Replace an entire arch of missing or failing teeth in a single appointment. Board-certified periodontist Dr. Chanook David Ahn places 4 strategically angled implants while board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Lu designs your new smile. Walk out the same day with a full set of fixed teeth. Just 10 minutes from Santa Ana.
All-on-4 is a revolutionary implant protocol that restores an entire arch of teeth using just 4 strategically positioned dental implants. Developed to provide patients with fixed, non-removable teeth in a single surgical appointment, the All-on-4 technique has transformed full arch dentistry by dramatically reducing treatment time, minimizing the need for bone grafting, and allowing patients to leave the office with a complete smile on the same day as surgery. At The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, board-certified periodontist Dr. Chanook David Ahn and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Lu deliver All-on-4 treatment with the precision and expertise that only dual-specialist collaboration can provide.
The concept behind All-on-4 is elegantly simple in principle but demands advanced surgical skill in execution. Two implants are placed vertically in the anterior region of the jaw, where bone is naturally dense and plentiful. Two additional implants are placed in the posterior region at angles of 30 to 45 degrees. This angulation is the key innovation: by tilting the posterior implants, Dr. Ahn achieves several critical biomechanical advantages simultaneously. The tilted implants engage a greater surface area of cortical bone, which increases initial stability and supports immediate loading. The angulation also allows the implants to bypass anatomical structures that would otherwise require bone grafting to navigate, specifically the maxillary sinuses in the upper jaw and the inferior alveolar nerve canal in the lower jaw.
The result is a full arch of 10 to 14 prosthetic teeth supported by 4 implants that are immediately loaded with a provisional prosthesis. The patient arrives with failing or missing teeth and leaves with a complete, fixed, functional smile the same day.
Understanding why All-on-4 works so effectively requires an appreciation of how tilted posterior implants differ from conventionally placed vertical implants. When an implant is tilted at 30 to 45 degrees, the implant body traverses a longer path through the bone, engaging more cortical bone along its length than a shorter vertical implant would at the same anatomical site. This increased bone-to-implant contact generates higher primary stability, which is the immediate mechanical anchorage that allows the implant to support a prosthesis on the day of placement.
The tilted positioning also extends the prosthetic platform, meaning the point where the prosthesis attaches to the implant, further toward the back of the jaw. This creates a wider base of support for the full arch prosthesis and reduces the length of the cantilever, the unsupported extension of teeth behind the last implant. A shorter cantilever means lower mechanical stress on the implants and prosthesis during chewing, which contributes to long-term durability.
Why Angulation Matters: In the upper jaw, the maxillary sinuses occupy much of the posterior bone, leaving insufficient vertical height for conventional implants without a sinus lift procedure. In the lower jaw, the inferior alveolar nerve runs through the posterior mandible, limiting how deep a vertical implant can be placed. By tilting the posterior implants anteriorly, Dr. Ahn positions them in front of these structures while still providing posterior support for the prosthesis. This is why many patients who lack bone for conventional implants are still excellent candidates for All-on-4.
One of the most compelling aspects of All-on-4 treatment is the ability to deliver a full set of teeth on the same day as implant surgery. This is possible because the strategic positioning and angulation of the 4 implants generates enough primary stability to support immediate loading with a provisional prosthesis.
On the day of your All-on-4 procedure, Dr. Ahn extracts any remaining failing teeth, places 4 implants per arch, and takes impressions or digital scans. A provisional prosthesis that has been pre-fabricated based on your treatment plan is then adjusted and fitted directly to the implants. You leave the office with a full set of fixed teeth that are immediately functional for speaking and eating soft foods.
The provisional prosthesis you receive on surgery day is made from high-strength acrylic or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). It is designed to be durable enough for daily function throughout the 4 to 6 month healing period while your implants undergo osseointegration. During this phase, you will follow a modified diet that starts with soft foods for the first few weeks and gradually progresses to a more normal diet as healing advances. The provisional teeth look natural and allow you to smile, speak, and eat with confidence throughout the entire healing period.
Once osseointegration is confirmed, typically at 4 to 6 months, Dr. Lu designs and fabricates your final prosthesis. This involves detailed impressions, bite registration, and multiple design steps to ensure optimal fit, function, and aesthetics. The final prosthesis is permanently attached to the implants, completing your treatment.
Both All-on-4 and All-on-6 follow the same fundamental protocol: strategically angled implants supporting a full arch prosthesis with immediate loading. The difference is the number of implants used, which affects the distribution of forces and the suitability for different clinical situations.
Dr. Ahn evaluates each patient's bone density, arch dimensions, bite forces, and overall clinical picture to determine whether 4 or 6 implants will deliver the most reliable long-term result. In many cases, 4 implants provide excellent support. For patients with additional risk factors, the added stability of 6 implants is a worthwhile investment.
Find out if All-on-4 can give you a full set of fixed teeth in one day. Dr. Ahn evaluates your bone structure with a 3D CBCT scan and develops a personalized treatment plan.
Call (714) 549-7030The prosthetic teeth attached to your All-on-4 implants are not dentures. They are a precision-engineered hybrid prosthesis, permanently screwed to the implants and designed by board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Lu for optimal function, durability, and aesthetics. The material chosen for this prosthesis significantly affects its longevity, appearance, and cost.
Monolithic zirconia is the premium material for All-on-4 prostheses. It is extraordinarily strong, highly resistant to chipping and staining, and can be milled to achieve a remarkably natural appearance with lifelike translucency. Zirconia prostheses are thinner and lighter than acrylic alternatives, and they resist plaque accumulation, which makes hygiene easier. A well-maintained zirconia prosthesis can last 15 to 20 years or longer. This is the material Dr. Lu recommends for patients seeking the highest level of durability and aesthetics.
The titanium-acrylic hybrid combines a milled titanium bar framework with individually set acrylic teeth and a gum-colored acrylic base. This approach provides excellent strength from the titanium framework while allowing individual teeth to be replaced if they chip or wear. The acrylic component is softer than zirconia and may require periodic refurbishment every 10 to 15 years, but the titanium framework itself is virtually indestructible.
PMMA is used for the provisional prosthesis you receive on surgery day. It is a high-strength acrylic that provides good aesthetics and adequate durability for the healing period but is not intended as a permanent solution. Some patients on a tighter budget may opt to extend the life of their PMMA provisional, but Dr. Lu advises transitioning to a definitive zirconia or titanium-acrylic prosthesis for long-term durability.
All-on-4 implant placement is a surgical procedure that demands precise understanding of jaw anatomy, bone biology, implant angulation, and the biomechanical principles that determine whether the prosthesis will function successfully for decades. While many general dentists and oral surgeons offer All-on-4, a board-certified periodontist brings a unique combination of qualifications to this procedure.
Dr. Ahn completed 3 additional years of surgical residency training at Yale specifically focused on the hard and soft tissues that support teeth and implants. His training encompasses bone biology, tissue healing, regenerative procedures, and the management of complications. He has placed over 5,000 implants, giving him a depth of experience that directly translates to better outcomes in complex anatomical situations.
Board certification from the American Board of Periodontology is an additional credential that fewer than half of practicing periodontists hold. It requires passing rigorous written and oral examinations that test clinical judgment, surgical decision-making, and case management at the highest level. When your All-on-4 case involves thin bone, proximity to nerves or sinuses, active periodontal disease, or any complicating factor, a board-certified periodontist's training provides a measurable advantage in navigating these challenges safely and predictably.
The success of All-on-4 depends on achieving high primary stability in all 4 implants on the day of surgery. This requires not just placing implants at the correct angles, but reading the bone in real time during surgery and making adjustments based on what the anatomy reveals. Every patient's bone is different in density, contour, and proximity to critical structures. My training in periodontal surgery means I approach each case with a deep understanding of bone biology and tissue behavior, which allows me to adapt the surgical plan in the moment to achieve the best possible result. When Dr. Lu and I work together from the start, the implants are placed in positions that are surgically ideal and prosthetically optimal.
All-on-4 is designed to serve a broad range of patients, including many who have been told they are not candidates for conventional dental implants. Ideal candidates include:
Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, active cancer treatment, heavy smoking habits, or certain medications affecting bone metabolism may need medical optimization before proceeding. Dr. Ahn evaluates each patient's overall health and bone anatomy using a CBCT 3D scan to determine candidacy and develop the safest, most effective treatment plan.
All-on-4 represents a significant investment in your oral health, quality of life, and confidence. The total cost depends on the prosthetic material, whether extractions are needed, and whether any supplemental procedures are required.
Many PPO dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for implant placement and prosthetic components. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment to ensure maximum coverage. We accept most major PPO plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Financing is available through CareCredit with interest-free and low-interest payment plans. We also accept FSA and HSA funds. Visit our Insurance & Payment page for details.
All-on-4 prostheses require regular maintenance to ensure longevity of both the implants and the prosthetic teeth. Proper home care and professional maintenance work together to keep your investment in excellent condition.
Patients should brush the prosthesis twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, paying attention to the junction where the prosthesis meets the gum tissue. A water flosser is highly effective for cleaning under the prosthesis and around the implant abutments. Interdental brushes can also reach areas that a regular toothbrush cannot access. While the prosthetic teeth cannot develop cavities, the gum tissue around the implants must be kept clean to prevent peri-implant inflammation.
We recommend professional cleanings every 4 to 6 months. During these visits, the hygienist cleans around and under the prosthesis using specialized instruments designed for implant care. Periodically, typically once every 1 to 2 years, the prosthesis is removed from the implants so the connections can be cleaned, inspected, and torqued to specification. This preventive maintenance extends the lifespan of both the implants and the prosthesis significantly.
The Loft Dental Studio is located in the South Coast Metro area of Costa Mesa, approximately 10 minutes from Santa Ana. Our address is 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Via Bristol Street: From central Santa Ana, take Bristol Street south toward Costa Mesa. Continue on Bristol Street through the South Coast Plaza area. Turn right onto Airway Avenue. Our office is at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103. The drive takes approximately 10 minutes.
Via the 55 Freeway: Take the CA-55 (Costa Mesa Freeway) south from Santa Ana. Exit at Baker Street and head west. Turn left onto Airway Avenue. The office is on your right at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103. Drive time is approximately 10 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Free Parking: Complimentary parking is available directly in front of the building. The office is on the ground level with easy, accessible entry.
The Loft Dental Studio is located in the South Coast Metro area of Costa Mesa, centrally positioned to serve patients throughout Orange County. Our office at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103 is easily accessible from the 405, 55, and 73 freeways.
The All-on-4 procedure replaces an entire arch of missing or failing teeth using just 4 dental implants. Two implants are placed vertically in the front of the jaw where bone is naturally thickest, and two implants are placed at 30 to 45 degree angles in the back of the jaw. The angled posterior implants achieve maximum contact with available bone while avoiding the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw and the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw. A full arch prosthesis containing 10 to 14 teeth is then attached to these 4 implants. In most cases, a provisional set of fixed teeth is placed on the same day as surgery so you leave the office with a complete, functional smile.
Yes, the All-on-4 protocol is specifically designed for immediate loading, meaning a provisional set of fixed teeth is attached to the implants on the same day as surgery. These provisional teeth are fully functional for eating and speaking, though you will follow a modified soft diet for the first several weeks while the implants begin integrating with the bone. The provisional prosthesis is typically made from high-strength acrylic or PMMA. After 4 to 6 months of healing and osseointegration, Dr. Lu fabricates and delivers your final prosthesis, which is made from more durable materials such as zirconia or a titanium-acrylic hybrid.
All-on-4 uses 4 implants per arch while All-on-6 uses 6 implants per arch. The fundamental concept is the same: strategically positioned implants supporting a full arch prosthesis. All-on-6 provides two additional points of support, which distributes biting forces more broadly across the jaw. Dr. Ahn may recommend All-on-6 for patients with softer bone density where extra implants improve overall stability, for patients with larger jaw arches where the span between implants would be excessive with only 4, or for patients with heavy bite forces from bruxism or clenching. All-on-6 also offers built-in redundancy: if one implant were to fail, the prosthesis can still be supported by the remaining five implants.
The dental implants themselves are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. Published research shows All-on-4 implant survival rates exceeding 95 percent at 10 years. The prosthesis attached to the implants has a different lifespan depending on the material. A zirconia prosthesis can last 15 to 20 years or longer with proper maintenance. An acrylic hybrid prosthesis may need replacement or refurbishment every 10 to 15 years due to wear on the acrylic teeth and framework. Regular professional maintenance, including periodic removal of the prosthesis for deep cleaning of the implant connections, helps maximize the lifespan of both the implants and the prosthetic teeth.
All-on-4 treatment at The Loft Dental Studio typically ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 per arch, depending on the prosthetic material selected and whether additional procedures such as extractions or minor bone grafting are needed. This fee includes the surgical placement of 4 implants, the provisional same-day teeth, all follow-up appointments, and the final prosthesis. Zirconia prostheses are at the higher end of the range due to superior durability and aesthetics. We offer financing through CareCredit with interest-free payment plans and accept FSA and HSA funds. Our team verifies your dental insurance benefits before treatment to maximize any available coverage.
One of the primary advantages of the All-on-4 protocol is that it is specifically designed for patients with reduced bone volume. The tilted posterior implants engage the denser cortical bone in the front and sides of the jaw, bypassing the areas of greatest bone loss that typically occur in the back of the jaw. Many patients who have been told they lack sufficient bone for traditional implants are still excellent candidates for All-on-4. Dr. Ahn uses a CBCT 3D scan to evaluate your specific bone anatomy and determine whether All-on-4 can work with your existing bone or whether supplemental grafting is advisable. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Ahn can perform any bone augmentation procedures that may be needed.