All-on-4 dental implants in Istanbul replace a full arch of missing or failing teeth with a fixed bridge supported by four implants. At Dent Plus Clinic, near Taksim Square, treatment usually takes two trips: about 5–7 days for surgery and a fixed temporary bridge, then a shorter return visit 3–6 months later for the final bridge.
What is All-on-4 and how is it different from All-on-6?
All-on-4 is a full-arch treatment concept. Instead of replacing every tooth with its own implant, the dentist places four implants in the upper or lower jaw and fixes a complete bridge of teeth onto them. The bridge is screwed in, so it does not come out like a removable denture.
The role of the tilted back implants
In the classic All-on-4 design, the two front implants are placed upright and the two back implants are placed at an angle. Tilting the back implants lets them use the available bone in front of the sinus (upper jaw) or the nerve canal (lower jaw). For many patients, this can reduce or avoid the need for bone grafting.
When All-on-6 may be preferred
All-on-6 follows the same idea with six implants per arch. More implants spread the chewing forces over more support points, which some dentists prefer for the upper jaw, for patients with strong bite forces, or when there is enough bone volume. Neither option is “better” for everyone; the right choice depends on your bone, bite and medical history.
| Feature | All-on-4 | All-on-6 | Removable denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implants per arch | 4 | 6 | None (or 2–4 for implant-retained versions) |
| Fixed or removable | Fixed (removed only by the dentist) | Fixed (removed only by the dentist) | Removable by the patient |
| Bone needed | Often works with reduced bone | Usually needs more bone volume | No surgery needed |
| Bone grafting | Often avoided thanks to tilted implants | Sometimes needed | Not applicable |
| Chewing feel | Close to natural teeth | Close to natural teeth, with extra support | Can move; may limit some foods |
| Typical trips to Istanbul | 2 | 2 | 1–2 |
Am I a good candidate for All-on-4 implants?
All-on-4 is usually considered for adults who have lost most or all teeth in one jaw, or whose remaining teeth cannot be saved because of advanced gum disease, decay or fractures. It is also a common option for people who are unhappy with a loose removable denture.
Factors your dentist will check
- Bone volume and quality, assessed with a 3D scan (CBCT) during your examination.
- Gum health: active gum infection needs to be treated first. Our periodontics team can help with this.
- General health: uncontrolled diabetes, some medications (for example, certain bone medications) and radiotherapy to the jaw can affect healing.
- Smoking: smoking is widely recognised as a risk factor for implant problems, so dentists usually advise stopping or reducing before and after surgery.
Being a candidate is decided only after a clinical examination. A free online review of your photos and X-rays is a helpful first step, but it cannot replace the in-person assessment.
How does All-on-4 treatment in Istanbul work, step by step?
- Free online consultation. You send photos of your teeth (we share an 8-step photo guide) and any recent X-rays. You receive a personal, preliminary treatment plan.
- Arrival and examination. At the clinic in Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu, the dentist examines you, takes a 3D scan and confirms or adjusts the plan.
- Extractions and implant surgery. Failing teeth are removed and the implants are placed in the same session, usually under local anaesthesia. Sedation can be discussed if you are anxious.
- Fixed temporary bridge. When the implants have good initial stability, a fixed temporary bridge is typically attached within a few days. This is called immediate loading.
- Healing at home. Over about 3–6 months, the implants fuse with the bone (osseointegration). You follow a soft-food diet at first and attend online check-ins.
- Final bridge. On your second trip, the dentist takes new impressions or scans and fits your final bridge, usually over 5–7 days.
If the dentist decides that immediate loading is not safe in your case, a different timeline may be recommended. The final plan always depends on the examination.
How long should I stay in Istanbul for All-on-4?
First trip: surgery and temporary teeth
Plan for about 5–7 days. This allows time for the examination, surgery, fitting the temporary bridge and an early check before you fly. Many dentists recommend not flying on the same day as surgery.
Second trip: final teeth
After roughly 3–6 months of healing, you return for about 5–7 days for scans, try-ins and fitting of the final bridge. If both jaws are treated, the dentist may suggest a slightly longer stay.
For a broader view of trip planning, see our guide on dental implants and the full dental implants service page.
What materials are used for the final All-on-4 bridge?
The temporary bridge is usually made of acrylic or composite, which is light and easy to adjust while the gums heal. For the final bridge, the common options are:
- Acrylic or composite on a metal framework: lighter and easier to repair, but the teeth can wear or stain over the years.
- Zirconia: very strong and stain-resistant, with a natural tooth-like look. It is harder to repair if it chips.
- Porcelain on a metal or zirconia framework: a balance of aesthetics and strength, chosen case by case.
Your dentist will explain which material suits your bite, aesthetics and maintenance needs. Smile design principles from our cosmetic dentistry work also apply to full-arch bridges.
Does All-on-4 hurt, and what is recovery like?
The surgery itself is done under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Afterwards, swelling, bruising and soreness are common and usually peak in the first 2–3 days, then gradually settle within about a week.
Typical aftercare in the first weeks
- Take the medication prescribed by your dentist exactly as directed.
- Use cold packs on the face during the first day or two.
- Eat soft foods for several weeks, avoiding hard or very chewy foods.
- Keep the area clean with the rinse and brushing method your dentist shows you.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol while the gums heal.
Contact the clinic on WhatsApp if you notice heavy bleeding, increasing pain after day three, fever or a loose bridge.
How long do All-on-4 implants last and how do I care for them?
With good hygiene and regular check-ups, implants can last many years, and often decades. The bridge on top may need maintenance or replacement over time, especially acrylic teeth, which tend to wear faster than zirconia.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental implants need daily care similar to natural teeth, together with regular dental visits. In practice this means:
- Brushing twice a day and cleaning under the bridge with a water flosser or special floss.
- Professional check-ups and cleaning, usually every 6–12 months, with your local dentist or with us.
- A night guard if you grind your teeth, when your dentist recommends one.
Why choose Dent Plus Clinic for All-on-4 in Istanbul?
- Experienced team: our team has more than 15 years of experience, under the clinical supervision of Dr. Abdurrahman Öztürk, dentist.
- Central location: Gümüşsuyu, Ayanoğlu Han, Mete Cd. No:14 Kat:7, Beyoğlu, close to Taksim Square and easy to reach from hotels.
- Clear planning: a free online consultation with a personal treatment plan before you book flights.
- Direct contact: reach us on WhatsApp at +90 534 445 94 44 or by email at info@dentplusclinic.com.
You can also browse before-and-after cases in our gallery or find directions on the contact page.
FAQ about All-on-4 dental implants in Istanbul
Will I leave Istanbul with fixed teeth after the first trip?
In most cases, yes. When the implants are stable enough, a fixed temporary bridge is attached within a few days. Your dentist confirms this after surgery.
Do I need bone grafting for All-on-4?
Often not, because the tilted back implants use existing bone. Some patients still need grafting; the 3D scan will show this.
Can All-on-4 be done on both jaws in one trip?
Usually yes, if your health and bone allow. Plan for a slightly longer first stay so the dentist can check both arches.
Is All-on-4 better than a denture?
A fixed implant bridge typically feels more stable and natural than a removable denture, but it involves surgery. Your dentist will discuss both options with you, including denture options.
Can I eat normally with All-on-4?
After healing and with the final bridge, most patients can eat a wide variety of foods. During the first months, a soft diet is usually advised.
What should I send for the free online consultation?
Clear photos of your teeth following our 8-step guide, plus any recent panoramic X-ray or 3D scan, and a short note about your medical history.
Video coming soon: A short walkthrough showing the All-on-4 journey at Dent Plus Clinic, from the online photo consultation to fitting the final full-arch bridge.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Abdurrahman Öztürk, dentist — Dent Plus Clinic, Istanbul. Last updated: November 2026.