All on 4 dental implants are a way to replace a full set of missing or failing teeth with a fixed, natural-looking bridge supported by four implants in one jaw. At Dr Chalita le Roux Inc in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, we assess your mouth in person and plan a tailored All on 4 solution to restore your smile and chewing comfort.
- All on 4 replaces a full arch of teeth with a fixed bridge on four carefully placed dental implants.
- It is suited to patients with many missing or failing teeth who want stable, non-removable teeth.
- Treatment is planned with detailed clinical assessment and 3D imaging at our Roodepoort practice.
- Cost sits in the higher $$$ tier and depends on bone levels, materials and the complexity of your case.
- Recovery, maintenance and regular check-ups are essential to keep All on 4 implants healthy long term.
What exactly are all on 4 dental implants and how do they work?
All on 4 is a full-arch implant technique that uses four strategically placed dental implants to support a fixed bridge of teeth in one jaw. The implants act as artificial roots in the jawbone, and a custom-made prosthetic bridge is attached to them, replacing all the teeth in that arch with one stable, non-removable set of teeth.
This approach is designed for situations where most or all teeth in a jaw are missing, heavily damaged or cannot be predictably restored. Instead of placing many individual implants, four implants are positioned at precise angles to maximise available bone and support the full arch of teeth. The result is a natural-looking smile, improved chewing ability and a solution that does not move the way removable dentures can. We confirm whether this design suits you during a consultation at our Roodepoort practice.
The full process is carefully planned. Clinical examination, X-rays and often 3D scans are used to assess your bone, gum health and bite. Based on these findings, Dr Chalita le Roux designs an All on 4 plan, including implant positions and the type of bridge that matches your anatomy, facial features and expectations.
Who is a good candidate for all on 4 dental implants in Roodepoort, Johannesburg?
All on 4 dental implants are well suited to adults who have lost many teeth or whose remaining teeth are failing due to decay, gum disease or old restorations. It is often considered by patients who struggle with loose dentures, avoid certain foods because they cannot chew comfortably, or feel self-conscious about their smile. If you want fixed teeth that stay in place and allow you to speak and eat with confidence, All on 4 may be an option, but we only confirm this after a full assessment.
Your general health and oral condition play a major role in suitability. Healthy gums, sufficient jawbone, well-controlled medical conditions and non-smoking or reduced smoking habits all improve the chances of successful implant treatment. Even if you have some bone loss or missing teeth for many years, careful angulation of the implants and modern techniques can often work around this, but it must be evaluated with proper imaging at the practice.
During your consultation at Unit 2 Amorosa Office Park in Roodepoort, Dr Chalita le Roux will discuss your medical history, examine your mouth, take appropriate scans and talk through your expectations. From there, you will receive honest feedback on whether All on 4 is appropriate, or whether another solution, such as individual implants or a different type of prosthesis, may suit you better.
What happens during the all on 4 dental implant treatment process?
The All on 4 journey begins with a thorough consultation and planning phase. At your first visit, we assess your teeth, gums, bite and jaw function, and we take X-rays and digital scans where needed. Impressions or digital models of your mouth are created so that the future bridge can be designed to support your lips and cheeks and give you a natural smile. You will also discuss your expectations regarding tooth shape, shade and how you would like your final result to look.
The surgical phase involves placing four dental implants in the jaw under local anaesthetic and appropriate supportive measures. Any failing teeth that cannot be saved are removed as part of this phase if that has been planned in advance. The implants are positioned in specific areas of the bone, with some angulated to maximise contact with strong bone and to support the full arch replacement. Depending on your case, a temporary fixed bridge may be attached to the implants soon after surgery, allowing you to leave with fixed teeth while the implants heal.
After a healing period, during which the implants integrate with the bone, you return for fitting of your final, custom-made bridge. This appointment focuses on fine-tuning the bite, refining the shape and shade and ensuring that you can clean effectively around the implants. Each stage is timed and sequenced according to your healing and needs, which we monitor closely during follow-up visits at our Roodepoort rooms.
What risks, limitations and possible complications should I know about with all on 4?
All on 4 is a major treatment, and like any surgical and prosthetic procedure, it carries potential risks and limitations. These can include swelling, bruising and discomfort after surgery, temporary changes in speech, and an adaptation period while you get used to your new teeth. There is also a risk of implant-related complications such as infection, failure to integrate with the bone or loosening of components, particularly if oral hygiene or general health is compromised.
Long-term, the health of the gums and bone around the implants is critical. Build-up of plaque, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and grinding or clenching can increase the risk of inflammation around the implants, which may lead to bone loss and compromise the stability of the bridge. In some cases, components such as screws or the prosthetic teeth may fracture or wear over time and need repair or replacement. We explain these possibilities clearly and factor them into your maintenance plan.
Not every mouth is suited to All on 4. Severe bone loss, certain medical conditions or unrealistic expectations may make other treatment paths more predictable. For this reason, Dr Chalita le Roux will only recommend All on 4 after careful in-person evaluation, discussion of the pros and cons, and alignment with your goals. You will receive a personalised treatment plan outlining the steps, expected outcomes and what you can do to support long-term success.
What does all on 4 dental implant treatment cost in Johannesburg and what affects the price?
All on 4 dental implants fall into the higher cost brackets compared with many other dental treatments because they combine complex surgery, precision prosthetic work and multiple appointments. In Roodepoort and across Johannesburg, All on 4 is typically a $$$ treatment per arch, reflecting the fact that you are replacing a full set of teeth with a fixed, custom-made bridge supported by implants.
Several factors drive the cost. The number of appointments and the time involved, the need for additional procedures such as extractions or grafting, and the type of temporary and final bridges used all play a role. High-quality implant components, laboratory fabrication, digital planning and advanced imaging add to the investment but also contribute to accuracy and durability. The choice of materials for the final bridge, such as acrylic hybrid designs or more advanced ceramic options, can shift the cost within the $$$ tier.
Your mouth and your expectations are unique, so we do not quote fees without seeing you. During your consultation with Dr Chalita le Roux in Roodepoort, you will receive a clear, written treatment plan with an exact, personalised estimate, given after the consultation and before any treatment starts.
What does a visit for all on 4 implants at Dr Chalita le Roux Inc involve compared with a standard implant consultation?
| All on 4 implant visit | Standard single implant visit | |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal of the visit | Assess suitability for replacing a full arch of teeth with four implants and a fixed bridge. | Evaluate one missing tooth or a small gap for a single implant and crown. |
| Clinical examination | Comprehensive full-mouth exam, gum and bite assessment, and review of remaining teeth in both jaws. | Focused exam of the area where one tooth is missing, with general oral health screening. |
| Imaging and scans | Full-arch X-rays and often 3D scans to assess bone volume and plan several implant positions. | Local X-ray or small-area imaging to check bone height and neighbouring teeth around one site. |
| Discussion of options | Compare All on 4 with other full-arch solutions such as different implant configurations or removable prostheses. | Consider a single implant versus alternatives such as a bridge or partial denture for one space. |
| Time and planning required | Longer planning visit with detailed explanation of surgical stages, temporary teeth and final bridge design. | Shorter planning visit focused on the steps for one implant and crown placement. |
| Cost tier overview | Outlined as a $$$ solution reflecting full-arch replacement with surgery and complex lab work. | Outlined as a $$ solution reflecting one implant and a single custom crown. |
Related pages
Implants · General Dentistry · Contact Us · All treatments & service areas
More on this from our practice: Dentist In Roodepoort
Frequently asked questions
How long do all on 4 dental implants last?
All on 4 implants are designed as a long-term solution, but their lifespan depends heavily on your oral hygiene, general health and maintenance. With careful cleaning, regular professional check-ups and attention to risk factors such as smoking or grinding, the implants and bridge can serve you for many years. Components may occasionally need repair or replacement, so ongoing care and monitoring at our Roodepoort practice are essential.
Is all on 4 dental implant surgery painful?
All on 4 surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic and appropriate supportive measures to keep you comfortable during the procedure. It is common to experience some post-operative discomfort, swelling and bruising, which are usually managed with medication and home care instructions. Most patients describe the recovery as manageable, but there will be a short period of adjustment. We discuss what to expect and how to prepare during your consultation.
Can I get all on 4 implants if I already wear full dentures?
Many patients who wear full dentures can be assessed for All on 4 implants. Dentures are often used when many teeth are missing, and if you are unhappy with movement, sore spots or limited chewing, fixed implant-supported teeth may be considered. The key is whether there is sufficient bone and general health to support implants. At your Roodepoort consultation, we will examine your mouth, review your history with dentures and advise whether All on 4 is suitable or if another approach is preferable.
How long does the all on 4 treatment take from start to finish?
The overall timeframe for All on 4 varies by patient. There is a planning phase with consultations and imaging, a surgical appointment for implant placement, and a healing period before the final bridge is fitted. Some patients receive a temporary fixed bridge shortly after surgery, while others may follow a staged approach. The exact schedule is tailored to your case, and we outline it in detail once we have assessed you in person at the practice.
Will I have teeth immediately after all on 4 surgery?
In many All on 4 protocols, a temporary fixed bridge is placed on the implants soon after surgery so that you leave with teeth in place while the implants heal. Whether this is appropriate for you depends on bone quality, implant stability and overall health, which we only judge after clinical examination and imaging. If immediate loading is not suitable, we will discuss alternative temporary solutions and plan your stages accordingly during your consultation.
How do I clean and care for my all on 4 dental implants?
Cleaning around All on 4 implants is crucial to protect the gums and bone. You will need to brush carefully around the bridge, use recommended interdental brushes or flossing aids, and possibly water flossers to reach under and around the prosthesis. Regular professional cleaning and check-ups are part of the maintenance plan. At delivery of your bridge, we demonstrate specific techniques and schedule follow-ups at our Roodepoort practice to monitor your hygiene and implant health.
Are all on 4 implants suitable if I have diabetes or other medical conditions?
Patients with conditions such as diabetes can sometimes receive All on 4 treatment, provided the condition is well controlled and overall health is stable. Certain medications, systemic illnesses and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of complications, so a detailed medical history is essential. Dr Chalita le Roux will review your health, may request input from your doctor where appropriate, and then advise whether All on 4 is recommended or if alternative options are safer.
Why should I see Dr Chalita le Roux in Roodepoort for all on 4 dental implants?
Dr Chalita le Roux, BChD cum laude (University of Pretoria, 2020) and SAAAD member, provides comprehensive implant planning and care at Unit 2 Amorosa Office Park in Roodepoort, Johannesburg. You will receive a detailed assessment, clear explanation of options and a personalised All on 4 plan aligned with your goals and health. Every key decision, from implant positions to bridge design and maintenance, is made after an in-person consultation so that your treatment is tailored to you.
Book a consultation
To discuss all on 4 dental implants with Dr Chalita le Roux, WhatsApp us on 083 710 9131, call 071 884 3204, or send us a message. We are in Amorosa, Roodepoort, open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00, with free on-site parking.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr Chalita le Roux, BChD cum laude (University of Pretoria, 2020), HPCSA DP 0118702, member of the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry. In private practice in Roodepoort since 2022.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. What is right for your teeth is decided at a consultation with a registered dental practitioner.