Dr David Dunn is a leading dental surgeon with over 20 years of experience in aesthetic and implant dentistry. An internationally recognised expert in the All-on-4 procedure, he holds a BDS (Hons) from the University of Sydney and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS) and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He is also a faculty member of the prestigious gIDE/UCLA Master Clinician Program, the founder and past chair of the Osseointegration Society of NSW, and a published author in the International Journal of Prosthodontics.
Since 2003, Dr David Dunn has been using the All-on-4 technique at his Sydney CBD clinic, helping thousands of patients transform their smiles and regain their confidence.
Have you lost (or are you about to lose) all your teeth? Or maybe you’re finally ready to ditch your loose, uncomfortable dentures for something more secure?
All on 4 dental implants offer a lasting solution, replacing a full arch of teeth with just four implants. In this blog, we explain how the procedure works, who it’s suitable for, the benefits, and what to expect at each stage. Plus, find out about costs and see some All-on-4 before and afters.
Enjoy getting your teeth into this topic when it suits you.
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What are All on 4 dental implants?
All on 4 dental implants providea full-arch teeth replacement solution for people that have lost or are about to lose all or most of their teeth. This method uses just four dental implants to support a complete set of fixed teeth in the upper or lower jaw. The procedure involves placing four titanium implants into the jaw bone, angled to maximise support and avoid the need for bone grafting. These implants act as stable anchors for a full, custom-made dental bridge, providing a fixed, long-term solution to replace missing teeth or damaged teeth. In many cases, the implants and a provisional set of teeth can be placed in just days, meaning you can enjoy your new smile and full dental function almost immediately.
For those exploring All on 4 dental implants in Sydney, this innovative technique offers a faster, more streamlined alternative to traditional methods — often delivering new teeth in just days. This means you can enjoy your new smile and full dental function almost immediately.
Before the development of All-on-4, full mouth implant treatments typically required more implants, extended healing times, higher costs, and often invasive bone grafting. Patients also had to wear removable dentures for several months before their permanent bridge could be placed. Today, All-on-4 implant dentistry allows us to deliver a secure, functional, and natural-looking set of teeth quickly and efficiently—often without the need for bone grafting.
Illustration of an all-on-four implant placement in the bottom jaw.
How All-on-four implants are placed for long-term stability and success
During the procedure, the implants are strategically placed to ensure strong, lasting results.
Four titanium implants are surgically inserted into the jaw bone, with the two rear implants tilted at a 45-degree angle. This angled placement maximises contact with the available bone and provides optimal support for a full arch of prosthetic teeth.
Over time, new bone grows around the implants, anchoring them securely through a process called osseointegration. This improves both strength and long-term stability.
In most cases, a set of fixed teeth can be attached within a few days of surgery, and the implants can remain in place for many years, provided good oral hygiene is maintained and the jaw bone stays healthy.
How successful is All on 4?
All-on-4 dental implants have a high success rate, with clinical studies showing success rates of 94% to 98% over 10 years or more. When placed by an experienced dental surgeon and properly cared for, All-on-4 offers a reliable, long-term solution for replacing missing teeth.
Dr Dunn takes the time to carefully explain the all-on-4 procedure to his patients.
Step 1: Consultation & treatment planning
The success of All on 4 largely depends on proper treatment— and that starts with careful planning. Dr Dunn will:
Take a medical history to understand your overall health and suitability. (Ongoing medical conditions are mostly not a contraindication to implant treatment, it just means we work hand-in-hand with your specialist or GP, so they are aware of your dental treatment plans.)
Use 3D digital scans and photographs to see your jawbone and record precise measurements to ensure the accurate placement of your dental implants.
Dr Dunn meticulously plans every case to ensure a comfortable fit and a natural smile.
Step 2: Implant placement
The procedure typically takes 3–4 hours per jaw, performed under IV sedation(twilight sedation)to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable.
Your All-on-4 dental implants are placed in the jaw according to Dr Dunn’s personalised surgical plan.
If necessary, any remaining damaged or decayed teeth will be removed during this stage to allow for implant placement.
Afterwards, you'll spend 30-45 minutes in recovery as the anaesthetic wears off. You’ll need a friend or family member to take you home, as you won’t be able to drive post-treatment.
Step 3: Tooth bridge try-in
Once our laboratory team has designed your initial tooth bridge, you'll return to ‘try-in' a 3D-printed version of your restored smile. During this important step Dr Dunn will:
Check how your new teeth look and feel, as well as how they fit together (your bite).
Necessary adjustments are made and photos and records are taken. The adjusted bridge and records are then returned to the lab team to complete your initial tooth bridge.
Step 4: Initial tooth bridge insertion
In most cases, patients can have their initial tooth bridge connected in as little as 3 visits (typically, a few days) after implant surgery.
Your temporary tooth bridge is securely connected to your dental implants and Dr Dunn will perform a final check.
Before you leave, you'll receive clear verbal and written instructions on how to take proper care of your teeth during the recovery period.
Step 5: Final tooth bridge fitting
This provisional tooth bridge is worn for around 6 months while the jaw and gums heal. Once healing is complete, you'll return to have your final tooth bridge connected to your implants.
Before and after of a real patient who went through with the All on 4 dental implants procedure with Dr Dunn
What to expect during the All on 4 recovery period
Recovery after All-on-4 dental implant surgery is often quicker than expected, with most patients resuming normal activities within 10 to 14 days.
It's normal to experience some discomfort, bruising and mild swelling for a few days after All on four surgery, but this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
During your recovery, it's crucial that you follow the clear aftercare and All on 4 cleaning instructions provided by your dentist.
We recommend taking things easy by doing the following:
Resting and avoiding heavy lifting
Drinking plenty of fluids (avoid hot drinks)
Eating soft, nourishing foods and avoiding hard or sticky foods
Follow the cleaning instructions provided and maintain good oral hygiene
Schedule regular dental check-ups
What are the benefits of All on 4?
All-on-4 is a fixed dental implant solution that replaces all missing teeth using just four implants per arch. It's faster, less invasive compared to traditional implants, and often avoids bone grafting. The great thing is that your replacement teeth look, feel and function just like natural teeth, so you can get back to enjoying life.
Key benefits include:
Full arch rehabilitation for a natural smile
Improved chewing and speech
Enhanced facial support/preserves jaw bone
Long-term teeth replacement solution—with success rates over 93%
Almost-immediate temporary teeth
No bone grafting needed in most cases
Quick recovery
Alternative teeth replacement options
While All-on-4 is a modern and effective treatment, it’s not the only treatment option available for patients looking to replace all of their teeth.
Use the table below to compare All on four with traditional full-mouth dental implants, combination treatment, and dentures.
Traditional full-mouth dental implants
Using traditional dental implants to replace a full arch of missing teeth can involve 6-8 implants. The implants are placed vertically (not angled), which requires sufficient jawbone density or a bone graft to be performed.
PROS
CONS
Durable, long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures
May require bone graft or sinus lift
Long-term proven success
Multiple surgeries and follow up appointments can take several months to years
Preserves jaw bone quality and prevents further bone loss
Can be more expensive than other treatment options due to complexity
Suitable for complex restorations
Combination treatment
This approach may include single implants, dental crowns, bridges or implant-supported bridges.
PROS
CONS
Tailored to your exact needs — only missing teeth are replaced
Complex planning and detailed assessment
Can be more affordable than full mouth restoration
Multiple procedures may mean long time frame
Less surgery if only a few implants are needed
Depending on the number and types of restorations, can be costly
Suitable for complex restorations
Dentures
Cost is the main reason why people choose dentures over other teeth replacement options. However, despite their affordability, they may not be the best long-term solution.
PROS
CONS
Typically the most cost-effective option
Can slip, shift, or move while eating or talking, and cause sore spots if not well-fitted
No surgery required (unless existing teeth need to be removed)
Does not prevent bone loss
Removable and easy to clean and repair (if damaged)
Takes time to adjust to speaking and eating with them
May look less natural than fixed implant-supported teeth
What's the cost of All on 4?
All on 4 dental implants cost can vary from around $18,000 to more than $40,000. Prices may be determined by your personalised treatment plan and its complexity, as well as the experience and skills of your dentist. There are a range of factors that can affect the cost of treatment — from the type of bridge and the materials used to the location of your all on four dentist. Exploring All on 4 cost variables, can help you to make a clear decision.
5 key factors that can affect all on 4 dental implants cost
Quality of the dental implants
Type of tooth bridge
Training and expertise of your dentist
The technology used
Your dental health (complexity of treatment planning)
Experience and materials matter: What to consider before getting All-on-4
While this treatment is an effective way for patients to have comfortable, fixed teeth with a minimum of downtime – there are a whole host of important considerations that you need to pay attention to when choosing to have this treatment. Keep in mind; this is an invasive medical procedure, and definitely not a decision that should be based purely on cost.
From our experience in treating many patients with All on four implants in Sydney, these are the points we feel are most critical in delivering a world-class, quality result.
Surgeon's experience
Implant surgery is a finely honed clinical skill, which sadly, does not require specialist or registered training. Theoretically, all dentists can place implants. However, the level of training, experience and knowledge is variable. Hence, pay attention to your implant surgeon's credentials, and be sure to inquire about their years of surgical experience. Best of all, ask them to show you clinical cases with long-term outcomes. These shouldn't come from their website, but their own on-site records.
Ideally, your All on 4 dentist should take a combined restorative/surgical approach—planning both implant position and final replacement teeth. This cohesive method leads to better functional and aesthetic outcomes. Without it, results may be compromised.
Likewise, be cautious of providers who rush you into treatment without a comprehensive assessment of your oral health and long-term needs.
When you visit Dr Dunn, he'll conduct a thorough assessment of your entire mouth to ensure All-on-4 is the right solution for you. For example, opposing teeth can impact bridge design if you wear a denture in one arch. In some cases, treating remaining teeth first can improve long-term success and minimise complications. These crucial details can be overlooked without the experience—or time—for proper planning.
Macquarie Street Dental in Sydney, is one of just a few Nobel Biocare Centres of Excellence in Australia, recognising the practice’s precision, safety, and experience with All-on-4 dental implants.
Implant & laboratory quality
A key factor that can affect All on 4 success rate is the type and quality of implants and laboratory support they use. There are hundreds of implant manufacturers worldwide, but only a few have the long-term research and clinical success to back them. Choosing high-quality dental implants ensures better long-term outcomes and reduces the risk of All on 4 problems.
Choosing the cheapest All-on-4 in Australia or booking All on 4 in Thailand—or any other overseas destination—can lead to costly problems down the track. If your implant system isn’t recognised locally, future maintenance may be difficult or even impossible. What seems like a bargain today can end up costing far more in the long run.
Just as implant quality matters, so does the quality of the replacement teeth attached to them. Ask what materials will be used for your All-on-4 bridge and whether a warranty is included.
Lower-cost providers offering 'teeth in a day' may cut corners by using off-the-shelf acrylic teeth, sometimes even modifying an old denture. This type of bridge is prone to breakage, may fit poorly, and lead to cleaning difficulties, putting your oral health at risk. As a result, cheaper materials often lead to higher long-term costs due to ongoing repairs and maintenance.
At Macquarie Street Dental, we partner with a trusted Sydney dental laboratory to create custom All-on-4 bridges with a high-quality milled titanium framework. A ‘try-in’ stage ensures the ideal shape, shade, and fit—so your new teeth feel truly yours. Our bridges also include a warranty when maintenance protocols are followed.
FAQs
How much does All on 4 cost in Australia?
The cost of all on 4 dental implants can range from $18,000 to more than $40,000, with prices quoted per arch. We understand this is a big financial investment. Common ways patients pay for their treatment include: a personal loan, specialised dental finance (We offer SmileFund, an interest-free payment plan that lets you spread the cost of your dental care over time), or early release of super. During your initial consultation, we can discuss costs and payment options in more detail.
Is All on 4 worth it?
This permanent teeth replacement option is considered a worthwhile investment for people who need to replace a full arch of missing teeth. Many patients choose full mouth dental implants like All-on-4 for a more stable solution. Patients report a 95% satisfaction rate with their new teeth, with most (98%) saying they would recommend the treatment to others.
How long does the All on 4 surgery take?
It takes about 4 hours per jaw to place the implants. During the procedure, you will also have any existing teeth removed (if you have any).
Is the surgery painful?
You'll receive local anaesthetic and twilight (IV) sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable—with little or no memory of the procedure.
Selecting a skilled dentist and adhering to aftercare guidelines significantly reduces these potential problems.
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
All-on-4 dental implants are built for durability, often lasting 20 to 25 years or more; with proper care, they may last a lifetime. The titanium implant posts are permanent, while the attached dental bridge may need replacement over time due to normal wear.
How do you care for All on 4 implants?
Caring for All-on-4 dental implants is much like caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, use non-abrasive toothpaste, and clean between the teeth and bridge using floss or interdental brushes. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleans are essential for long-term success. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions will help keep your implants healthy and lasting.
Can I eat normally after All on Four implants?
The good news is that once the healing process is complete and you've had your permanent bridge fitted, you'll be able to bite and chew food like you would with natural teeth.
Are All-on-4 implants better than dentures?
All-on-4 dental implants look and feel like natural teeth and are generally considered a superior option compared to traditional dentures. Unlike dentures, they are fixed offering enhanced stability and chewing function—while also preventing further bone loss.
The Dr Dunn difference
Dr Dunn has a special interest in dental implant treatment and cosmetic dentistry and has spent over 20 years transforming thousands of smiles with All on four. To see some of the incredible transformations Dr Dunn has achieved, check out our All on 4 before and after gallery.
Dr David Dunn is one of Sydney’s most experienced and renowned implant and cosmetic dentists. At Macquarie Street Dental, you’ll feel 100% confident that your new smile will be beautifully natural and as unique as you.
