What’s The Difference Between All-on-4 and Traditional Dental Implants?

If you’re considering tooth replacement options in Austin, you’ve probably heard about both All-on-4 dental implants and traditional dental implants.

These options can both restore your smile and improve your oral health, but they work in different ways and are designed for different needs. Here at Goehring Dental in Austin, TX, we help patients understand the benefits of each approach and choose the one that’s right for their smile, bone health, and long-term goals. Whether you’re missing one tooth or many, here’s a simple comparison to help you get started.

What Are Traditional Dental Implants?

Traditional dental implants are ideal for replacing one or more individual teeth. Each implant is made of a titanium post that’s placed into the jawbone, topped with a crown, bridge, or denture. These implants are a long-term solution and are known for their strength, natural look, and durability.

Key Features:

  • Ideal for replacing single or multiple missing teeth

  • Requires healthy jawbone (bone grafting may be needed)

  • Typically placed over multiple appointments

  • Healing period is usually 3 to 6 months

  • Offers a realistic, permanent replacement

Best For:
Patients who are missing one or several teeth and want to restore them individually with the most natural look and function.

What Is All-on-4?

All-on-4 dental implants, is a full-arch restoration method that uses four dental implants to support a complete set of upper or lower teeth. This method is great for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth, or are ready to upgrade from traditional dentures.

Key Features:

  • Replaces an entire arch of teeth with only four implants

  • May allow for same-day placement of teeth 

  • Often avoids the need for bone grafting

  • Fewer surgeries and faster recovery overall

  • Fixed, secure solution that looks and feels natural

Best For:
Patients who are missing all or most of their teeth, or who want to move away from removable dentures to a more stable, permanent solution.

Here at Goehring Dental, we also offer the similar All-on-X dental implants, which allow for flexibility in how many implants are placed, depending on the patient’s bone structure and health.

Which Dental Implant Option Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to dental implants. The best option depends on your overall health, how many teeth you’re missing, and what kind of result you’re looking for.

All-on-4 Might Be the Right Fit If You:

  • Are missing most or all of your teeth

  • Want a secure alternative to dentures

  • Have experienced bone loss

  • Prefer fewer surgeries and a quicker process

Traditional Dental Implants May Be Better If You:

  • Are only missing one or a few teeth

  • Have healthy surrounding teeth

  • Want to preserve as much of your natural smile as possible


Your new smile starts here, let’s find the best dental implant solution for you!

Whether you’re leaning toward All-on-4 or traditional dental implants, our experienced team at Goehring Dental in Austin, TX is here to help. Give us a call at (512) 892-8822 or contact us by filling out the form below.

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