A Fixed, Permanent Smile in Dunkirk, MD
Living with failing teeth or a loose denture affects far more than appearance — it changes what you eat, how you speak, and how you show up in the world. All-on-4 dental implants replace an entire arch of teeth using just four strategically placed posts, giving you a fixed set of teeth that look, feel, and function like the real thing. At Calvert Smiles in Dunkirk, this life-changing procedure is performed by an experienced implant team using advanced planning technology.
How All-on-4 Works
Two implants are placed vertically near the front of the jaw and two are angled toward the back, where bone density is naturally greatest. This angulation maximizes bone contact and often eliminates the need for grafting — even in patients who have been told they lack sufficient bone for traditional implants.
In many cases, a full set of temporary teeth is attached on the same day as surgery, so you leave the office with a functional smile. After a period of healing, a final custom prosthesis is fabricated and placed.
All-on-4 vs. Removable Dentures
- Anchored to bone, not sitting on gum tissue — no adhesive, no movement
- 90% or more of natural chewing force restored
- Jawbone is preserved through implant stimulation rather than continuing to resorb
- Facial contours maintained, avoiding the “sunken” look that develops with denture wear
- No nightly removal, soaking, or special cleaning routines
- Fewer total implants and often fewer surgical visits than individual implant placement
From Consultation to Final Smile
- Detailed 3D scan and digital treatment planning to map implant positions before surgery
- Surgical placement under IV sedation for maximum comfort
- Same-day attachment of a temporary prosthesis in qualifying cases
- A 3–6 month integration period while the implants fuse with bone
- Delivery and precision-fitting of the permanent zirconia or acrylic prosthesis
Our surgical protocols include platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to accelerate tissue repair and reduce post-operative discomfort. Both titanium and ceramic (zirconia) implant options are available for patients with material preferences.
Candidacy and Considerations
You may be a strong candidate if you are missing all teeth in an arch, wearing a denture that slips or causes sore spots, facing extraction of most remaining teeth due to decay or periodontal disease, or have been told you need bone grafting for conventional implants. A cone-beam CT scan during your consultation reveals bone volume, nerve locations, and sinus anatomy — giving your provider the data needed to determine feasibility.
Your Implant Providers
All-on-4 requires surgical precision and prosthetic artistry. The Calvert Smiles team, led by Dr. Gena Schultheis, DDS, has placed and restored hundreds of implant-supported arches across a range of clinical situations.
Patients Visit From Across the Region
Calvert Smiles serves implant patients from Dunkirk, Prince Frederick, Owings, Huntingtown, Solomons, Annapolis, Crownsville, Bowie, and beyond.
All-on-4 FAQs
Will I have teeth the same day as surgery?
In most cases, yes. A pre-fabricated temporary prosthesis is placed immediately after implant surgery so you are never without teeth.
How long do All-on-4 implants last?
The implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper maintenance. The prosthetic arch may require refurbishment or replacement after 10–15 years depending on material and wear.
What does recovery look like?
Most patients return to desk work within 2–3 days. A soft diet is recommended for the first several weeks while the implants integrate. Discomfort is typically manageable with prescribed medication.
Is financing available?
Yes. We work with several third-party financing partners and accept HSA/FSA funds. Our treatment coordinator will walk you through options during your consultation.
What if I have bone loss?
The angled rear implants in the All-on-4 technique are specifically designed to work with reduced bone volume. Many patients who are not candidates for conventional implants can still proceed with All-on-4.
Request Your Implant Consultation
Find out if All-on-4 can work for you. Visit our contact page or call Calvert Smiles at (410) 257-7200.