All-on-4 Dental Implants

Under local anesthesia, usually with intravenous sedation, any remaining teeth in the arch are removed and the bone ridge is smoothed. Four implants are placed: two upright at the front and two tilted at the back to avoid the sinus in the upper jaw or the nerve canal in the lower jaw while using the denser front bone. Multi-unit abutments are attached and, if the implants are stable enough, a temporary fixed bridge is screwed onto them the same day or within a few days. After three to six months of healing, impressions or scans are taken and the final bridge, acrylic or composite teeth on a metal frame or a full-zirconia bridge, is screwed on.

1. 1Full examination with a cone-beam CT scan to measure bone volume and locate the sinuses and nerves.
2. 2A written treatment plan: number and brand of implants, type of temporary and final bridge, and the price of each stage.
3. 3Medical review of diabetes, osteoporosis medicines (bisphosphonates), blood thinners and smoking; stop smoking well before surgery.
4. 4Plan two trips: surgery and temporary teeth first, the final bridge three to six months later.
5. 5Arrange a soft-food diet, time off work and someone to accompany you if you will have sedation.

1. 1Days 0-3: Swelling, bruising and soreness are common; use cold packs and take the prescribed pain relief and antibiotics.
2. 2Week 1: Liquid and very soft diet, gentle salt-water rinses and a check at the clinic before you fly home.
3. 3Weeks 2-8: Soft foods only; do not bite into hard food with the temporary bridge.
4. 4Months 3-6: The implants fuse with the bone; return for the final bridge.
5. 5After the final bridge: Clean under the bridge every day with a water flosser or interdental brushes and keep regular professional check-ups and cleanings.

Implant failure, more likely in smokers and people with uncontrolled diabetes; peri-implantitis (inflammation and bone loss around implants); chipping or fracture of the temporary or final bridge, the most common technical problem; loose screws; numbness from nerve injury in the lower jaw; sinus problems in the upper jaw. If an implant fails, the bridge may need to be modified or remade.

At clinics listed on xcuro, prices for all-on-4 dental implants are: Turkey $2,100 (1 clinic); Mexico $5,400 to $13,500 (7 clinics). Final prices depend on your case and are confirmed in writing after a free consultation.

There is no single best country; it depends on the surgeon, the clinic and how far you are willing to travel. Among clinics listed on xcuro, prices start lowest in Turkey (from $2,100), and Mexico has the widest choice (7 clinics). Compare surgeons' credentials and independent ratings before price.

Typically $15,176, according to CareCredit (Synchrony 2024 cost study).

Plan on about 7 days, from arrival to the flight home. Your surgeon will confirm when it is safe to travel.

Most U.S. health plans do not pay for elective surgery abroad, and cosmetic procedures are not covered at all. The CDC also warns that care for complications after surgery abroad may not be covered, so check your plan before you book.