Immediate vs Delayed Teeth Placement after All-on-4 Procedures

This blog focuses on a key decision in modern implant dentistry: when should the temporary set of fixed teeth be attached to the dental implants after an All-on-4 or All-on-6 procedure begins?

When this treatment was first introduced, the original goal was simple: have patients leave the office on the same day of surgery with fixed, non-removable teeth – not a denture – and a brand-new smile. In our view, that approach still sets the standard. Thanks to advancements in techniques and technology, this is now safely and efficiently achievable in most cases. So, if you’re not sure if All-on-4 implants can be done in one day, the answer is yes – especially in the hands of the right doctor.

But if you’re considering this treatment, what should you know before making a decision? Let’s take a look. 

Which is better, immediate or delayed implant placement?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because the best approach ultimately depends on each patient’s unique circumstances. In a typical case, damaged teeth are removed, dental implants are placed, and the process of creating the new dental bridge begins. Within just a few hours, that bridge can often be securely attached to the implants.

Patients come in the morning, and by 2 or 3 p.m., they can walk out with a brand-new smile, confident that their fixed, non-removable teeth will let them smile freely, eat what they love, and fully enjoy life.

As ideal as this outcome is, it’s not uncommon for some patients to be unable to receive their new teeth on the day of surgery.

What factors could prevent me from getting my fixed teeth the same day?

The most common reasons are either poor implant stability or health issues at the time of surgery. If your jawbone is too soft or thin to hold the implants firmly in place, your surgeon might hold off on placing the final restoration right away. The same goes if there’s an active infection, whether from gum disease or a recently removed abscessed tooth. In that case, it’s usually best to let the area heal first. Broader health factors like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can also slow down healing, so your doctor might play it safe and delay things. Basically, anything that could interfere with the implant properly bonding to the bone might mean waiting a little longer before moving forward

Why do some doctors choose delayed placement?

There are a few important questions to consider here: how long can you wait to get permanent teeth after extraction, and can you get an extraction and permanent teeth at the same time? For some doctors, the answer leans toward caution. They may not feel fully comfortable or confident performing both the tooth removal and implant placement in a single procedure. Instead, they often choose a more predictable approach: removing the teeth and performing bone grafts first, then waiting 4–6 months for the bone to heal before placing the implants. 

During this healing period, the patient typically wears a denture. This comes after making a significant personal and financial commitment to begin the treatment. Then, after several months, the patient must return for a second surgery, along with the recovery time that follows, all while adapting to a temporary solution in the meantime.

How do I know which approach is right for me?

The best way to find out is by meeting with an experienced All-on-4 dentist or oral surgeon. They’ll take a detailed look at your mouth, often using scans or imaging, and go over your health history with you. From there, they can tell you whether you’re a good fit for getting new teeth right away, or if a more gradual approach would be safer.

Everyone’s situation is different. For instance, someone with healthy bone and no signs of infection might be a great candidate for immediate implants. But if you’ve had gum issues or bone loss, your dentist may recommend starting with treatments like periodontal therapy or bone grafting first. However, if you’re not sure about the recommendation you get, it’s perfectly okay to ask for a second opinion. 

At the end of the day, the right plan is the one that sets you up for a strong, healthy outcome. Many people prefer the option that gets them teeth faster, but not at the cost of long-term success. During your consultation, don’t hold back. Ask about the timeline, costs, success rates, whatever you need to feel confident moving forward.

Success rates and safety considerations

One common question people have is whether getting All-on-4 implants right away is as safe and reliable as the traditional method, where you wait several months before getting your new teeth. The good news is that both research and real-world results are very encouraging. Studies have shown that there’s no major difference in implant survival or bone loss between immediate and delayed loading. That said, case selection and surgical skill really matter. A good surgeon won’t push for immediate loading if there’s a high chance it won’t hold, they’ll recommend waiting if it’s the safer choice. When the conditions are right, today’s techniques make it totally possible to place implants and give patients a new smile the same day, with solid healing and long-term success.

So, which one is right for you?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Same-day teeth are incredibly appealing, and when everything lines up, they’re a fantastic option. But in cases where things like bone quality or infection raise concerns, taking a bit more time can make all the difference in long-term success.

What really matters is choosing the approach that gives you the best result with the least risk. That decision comes down to your individual anatomy, health, and goals. A thorough consultation will make everything clear: you’ll know where you stand and what path makes the most sense for you.

Some people prioritize getting their smile back fast, while others are totally fine waiting a bit if it means more peace of mind. Either way, the end result is the same – a stable, natural-looking set of teeth that lets you eat, smile, and live confidently. Whether that happens in one day or over a few months, it’s the outcome that counts.

Your new smile could be just one day away

Although there’s still no clear answer to what is the timeline for All-on-4 dental implants, since it depends on each patient’s unique situation, there’s definitely a better way to approach it. It starts with choosing a doctor who’s confident in delivering same-day results, and who’s truly invested in your long-term success.

At Temecula Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, that’s exactly what we offer. We can also discuss additional therapies and strategies that may help support healing and improve your overall outcome. And if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ve just found the right place.