In short
What is the difference between full-mouth reconstruction and All-on-4?
Full-mouth reconstruction rebuilds and/or replaces the teeth one by one, using crowns, onlays, veneers, bridges, implants or dentures, and keeps natural teeth where they can stay healthy. All-on-4 replaces an entire arch with a fixed denture on four implants; decayed or damaged teeth are extracted first. When your teeth can be kept, reconstruction keeps them; when they can't, a full-arch option may suit you better.
From the office of Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD, Deerfield Beach · (954) 427-3000
Last updated
- Full-mouth reconstruction
- Rebuilds or replaces each tooth; keeps healthy natural teeth1
- All-on-4
- A fixed full-arch denture on four implants2
- Implant healing
- Implants take 3 to 6 months to integrate (fuse with the bone) before the final full-arch bridge2
- Professional view
- Saving natural teeth is preferred whenever possible4
Questions that decide it
Your exam answers these, tooth by tooth:
- How many of your teeth can be kept healthy, with gum treatment, root canals or crowns if needed?
- Is there enough bone and gum support around the teeth you would keep?
- Are teeth missing at the back, and how much bone is there for implants?
- Do you grind, and how worn are the teeth?
- Would you rather keep your own teeth if that is possible, even if it takes more visits?
Side by side
How the approaches compare. Many people are candidates for just the first, or just the second.
| Aspect | Full-mouth reconstruction | All-on-4 (full-arch on implants) |
|---|---|---|
| Your natural teeth | Kept and rebuilt where they can stay healthy1,2 | Remaining teeth in the arch are removed |
| What replaces teeth | Crowns, onlays, veneers; implants, bridges or dentures only for teeth that are missing or can't stay1,2,3 | A fixed denture on four implants per arch |
| Can you remove it? | Crowns and bridges are fixed; dentures, if used, are removable2 | Fixed; it can't be removed at home |
| Reversibility | Each tooth is treated on its own, so plans can change over time1,2 | Extraction can't be undone |
| Time | Usually months, in phases2,6 | A healing denture is worn while the implants integrate |
| Suits | Worn, broken or heavily filled teeth with enough healthy support1,3 | All or nearly all teeth in an arch failing or missing; bone loss at the back |
When All-on-4 is the better choice
Keeping natural teeth is the goal only when they can stay healthy.
- When the remaining teeth in an arch can't be kept because of advanced gum disease, decay or cracks, a full-arch implant bridge replaces them in one plan.2,7,8
- When there has been bone loss at the back of the jaw, All-on-4 can be especially useful.3
- When a removable denture is a problem for you, a fixed full-arch bridge can't be taken out at home.2
Questions patients ask
Is All-on-4 the same as full-mouth reconstruction?
No. All-on-4 is one way to replace a whole arch of teeth on four implants. Full-mouth reconstruction is a broader plan that rebuilds or replaces all the teeth and can keep the natural ones that are healthy.1,2
Do I have to lose my teeth for All-on-4?
Yes, in that arch. Decayed or damaged teeth are extracted before the implants are placed.2
Why keep my teeth if implants work well?
Because a natural tooth that can stay healthy does its job well, and extraction can't be undone. Endodontists say saving your natural tooth is the preferred option whenever possible.4,5
Do you offer All-on-4?
Yes, for patients whose teeth can't be kept. We will explain whether your teeth can reasonably stay before recommending it.2
Who you'll see
Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD
Dentist, trained at Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry
Dr. Berkovich looks at whether your own teeth can stay healthy first, and plans reconstructions with the dental lab next door.
Medical content reviewed by Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD on .
Office: 1348 E Hillsboro Blvd Suite A, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. (954) 427-3000
About Dr. BerkovichSources
- American College of Prosthodontists (GoToAPro): Full-mouth reconstruction
- Cleveland Clinic: Implant Supported Dentures: Process, Benefits & Care
- American College of Prosthodontists (GoToAPro): Dental implants FAQ
- American Association of Endodontists: Root Canal vs. Dental Implant: Which Is Right for You?
- American Association of Endodontists: Saving Your Natural Tooth
- Cleveland Clinic: Dental implants
- American Academy of Periodontology: Surgical procedures
- American Association of Endodontists: Cracked Teeth
General information, not a diagnosis or a promise of results. Individual results vary, and whether a treatment suits you depends on your exam.