patients who have been told they do not have enough bone for implants by other providers may be candidates for All-on-4 due to the tilted implant approach. A consultation is the only way to know for certain.
Find out if All-on-4 dental implants are right for you. Dr. Ahn provides comprehensive evaluations with 3D imaging, personalized treatment plans, and honest guidance on whether All-on-4 is the best path to restoring your smile.
Call (714) 549-7030All-on-4 is a significant investment that replaces an entire arch of teeth with a permanent, fixed restoration. The total cost depends on the number of extractions needed, whether any supplemental bone grafting is required, and the material chosen for the final prosthesis.
Dental insurance rarely covers the implant and prosthesis components of All-on-4 treatment because most plans classify implants as elective. However, your PPO plan may cover portions of the extractions, bone grafts, and sedation involved in the procedure. Our administrative team verifies your benefits in advance so you understand exactly what your plan will contribute. Some medical insurance plans may also provide coverage if the tooth loss is related to trauma or a medical condition.
PPO Plans We Accept: Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
We offer financing through CareCredit, which provides extended payment plans including interest-free options for qualifying patients. We also accept FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) funds. Many patients use a combination of insurance benefits, HSA/FSA dollars, and CareCredit financing to make All-on-4 treatment affordable. For more details, visit our Insurance & Payment page.
All-on-4 implants are designed to be a permanent tooth replacement solution, but they do require ongoing care to maintain the health of the implants, the surrounding bone, and the prosthesis itself. Proper maintenance is straightforward and far simpler than caring for a mouth full of individual compromised teeth.
With proper home care and regular professional maintenance, All-on-4 implants can last 20 years or longer. The implants themselves are designed to last a lifetime, while the prosthesis may need replacement or refurbishment after 15 to 20 years depending on material wear and changes in the oral tissues.
The Loft Dental Studio is located in the South Coast Metro area of Costa Mesa, just a short drive from Huntington Beach. Our office at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103 is easily accessible from the 405 and 55 freeways.
From Huntington Beach: Take I-405 S (San Diego Freeway) toward Irvine. Exit at Fairview Road and turn left (south) onto Fairview Road. Continue on Fairview Road and turn right onto Airway Avenue. The Loft Dental Studio is located at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103. The drive takes approximately 15 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
The All-on-4 surgical appointment typically takes 2 to 4 hours per arch, depending on whether extractions are needed and the complexity of the case. This includes removing any remaining teeth, placing four implants, and attaching a provisional set of fixed teeth. You walk out of our Costa Mesa office the same day with a full set of functioning teeth. The final zirconia or acrylic prosthesis is fabricated and delivered approximately 4 to 6 months later, after the implants have fully integrated with the bone.
Yes, All-on-4 is specifically designed for patients with moderate bone loss who might not be candidates for traditional implants without bone grafting. The two posterior implants are tilted at 30 to 45 degree angles, which engages longer sections of existing bone in the anterior jaw where bone density is naturally greater. This angulation also allows the implants to avoid the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw and the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw. Dr. Ahn evaluates your bone volume with a CBCT 3D scan during the consultation to confirm whether All-on-4 is appropriate for your anatomy.
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and are held in place by suction or adhesive. They can slip, click, and restrict what you eat. All-on-4 implants are surgically anchored into the jawbone, and the prosthesis is fixed permanently to those implants with screws. The result feels and functions like natural teeth. You brush them in place, eat any food you want including steak and apples, and never remove them at night. All-on-4 also preserves jawbone by providing the stimulation that prevents the bone resorption that occurs with traditional dentures.
All-on-4 dental implants typically cost between $20,000 and $30,000 per arch at The Loft Dental Studio, depending on the prosthesis material chosen and the complexity of the case. This includes all extractions, four implants, the immediate provisional prosthesis, and follow-up visits. The final prosthesis (zirconia or acrylic) is a separate fee. While dental insurance rarely covers the implants themselves, your plan may cover portions of the extractions and bone grafts if needed. We offer financing through CareCredit with interest-free payment plans and accept FSA and HSA funds.
All-on-4 is one of the most surgically demanding implant procedures in dentistry. It involves extracting multiple teeth, placing four implants at precise angles and depths, managing the soft tissue for optimal healing, and loading those implants with a prosthesis on the same day. A board-certified periodontist like Dr. Ahn has completed 3 additional years of surgical residency training focused exclusively on the bone and soft tissue that support teeth and implants. With over 5,000 implants placed, Dr. Ahn has the experience to handle anatomical challenges like thin ridges, proximity to the sinus or nerve, and compromised bone quality that are common in All-on-4 cases.
All-on-4 prostheses require daily brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush, just like natural teeth. A water flosser such as a Waterpik is highly recommended for cleaning underneath the prosthesis where it bridges over the gum tissue. You should avoid using traditional floss threaders, which are difficult to maneuver under a fixed bridge. Professional cleanings every 4 to 6 months are essential. During these visits, Dr. Ahn or your hygienist may remove the prosthesis to clean the implant connections and inspect the tissue and bone health. With proper maintenance, All-on-4 implants can last 20 years or longer.