The All-on-4 Procedure: What to Expect
The All-on-4 dental implant procedure is a same-day full-arch restoration that replaces an entire row of teeth using just four strategically placed implants. Here's a detailed look at every step of the process.
Pre-Treatment: Remote Consultation
Before you travel to Mexico, you'll have a remote consultation with your implant specialist. You'll send a panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan (your local dentist can take one for $100-$200). The specialist will:
- Assess your bone density and volume
- Determine if you're a candidate for All-on-4 (most patients are)
- Create a preliminary treatment plan with exact pricing
- Answer your questions about the procedure, recovery, and warranty
Step 1: Arrival and Assessment (Day 1)
When you arrive in Los Algodones (or your chosen destination), you'll visit the clinic for a comprehensive in-person evaluation. This typically includes:
- A thorough oral examination
- 3D CBCT imaging (if not done before traveling)
- Final treatment plan review and signing
- Discussion of sedation options (local, oral, or IV)
- Blood work if required
Most clinics arrange airport pickup and hotel accommodations. Los Algodones is a small town where everything is within walking distance — you can literally walk across the border from Yuma, Arizona.
Step 2: Implant Surgery (Day 2-3)
The surgical procedure is the core of the All-on-4 treatment. Here's what happens:
- Anesthesia — Local anesthesia is applied (or IV sedation if you chose it). You'll be comfortable throughout.
- Tooth extraction — If you have remaining teeth in the arch being treated, they're removed at this time.
- Implant placement — Four titanium implants are placed per arch:
- Two implants straight in the front of the jaw
- Two implants angled at 30-45 degrees in the back
- The angled placement maximizes bone contact and avoids the sinus (upper) or nerve canal (lower)
- Abutment attachment — Connector pieces (abutments) are attached to the implants immediately.
- Impressions — Digital or traditional impressions are taken for your temporary teeth.
- Temporary teeth — A fixed acrylic bridge is created and attached to the implants the same day. You leave with functional teeth.
The entire process takes 2-3 hours per arch. If you're doing both arches, it may take 4-5 hours total.
Step 3: Follow-Up and Healing (Days 4-7)
Over the next few days, you'll have 1-2 follow-up appointments to check healing, clean the surgical site, and adjust your temporary teeth if needed. Most patients return home within a week of surgery.
Step 4: Osseointegration (3-6 Months)
During this period, the titanium implants fuse with your jawbone — a process called osseointegration. You'll wear your temporary teeth and eat a modified diet. Virtual check-ins with your dentist keep everything on track.
Step 5: Final Prosthesis (Return Trip)
After osseointegration is complete, you return to Mexico for 2-3 days. The temporary teeth are removed and replaced with your permanent prosthesis — typically a precision-milled zirconia or high-quality acrylic bridge. This is your final, permanent set of teeth.
The 3-ON-8™ Alternative
Dr. José Moguel developed a patented alternative called 3-ON-8™, which uses three implants per arch with a unique distribution protocol. This may be recommended for specific cases where All-on-4 isn't ideal. Learn more about this option in our treatment comparison guide.