Your Guide to the All-on-4® Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect

If you're missing most or all of your teeth and want a permanent, stable alternative to dentures, All-on-4® dental implants may be the solution you've been searching for. This advanced technique allows a full arch of replacement teeth to be supported by just four strategically placed implants, restoring full function and aesthetics in a single treatment plan.

At Garden City Dental Practice, we proudly provide All-on-4® dental implants for patients across Toowoomba, Rockville, Newtown, and surrounding areas.

In this guide, you will learn what to expect throughout the procedure, from your first consultation through to recovery, so you can feel confident and informed every step of the way.

All-on-4® dental implants are titanium tooth root replacements that support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. As the name suggests, the technique uses just four implants per arch: two in the front and two in the back. These implants are placed at an angle to maximise bone contact.

These implants are securely attached to a set of artificial teeth using abutments. Depending on your case, the prosthesis may be fixed permanently or designed to snap on and off, such as an overdenture.



This modern approach allows for the replacement of all teeth in the upper or lower jaw with fewer implants, meaning less surgical intervention, faster healing, and quicker results.

Many patients want to know how long the All-on-4® procedure takes, what’s involved, and how soon they can get back to daily life. Here's a clear breakdown of what to expect from start to finish.



Your All-on-4® treatment starts with a comprehensive consultation at our Toowoomba clinic. This is where your implant dentist evaluates whether you’re a good fit for the procedure. We will conduct a detailed examination, digital X-rays, and 3D scans to assess your jawbone and oral health.



It’s also the perfect time to raise questions or concerns. Our dentists will walk you through the treatment process, discuss payment plans, and clarify what kind of results you can expect based on your unique needs.

If you're cleared for treatment, we’ll begin designing your new smile. With the scan results, your dentist maps out the exact implant positions, accounting for any areas of bone loss. If bone density is insufficient, a bone graft may be recommended before implant placement.

In this step, impressions and photographs of your mouth are taken to aid in crafting your temporary and permanent prosthetics. 

We’ll also discuss sedation options. If you’re nervous about the surgery or have dental anxiety, we offer sleep dentistry to make sure you’re relaxed and comfortable throughout the process.



On the day of the procedure, your implant dentist will measure the distance between your upper and lower jaws to maintain your natural facial profile. Damaged teeth or infected tissue will be removed, and any gum disease will be treated before implants are placed.



After a small incision is made in the gums, your dentist will insert four implants into precise locations in your jawbone, angled to avoid nerves and sinus cavities. These are then connected to an abutment and a temporary prosthesis so you can leave with functional teeth on the same day.

Healing typically takes around four to six months, allowing the implants to bond with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. During this time, you’ll have follow-up visits to monitor progress.



Once healing is complete, impressions are taken again to fabricate your final prosthesis. This will then be fitted, adjusted, and permanently attached, delivering a stable, natural-looking smile you can proudly show off for years.

The surgical part of the procedure generally takes 2–4 hours per arch. This includes tooth extraction (if needed), implant placement, and fitting of the temporary teeth.



The full process from consultation to final teeth usually spans 6 to 12 months, depending on healing and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are required.

In Australia, the cost of All-on-4® dental implants starts at around $20,000. However, your exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case, the materials used, and whether additional treatments (like bone grafts or sedation) are necessary.

At Garden City Dental Practice in Toowoomba, you can use your superannuation to pay for treatment. Through SuperCare, we help patients apply for early access to their super via the Compassionate Release of Superannuation (CRS) Program, managed by the ATO. Dental implants are eligible under this program.

Simply contact our clinic to discuss your eligibility.

• Restores full chewing ability and natural speech
• Doesn’t cover the palate, so taste is unaffected
• Fixed solution - no slipping like traditional dentures
• Stimulates the jawbone, reducing bone loss
• Gives a confident, long-lasting smile



• Higher upfront cost compared to dentures
• Possible post-op discomfort or swelling
• There’s a small risk of implant failure
• Full treatment takes several months to complete

At Garden City Dental Practice, your comfort and safety are our top priority. You’ll receive IV sedation or local anaesthesia, so the procedure itself is painless. Mild discomfort afterwards can be managed with medication.

Not under the implants themselves, but food particles can sometimes get under the prosthesis. Proper cleaning techniques will be explained by your dentist.



If you're a suitable candidate, absolutely. They’re a long-term, durable solution that can restore your smile and quality of life.



Most patients adjust within a few days, though speech and eating may take a little time to feel completely natural.



Swelling usually peaks within the first 48 hours and subsides after 3-5 days. Using a cold compress can help ease it.



All-on-4® dental implants offer a complete, fixed solution for missing teeth, restoring up to 100% of your smile’s appearance and function. With just four implants, you can replace a full arch of teeth and enjoy the confidence of a stable, natural-looking result.



Book a consultation at Garden City Dental Practice today.