All-on-4 Dental Implants in Markham — Teeth in a Day
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are a permanent, full-arch tooth replacement solution that uses only four strategically placed titanium implants to support an entire set of fixed teeth. Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw, and two are angled at the back to take advantage of existing bone density, which means complex bone grafting is rarely required.
Unlike removable dentures, All-on-4 teeth are fixed in place. They do not slip, click, or require adhesives. Most patients leave our Markham clinic on the same day as their surgery with a temporary set of functional teeth and receive their permanent, custom-built bridge once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, typically within three to six months.
At Markham Smile Centre, our dentists have been performing All-on-4 procedures for over 30 years and have helped thousands of patients restore their smile, chewing ability, and confidence.
Why Choose Markham Smile Centre for All-on-4?
We understand that choosing full-arch implant treatment is a significant decision. Here is what sets our Markham clinic apart:
Our dentists have over 30 years of combined experience in implant and cosmetic dentistry, including thousands of successful All-on-4 implant cases. We use 3D cone beam imaging for precise implant placement planning. We offer sedation dentistry so the procedure is comfortable from start to finish. Flexible payment plans are available, and we bill directly to most insurance providers. Every patient receives a completely FREE, no-obligation consultation, a $150 value, before any commitment is made.
Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4?
All-on-4 dental implants are suitable for a wide range of patients. Age is generally not a limitation, provided the patient has reached skeletal maturity. Good overall health supports proper healing and implant integration.
Patients who benefit most from All-on-4 include those who are missing most or all of their teeth in one or both arches, those with advanced periodontal (gum) disease, patients with many failing or failing teeth, and those who have experienced jawbone loss and may not qualify for traditional single implants without extensive bone grafting. All-on-4 is specifically designed to work around areas of bone loss by angling the posterior implants, making it accessible to patients who were previously told implants were not an option.
Key Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 implants offer a number of important advantages over traditional dentures and multi-implant solutions:
The angled rear implants use the denser bone at the back of the jaw, so most patients can proceed without bone augmentation surgery.
In most cases, a temporary prosthesis is placed on the day of surgery. You leave the clinic with a functional smile.
Your new teeth are permanently fixed, eliminating the discomfort and embarrassment of removable dentures.
All-on-4 implants restore up to 90% of natural chewing function, allowing you to eat a full, normal diet once healing is complete.
By stimulating the jawbone the way natural tooth roots do, All-on-4 implants help prevent the bone deterioration that typically follows tooth loss.
A full-arch restoration using four implants is significantly more affordable than replacing every tooth individually.
How All-on-4 Compares to Dentures and Single Implants
When you are considering how to replace missing teeth, the three most common options are All-on-4 implants, traditional removable dentures, and single dental implants. Understanding how they differ helps you have a more informed conversation with our team.
All-on-4 dental implants
All-on-4 restores a complete arch of teeth using four implants and is the only option that combines same-day teeth, a permanent fixed result, and the ability to work in patients with significant bone loss. The implants fuse permanently with the jawbone, which prevents further bone deterioration. Most patients receive functional teeth on the day of surgery. The prosthetic bridge typically lasts 15 to 20 years, and the implants themselves are designed to last a lifetime. All-on-4 is best suited for patients missing most or all of their teeth in one or both arches, including those who have been told they have too little bone for traditional implants.
Traditional removable dentures
Dentures replace a full arch without surgery and require no implants. They are removable and can be made relatively quickly. However, dentures do not stop bone loss in the jaw, which causes the face to change shape over time and the fit of the dentures to worsen. They typically need to be replaced every five to seven years and require adhesives to stay in place. Many patients experience discomfort, reduced chewing ability, and self-consciousness. Dentures are best considered for patients who are not surgical candidates due to severe health conditions.
Single dental implants
A single dental implant replaces one missing tooth with a titanium post and a custom crown. This is the most conservative option when only one or a few teeth are missing. Single implants preserve the bone around the missing tooth and feel and function like a natural tooth. However, replacing an entire arch with individual implants requires a large number of implants, multiple surgeries, and significantly higher overall cost. Single implants also generally require adequate bone density at the implant site, making them unsuitable for patients with significant bone loss without prior grafting.
The All-on-4 Procedure at Markham Smile Centre
The process begins with a comprehensive consultation and 3D imaging of your jawbone to map out the precise placement of each implant.
On the day of surgery, any remaining failing teeth are extracted, and four titanium implants are placed in the jaw under local anesthesia and sedation. Two implants go in the front, and two are angled in the back. A temporary prosthetic arch is attached the same day, giving you functional teeth while the implants heal.
Over the following three to six months, the implants undergo osseointegration, the process of fusing permanently with your jawbone. Follow-up appointments allow our team to monitor healing progress. Once osseointegration is complete, your temporary prosthesis is replaced with a permanent, custom-crafted bridge designed to match your facial structure and natural tooth colour.
Throughout the procedure, patients are kept comfortable with appropriate anesthesia and sedation. Discomfort during and after surgery is typically minimal compared with that from multiple single-implant procedures performed over time.
Your All-on-4 Treatment Journey: Step by Step
Understanding exactly what happens and when removes the uncertainty that stops many patients from taking the first step. Here is what to expect from the moment you contact us to the day your permanent smile is placed.
Step 1 — Free Consultation and 3D Imaging
Timeline: Day 1
Your journey begins with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our implant surgeon. During this appointment, we take a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to assess bone structure and density, and determine the precise positioning needed for your implants. You receive a full treatment plan and a transparent written quote before leaving. There is no pressure and no commitment required at this stage.
Step 2 — Surgery Day: Extractions, Implants, and Temporary Teeth
Timeline: Day 1, typically 3 to 5 hours
On the day of your procedure, any remaining failing or damaged teeth are extracted. Our surgeon then places four titanium implants in your jawbone, two vertical implants at the front and two angled implants at the back, positioned to maximize contact with the densest available bone. A temporary prosthetic arch is attached to the implants before you leave the clinic. You go home the same day with functional, natural-looking teeth. IV sedation is available for the entire procedure, so most patients report feeling far more comfortable than they anticipated.
Step 3 — Initial Healing and Soft Food Phase
Timeline: Weeks 1 and 2
The first two weeks are the most important for healing. You will follow a soft food diet and maintain careful oral hygiene as instructed by our team. Swelling and mild soreness during this period are normal and are managed with prescribed medication. Most patients return to light daily activities within a few days. A follow-up appointment confirms that healing is progressing well.
Step 4 — Osseointegration: Implants Fuse with Your Jawbone
Timeline: Months 1 to 6
Over the following months, your titanium implants undergo osseointegration, the biological process through which the implant surface bonds permanently with living bone tissue. This phase cannot be rushed. Regular check-up appointments allow our team to monitor progress and confirm that the implants are integrating successfully. During this period, your temporary prosthesis functions as normal, and most patients eat, speak, and smile with full confidence.
Step 5 — Permanent Bridge Placement
Timeline: Months 3 to 6, based on individual healing
Once osseointegration is confirmed, your temporary prosthesis is replaced with your permanent, custom-fabricated bridge. This final restoration is precision-crafted to match your facial structure, bite, and natural tooth colour. It is secured directly onto your implants, with no adhesives, no removal, and no slipping. You leave with your finished smile and full chewing function restored.
Step 6 — Long-Term Maintenance
Timeline: Ongoing, every 6 months
All-on-4 implants require the same basic care as natural teeth: regular brushing, flossing around the bridge, and routine dental check-ups every six months. Our team at Markham Smile Centre provides all ongoing maintenance and is available to answer any questions throughout the life of your implants.
Recovery and What to Expect
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but the general process follows a predictable pattern.
During the first week, swelling and mild discomfort are normal and managed with prescribed medication. A strict soft-food diet is essential. Most patients return to light daily activities within a few days. By the second week, most of the initial healing has occurred, and comfort improves noticeably. Over the next three to six months, the implants fully integrate with the jawbone. After this period, patients gradually return to a normal diet. The permanent bridge is placed once integration is confirmed.
How Much Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost in Markham?
The cost of All-on-4 dental implants varies from patient to patient. Several factors affect the final investment: whether extractions are needed before surgery, the current condition and density of your jawbone, whether one or both arches are being restored, and the type of prosthetic materials selected for your final bridge.
What does the market look like in Ontario in 2026?
All-on-4 dental implants in Canada typically cost between $20,000 and $30,000 CAD per arch. The final number depends on whether you need bone grafting, extractions, temporary prosthetics, or higher-end materials such as zirconia instead of acrylic. A full-mouth restoration covering both the upper and lower arches will be higher accordingly.
What is included in the cost at Markham Smile Centre?
Our All-on-4 treatment quotes include the surgical consultation and 3D cone beam imaging, four titanium implants, all necessary extractions on the day of surgery, IV sedation for patient comfort, the temporary prosthetic arch placed the same day, and all follow-up appointments through the healing phase. The permanent custom bridge is quoted separately and discussed in full during your consultation.
Does dental insurance cover All-on-4?
Most standard dental insurance plans in Ontario provide partial coverage for components of All-on-4 treatment, including extractions and surgical fees, though coverage varies significantly by plan. Our treatment coordinators will review your insurance benefits and maximize your claim before you begin treatment. We also offer flexible financing options and direct insurance billing.
Is All-on-4 worth the investment?
Traditional dentures typically need to be replaced every five to seven years and do not prevent jawbone loss. All-on-4 implants, with proper care, can last 15 years or more, with the titanium implants themselves designed as a lifetime solution. Over a 20-year horizon, the total cost of repeated denture replacements, adhesives, adjustments, and complications from bone loss often exceeds the one-time investment in All-on-4.
Frequently Asked Questions About All-on-4 Implants
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
All-on-4 implants are designed to be a permanent, lifelong solution. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, the implants themselves can last a lifetime. The prosthetic arch may require replacement or adjustment over time, typically after 10 to 20 years of use.
Is the All-on-4 procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and sedation, so patients experience little to no discomfort during surgery. Post-operative soreness is normal and typically managed well with prescribed pain medication. Most patients describe their recovery as more comfortable than they anticipated.
Am I too old for All-on-4 implants?
Age alone is not a disqualifying factor. Patients in their 70s and 80s can be excellent candidates, provided they are in reasonable general health. A consultation and medical review will determine suitability.
How is All-on-4 different from regular dental implants?
Traditional dental implants replace teeth individually, requiring one implant per missing tooth. All-on-4 uses just four implants to support a full arch of teeth, reducing treatment complexity, cost, and recovery time. All-on-4 is also designed to work in patients with some degree of bone loss.
Can I eat normally with All-on-4 implants?
During the healing phase, a soft diet is required. Once the implants have fully integrated and the permanent bridge is placed, most patients can return to eating a completely normal diet, including foods that were previously difficult with dentures.
Does Markham Smile Centre offer financing for All-on-4?
Yes. We offer flexible payment plans and direct insurance billing to make treatment as accessible as possible. Your treatment coordinator will walk you through all available options during your free consultation.