All-on-4 Implants in Korea: Full-Arch Options for Overseas Patients

All-on-4 replaces a full arch of teeth with a fixed bridge held by four implants, with the back implants usually tilted to use available bone. At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, a prosthodontist decides after a 3D scan whether four implants, more implants, or an implant-supported denture suits you. Most overseas patients need two trips.

Key facts

  • All-on-4 uses four implants, usually with the back two tilted, to hold a fixed full-arch bridge.
  • A 2024 meta-analysis (Heliyon) found similar implant survival for 4 vs 6 implants in the upper jaw (98.5% vs 97%), with more bone loss around 4-implant designs.
  • Implant–bone fusion takes roughly 3–9 months (Cleveland Clinic), so most overseas patients need two trips.
  • Lucid Dental's listed implant fixture fees are ₩590,000–890,000 each; full-arch bridges are quoted individually.
  • Full-arch cases at Lucid Dental are planned by certified prosthodontist Dr. Park Hyun-min.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Park Hyun-min, Prosthodontist and Chief Dentist at Lucid Dental Clinic. Last reviewed September 27, 2026.

What is All-on-4?

All-on-4 is a way to replace a full arch of teeth with one fixed bridge held by four implants. The two back implants are usually tilted to make the most of the available bone, which can reduce the need for bone grafting. "All-on-4" is a trademarked treatment concept from Nobel Biocare, but the term is widely used for four-implant full-arch bridges in general.

The bridge is screwed onto the implants, so you do not take it out at night the way you would with a denture. Only a dentist can remove it for cleaning and checks.

Is All-on-4 available at Lucid Dental in Seoul?

Lucid Dental Clinic provides dental implants, One-Day Implants, dentures and implant prosthetics, planned by certified prosthodontist Dr. Park Hyun-min. For a full arch, he assesses whether a four-implant bridge, a design with more implants, an implant-supported removable denture, or another approach fits your bone and bite. The choice is made after a 3D scan, not before.

How does All-on-4 compare with other full-arch options?

Option Implants per arch Fixed or removable Typical considerations
Four-implant fixed bridge (All-on-4 style) 4 Fixed Tilted back implants may avoid grafting; fewer surgical sites
Six-implant fixed bridge 6 or more Fixed Spreads bite forces over more implants; may need more bone or grafting
Implant-supported overdenture 2–4 Removable (clips on) Easier to clean at home; lower cost than a fixed bridge
Conventional complete denture 0 Removable No surgery; less stable, especially on the lower jaw

For single missing teeth rather than a full arch, see implant vs bridge vs denture.

What does the research say about four vs six implants?

Published reviews report high survival rates for both designs. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis in Heliyon on upper-jaw fixed bridges found a mean implant survival of 98.5% with four implants and 97% with six, and prosthesis survival of 99.8% and 99.6%, with no statistically significant difference ( Sharaf et al., 2024). The same review found more marginal bone loss around implants in the four-implant group (1.02 mm vs 0.46 mm).

In other words, four implants can work well, but they are not automatically the right number for everyone. Bone quality, bite force, grinding and the opposite arch all matter.

What happens during treatment?

  1. Remote review: send a panoramic X-ray or CT and photos through an online consultation.
  2. Exam and 3D planning in Seoul: bone volume, sinus position and nerve position are measured, and the bite is recorded.
  3. Surgery day: any remaining failing teeth are removed and the implants are placed under local anesthesia, with conscious sedation available after assessment.
  4. Temporary teeth: when the implants are stable enough, a temporary fixed bridge may be attached soon after surgery. If not, a temporary denture is used while you heal.
  5. Early check: a review about a week after surgery to check healing and bite.
  6. Healing at home: the implants fuse with the bone over several months.
  7. Final bridge: on a second trip, a stronger final bridge is made and fitted.

How many trips and days do I need?

Most overseas patients plan two trips. The first covers surgery and early healing; allow at least about 7–10 days in Seoul so you can attend the follow-up. Osseointegration, the process of bone fusing to the implant, takes roughly three to nine months according to Cleveland Clinic. The second trip is for the final bridge and usually takes several visits over a week or more. See how many trips an implant needs.

How much does All-on-4 cost in Korea?

Full-arch treatment at Lucid Dental is quoted individually after your scan, because the final bridge, the number of implants and any extractions vary a lot. For reference, the clinic's listed implant fixture fees are ₩590,000–890,000 each, so four fixtures alone would be ₩2,360,000–3,560,000 (about US$1,690–2,540 at ₩1,400 per US$). The full-arch bridge, abutments, temporaries and extractions are added to that. You receive an itemized English estimate before treatment. See the implant cost breakdown for single-tooth prices.

What are the downsides of a four-implant bridge?

Every full-arch option has trade-offs, and it helps to know them up front:

  • If one of only four implants fails, the bridge may need to be remade or the plan changed, since there is less backup than with six implants.
  • Food can collect under a fixed bridge, so daily cleaning takes more effort than brushing natural teeth.
  • Speech may feel different for the first few weeks while your tongue adapts.
  • The bridge teeth can wear or chip, especially if you grind, and may need repair over time.

Discussing these openly is part of choosing the design that fits your mouth and lifestyle.

Who is a good candidate?

Four-implant full-arch treatment is usually considered for people who have lost, or are about to lose, most teeth in one jaw. Cleveland Clinic notes that active gum disease, severe bone loss, unmanaged diabetes, smoking or vaping can compromise implant healing. These do not always rule treatment out, but they need to be managed first. Individual results vary; a consultation and exam are required.

What aftercare is needed?

A fixed full-arch bridge still needs daily cleaning under and around it, using a water flosser, interdental brushes or special floss. Regular professional checks allow the bridge to be removed, cleaned, and the screws checked. A night guard may be advised if you grind. Learn about our wider dental implant service, and read the international patients guide to plan your trip.

Book a consultation

Send your X-ray or CT scan and tell us which jaw you want to treat. Message Lucid Dental on WhatsApp at +82-10-8354-2975 or book a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Will I leave the clinic with teeth on surgery day?

Often you will have some form of temporary teeth, either a fixed temporary bridge or a temporary denture. Whether a fixed temporary can be attached depends on how stable the implants are at placement, which is only known during surgery.

Can All-on-4 be done on both jaws at once?

It is sometimes possible, but it makes surgery longer and recovery more demanding. Many patients treat one arch at a time. Your dentist will advise after reviewing your health and imaging.

How long does a full-arch implant bridge last?

Implants themselves can often last many years with good care. The bridge teeth may wear or chip over time and can need repair or replacement. Regular professional maintenance helps extend its life.

Can I switch from dentures to All-on-4?

Many denture wearers are assessed for full-arch implants. Long-term denture wear can reduce jawbone, so a 3D scan is needed to see whether four implants, more implants or grafting would be needed.

What can I eat after full-arch implant surgery?

Expect a soft-food diet for the first weeks while the implants heal, even if you have temporary fixed teeth. Your dentist will tell you when you can gradually return to firmer foods.

Can I fly home after All-on-4 surgery?

A 2023 British Dental Journal review suggests waiting at least 72 hours after implant placement before flying, and longer after a sinus lift. Many overseas patients stay about a week or more to attend a follow-up check before flying.

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