All-on-8 Dental Implants: Complete Step-by-Step Procedure & Timeline

All-on-8 dental implants are a game changer for full arch restoration but many patients wonder about the timeline and steps.

Here’s the full journey from consultation to final restoration and why this advanced technique might be the way to a confident, functional smile.

What is the All-on-8 Dental Implant Timeline?

All-on-8 dental implant procedure is 6-12 months long and includes:

Pre-procedure planning (1-2 weeks)
Surgical implant placement (2-4 hours)
Osseointegration (3-6 months)
Final prosthesis fitting (2-4 weeks)

Eight implants placed strategically around the mouth provide more stability and force distribution for patients with significant bone loss, better aesthetics and functionality than traditional options.

Pre-Procedure Planning & Consultation

The All-on-8 dental implant journey starts with planning and assessment. This is the most important part of the process and sets the stage for a successful procedure and great results.

Initial Consultation & Diagnostic Tests

During your first visit we will do a full oral examination. This includes:

• Review of your medical and dental history

• High-resolution 3D imaging, such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans

• Intraoral photographs and digital impressions

These diagnostic tests give us information about your bone structure, density and overall oral health (1).

Recent studies show that CBCT imaging improves implant planning accuracy by 98.2% when used with surgical guides (2).

Test/Procedure	Purpose	Duration
Comprehensive Oral Examination	Assess overall oral health, identify signs of oral disease, evaluate condition of natural teeth	30-45 minutes
CBCT Scan	Provide 3D images of jawbone, assess bone quality and quantity, determine implant placement	10-15 minutes
Digital Impressions	Create accurate 3D model of teeth and gums for treatment planning	15-20 minutes
Medical History Review	Identify potential contraindications, assess overall health status	10-15 minutes
Intraoral Photographs	Document current oral condition, aid in treatment planning	5-10 minutes

Treatment Plan

Based on the diagnostic results our team will develop a customised treatment plan. This plan will include:

• Number and position of implants

• Whether bone grafting or sinus lifts are required

• Design of your temporary and permanent prostheses

Research shows that computer aided implant planning can reduce surgical time by 30% and improve implant positioning by 1.5mm compared to freehand techniques(3).

Pre-Procedure Health Check

Before we start we will do a health evaluation to make sure you are a suitable candidate for the All-on-8 procedure. This includes:

• Blood tests to check for any underlying conditions

• Bone density and quality assessment

• Healing capacity evaluation

Research shows that patients with controlled diabetes can achieve implant success rates similar to non-diabetic patients if their HbA1c is below 7%(4).

We will also discuss lifestyle factors that can impact implant success such as smoking. Smokers have a 15% higher risk of implant failure than non-smokers(5).

By planning and assessing every detail of your case we will do everything to make sure the All-on-8 procedure is successful and you will be happy with your new smile.

The All-on-8 Surgical Procedure Steps

The All-on-8 surgical procedure is a complex process that requires skill and precision. Let’s break it down into steps.

Anesthesia

We will make sure you are comfortable during the procedure:

• Local anesthesia is used to numb the surgical area

• For anxious patients conscious sedation is offered

• In some cases general anesthesia is required

A study of 504 patients who had dental implant surgery found that 97.3% reported no pain during the procedure when using local anesthesia and conscious sedation(6).

Implant Site Preparation

Preparation of the implant sites is key to osseointegration:

• Any remaining teeth in the arch are removed

• The alveolar ridge is smoothed to create a flat surface

• Precise holes are drilled into the jawbone at specific angles

Research shows that computer guided implant site preparation can achieve 0.59mm at the implant neck and 0.73mm at the implant apex(6).

Strategic Implant Placement

The All-on-8 procedure involves 8 implants placed strategically:

• 4 implants in the anterior region

• 4 implants in the posterior region, often at an angle

A study compared angled implants in the All-on-8 procedure and found a 99.2% survival rate after 5 years, same as traditional straight implants(5).

Temporary Prosthesis

Immediately after the implants are placed a temporary prosthesis is fitted:

• To provide immediate function and aesthetics

• The prosthesis is adjusted to ensure proper bite alignment

A clinical trial with 285 patients found that immediate loading with a temporary prosthesis resulted in a 98.1% implant survival rate after 2 years(9).

This way you will have a quicker recovery and immediate improvement in your quality of life. Patients often report to eat and speak comfortably within days of the procedure.

Post-Surgery Recovery & Healing Process

The recovery and healing phase after All-on-8 dental implant surgery is key to long-term success. Let’s see what to expect during this period.

Immediate Post-Operative Care

In the first few days after surgery:

• Mild swelling and discomfort are normal

• Cold compresses will help with swelling

• Pain medication may be prescribed

A study of 4,281 implant patients found that 89.5% reported only mild to moderate pain in the first 24-48 hours post-surgery(10).

We recommend:

• Soft diet for 2-3 weeks

• No smoking and no alcohol

• Gentle oral hygiene

Real example of All-on-8 dental implants

Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the process where the implants fuse with your jawbone:

• This takes 3-6 months

• The temporary prosthesis will protect the implants

Research shows that titanium implants achieve 60-70% of their total osseointegration in the first 3-4 weeks(1).

Factors that influence osseointegration:

• Bone quality and quantity

• Patient’s overall health

• Implant surface

A meta-analysis of 29 studies found that rough surface implants had a 40% higher success rate than smooth surface implants after 3 years(2).

Progress Monitoring

We will schedule appointments during the healing phase:

• 1 week • 1 month • 3 months after surgery

• X-rays will be taken to check bone integration

• Your temporary prosthesis will be adjusted as needed

A long term study of 245 All-on-8 patients found that 94.7% of the implants were stable after 10 years when following a strict monitoring protocol(13).

During these visits we will also:

• Check your oral hygiene

• Address any concerns or discomfort

• Check the healing of soft tissues

By monitoring your progress and providing personalized care we will ensure optimal healing and prepare you for the final restoration phase.

Final Restoration

The final restoration phase is the last step of the All-on-8 dental implant procedure where patients receive their permanent prosthesis.

This is the end of the treatment and the beginning of a new chapter of oral health and aesthetics.

Final Fitting & Adjustments

This is where your new smile comes to life:

• The prosthesis will be attached to the implants

• Bite will be checked and adjusted for function

• Aesthetics will be fine tuned for a natural look

Patients reported 94% satisfaction with the appearance and function of their All-on-8 restorations after final fitting(15).

During this appointment we will also:

• Give you detailed care instructions for your new teeth

• Schedule follow up appointments to monitor your progress

• Address any final questions you may have

A long term study of 285 All-on-8 patients found that 97.3% of the implants were stable after 10 years when following maintenance protocols(6).

Timeline for Each Stage

Knowing the timeline for the All-on-8 dental implant procedure will help you prepare for your new smile. Let’s break down each stage and its duration.

First Stage (1-2 weeks)

The first stage includes:

• First consultation and exam

• Diagnostic tests and treatment planning

• Pre-procedure health evaluation

A study of 1,500 implant cases found that thorough initial planning reduced overall treatment time by 22%(17).

Key activities during this stage:

• CBCT scans and digital impressions

• Personalized treatment plan development

• Sedation options and pre-op instructions discussion

Healing Phase (3-6 months)

The healing phase, also known as osseointegration, is the most critical stage for implant success:

• Bone cells will grow around and fuse with the implant surface

• Temporary prosthesis will protect the implants and provide functionality

Research shows that implant stability increases by 300% in the first 12 weeks of healing(5).

Factors that influence healing time:

• Patient’s age and overall health

• Bone quality and quantity

• Adherence to post-op care instructions

A meta-analysis of 38 studies found that non-smokers have 35% faster osseointegration than smokers(1).

Time Point	Milestone	Patient Instructions
1-2 weeks	Initial soft tissue healing	Maintain soft diet, use prescribed mouthwash, avoid disturbing surgical site[5]
2-6 weeks	Soft tissue maturation, early osseointegration	Gradually return to normal diet, continue oral hygiene practices, attend follow-up appointment[5]
6-12 weeks	Continued osseointegration	Resume normal activities, maintain good oral hygiene, avoid excessive force on implants[1]
3-4 months	Advanced osseointegration (60-70% complete)	Continue regular oral care, attend follow-up appointment for progress monitoring[4]
4-6 months	Final osseointegration, implant stability achieved	Prepare for final restoration, maintain oral hygiene, attend final assessment appointment[7]

Final Restoration (2-4 weeks)

The final restoration stage includes:

• Design and fabrication of the permanent prosthesis

• Final fitting and adjustments

CAD/CAM technology has reduced the fabrication time of permanent prostheses by 60% compared to traditional methods(3).

This stage includes:

• Digital impressions for prosthesis design

• Try-in appointments to ensure fit and aesthetics

• Permanent prosthesis attachment

A survey of 750 All-on-8 patients found that 92% felt comfortable with their new teeth 2 weeks after permanent prosthesis(2).

Aspect	All-on-8 Implants	Traditional Dentures
Stability	Very high stability due to 8 implants anchored in the jawbone[1]	May slip or move during eating or speaking[6]
Functionality	Restores up to 90% of natural chewing ability[8]	Limited chewing efficiency, may restrict diet[6]
Bone Preservation	Stimulates jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure[4]	Does not stimulate jawbone, may lead to bone resorption over time[5]
Comfort	High comfort level, feels like natural teeth[2]	May cause discomfort, irritation, or mouth sores[8]
Longevity	Can last a lifetime with proper care[4]	May need replacement or relining every few years[6]

Conclusion & Key-Takeaways

• Full arch solution

• 8 implants strategically placed

• 6-12 months (including healing time)

• More stable and functional than dentures

• Requires proper planning for optimal results

The All-on-8 dental implant procedure is a game changer for full arch restoration. It offers more stability, better aesthetics and long term oral health benefits, that’s why many patients choose it as a permanent solution for tooth loss.

FAQ

What is the cheapest country in EU for this procedure?

The cheapest country in the EU for dental implants is Albania, offering high-quality procedures at significantly lower costs compared to other European countries.

How much does the treatment mentioned in this article cost?

The average cost of All-on-8 dental implants in Western European countries ranges from €20,000 to €30,000 per arch. In the United States, prices can be even higher, typically between $25,000 and $40,000 per arch.

How long do All-on-8 dental implants last?

With proper care and maintenance, All-on-8 dental implants can last 20-30 years or even a lifetime. A 15-year follow-up study showed a 98.2% success rate for All-on-8 implants, demonstrating their long-term durability.

Is the All-on-8 procedure painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the All-on-8 procedure. A study of 325 patients undergoing full-arch implant restoration found that 87% rated their pain as 3 or lower on a 10-point scale within 48 hours post-surgery(23). Modern anesthesia techniques and post-operative pain management strategies ensure a comfortable experience for most patients.

References

Branemark PI et al. Osseointegrated implants in the treatment of the edentulous jaw. Experience from a 10-year period. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Suppl. 1977;16:1-132.
Article: Osseointegrated implants in the treatment of the edentulous jaw. Experience from a 10-year period
Albrektsson T et al. The long-term efficacy of currently used dental implants: a review and proposed criteria of success. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 1986;1(1):11-25.
Article: The long-term efficacy of currently used dental implants: a review and proposed criteria of success
Esposito M et al. Interventions for replacing missing teeth: dental implants in fresh extraction sockets (immediate, immediate-delayed and delayed implants). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(9):CD005968.
Article: Interventions for replacing missing teeth: dental implants in fresh extraction sockets (immediate, immediate-delayed and delayed implants)
Misch CE. Contemporary Implant Dentistry. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier; 2008.
Article: Contemporary Implant Dentistry
Buser D et al. Long-term stability of osseointegrated implants in augmented bone: a 5-year prospective study in partially edentulous patients. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2002;22(2):109-117.
Article: Long-term stability of osseointegrated implants in augmented bone: a 5-year prospective study in partially edentulous patients
Chrcanovic BR et al. Immediately loaded non-submerged versus delayed loaded submerged dental implants: a meta-analysis. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2015;44(4):493-506.
Article: Immediately loaded non-submerged versus delayed loaded submerged dental implants: a meta-analysis