TL;DR: All-on-4 in China costs $6,000–$12,000 per arch (vs. $20,000–$30,000 in the US). All-on-6 runs $8,000–$15,000 per arch. Full mouth (both arches) typically lands at $14,000–$26,000 including temporary prosthetics — using Straumann, Nobel Biocare, or Osstem implants at university-affiliated hospitals. Most patients need 7–10 days in-country for the surgical visit, then return 3–6 months later for the final prosthesis. For Asia-Pacific patients, the total trip cost often comes in below Turkey.
Replacing an entire arch — or both — is one of the most consequential decisions in restorative dentistry. The financial gap between doing it at home and doing it abroad is also among the largest in medicine: $40,000–$60,000 for full-mouth implants in the United States versus $14,000–$26,000 at a leading hospital in Shanghai. The gap is not explained by inferior materials or lower standards. It reflects the difference in overhead, labor costs, and the structure of healthcare pricing.
This guide focuses specifically on full-arch implant treatment — All-on-4, All-on-6, and full mouth (both arches) — in China. For a broader comparison of single implants and destinations, see our dental implants China vs Mexico vs Turkey comparison and global dental implant cost guide.
What Are All-on-4 and Full Mouth Dental Implants?
All-on-4 is a full-arch rehabilitation protocol in which an entire jaw of teeth — typically 10 to 14 visible teeth — is supported by just four implant fixtures placed strategically in the jawbone. The two posterior implants are placed at an angle (usually 30–45 degrees) to maximize contact with available bone, which means most patients can avoid bone grafting even when bone loss is present.
All-on-6 uses six implants per arch, distributing load more evenly and providing additional support for the prosthesis. It is generally recommended when the patient has adequate bone volume and desires additional long-term stability, or when the case complexity warrants more anchor points.
Full mouth implants refers to completing both the upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) arches — effectively replacing every tooth. This can be done with All-on-4, All-on-6, or a hybrid approach depending on bone availability in each arch.
The key advantage shared by all full-arch approaches is the immediate loading option: a fixed temporary prosthesis can be attached to the implants on the same day as surgery (or within 48–72 hours), meaning patients leave China with functional teeth while the implants integrate. This is often marketed as "Teeth in a Day" or "Same Day Teeth."
Cost Comparison: China vs Turkey vs Mexico vs USA
The table below reflects 2025–2026 market pricing. All figures are in USD and include the implant fixtures, abutments, and prosthetic framework. Temporary prosthetics, CBCT imaging, and bone grafts (where needed) are noted separately.
| Procedure | China (USD) | Turkey (USD) | Mexico (USD) | USA (reference) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-on-4, one arch | $6,000–$12,000 | $3,500–$8,000 | $9,500–$14,000 | $20,000–$30,000 |
| All-on-6, one arch | $8,000–$15,000 | $5,000–$10,000 | $12,000–$18,000 | $25,000–$35,000 |
| Full mouth All-on-4 (both arches) | $12,000–$22,000 | $7,000–$16,000 | $18,000–$28,000 | $40,000–$60,000 |
| Full mouth All-on-6 (both arches) | $16,000–$28,000 | $10,000–$20,000 | $22,000–$34,000 | $50,000–$70,000 |
| Temporary prosthesis (per arch) | $400–$800 | $300–$700 | $500–$1,000 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Bone graft (per site) | $300–$800 | $200–$600 | $400–$900 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Sinus lift | $800–$1,500 | $500–$1,200 | $1,000–$2,000 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| CBCT scan | $50–$100 | $50–$100 | $80–$150 | $250–$600 |
Reading the table:
- China is not the cheapest option in raw procedure cost — Turkey typically undercuts China by 30–50% on headline price for full-arch work. However, China's leading hospitals include hospital-grade CBCT, intraoral scanning, and specialist consultation as standard workflow, whereas equivalent diagnostics are often add-ons or not available at all at budget clinics in Turkey or Mexico's border towns.
- Turkey offers the lowest price for full-arch packages in absolute terms, but quality variation is substantial. The low end of the range often involves mid-tier or unbranded implant systems and compressed surgical timelines.
- Mexico is the most expensive of the three for the procedure itself, though its near-zero travel cost from US border states makes total trip cost competitive for American patients on single-arch cases.
For an extended breakdown of total trip economics including flights and hotels, see our three-country comparison.
Why China for Full-Arch Dental Work?
China's proposition for full-arch implant patients is distinct from the low-cost clinic model that dominates dental tourism in Turkey and border-town Mexico. The relevant advantages are structural:
Hospital-Grade Diagnostics as Standard
At China's leading dental hospitals, treatment planning for full-arch cases begins with cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging, intraoral 3D scanning, and digital implant planning software. 3D-printed surgical guides — which allow implants to be placed through a template, significantly improving accuracy — are standard for full-arch cases, not a premium add-on. This level of diagnostic infrastructure is what you would expect at a top oral surgery center in the US or Germany. It is routine at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital or West China Hospital of Stomatology.
Implant Brands Available
China's top dental hospitals offer the full range of globally recognized implant systems:
- Straumann (Switzerland) — the global premium standard, with a 50-year clinical record and the most widely published outcome data in implantology. Available at all leading Chinese dental hospitals.
- Nobel Biocare (Sweden/USA) — the brand that pioneered the All-on-4 concept (developed by Dr. Paulo Maló with Nobel Biocare implants). Premium tier, widely available in China.
- Osstem (South Korea) — one of the highest-volume implant brands globally, with an extensive peer-reviewed evidence base and strong clinical performance data. Dominant in China and widely available.
- Dentium (South Korea) — mid-tier, strong clinical record, very common in China.
All of these brands have global distribution networks, meaning your home dentist can source compatible parts for maintenance or repair after you return.
Oral-Maxillofacial Specialists, Not General Dentists
At China's university-affiliated dental hospitals, full-arch implant surgery is performed by oral-maxillofacial surgeons — specialists who complete 8–11 years of training beyond dental school. This is the specialist category most comparable to board-certified oral surgeons in the US. At many private dental tourism clinics in Turkey and border-town Mexico, implant placement is performed by general dentists with implant training courses — a meaningful difference for complex, multi-implant cases.
Combined Healthcare Trips
Many patients who travel to Shanghai for full-arch implants also schedule a comprehensive health checkup or specialist consultations during the same visit. China's major medical centers offer the full range of healthcare services in one location, which is difficult to replicate in the dental tourism corridor model.
Who Is a Candidate for All-on-4 or Full Arch Implants?
Full-arch implant treatment is appropriate for patients who:
- Are missing most or all teeth in one or both arches
- Have severely decayed teeth requiring full-arch extraction
- Wear full or partial dentures and want a fixed solution
- Have experienced bone resorption but still retain minimum viable bone volume (All-on-4's angled implant placement is specifically designed for reduced bone cases)
- Are in good general health, non-smokers or able to quit around surgery, and without uncontrolled systemic conditions (uncontrolled diabetes, active cancer treatment, and certain bone disorders are contraindications)
All-on-4 is notably well-suited for patients with moderate bone loss. The angulation of the posterior implants avoids the posterior zones where bone is typically thinnest after tooth loss, which is why many patients who would otherwise require bone grafting can undergo All-on-4 without it.
Patients who may benefit from All-on-6 instead include those with higher bone density, larger jaw anatomy, or a preference for additional load-sharing across more fixture points. Your treatment team will determine the appropriate protocol based on CBCT analysis.
Treatment Timeline: What to Expect
Full-arch implant treatment at Chinese dental hospitals typically follows this sequence:
Before Your Trip
- Remote pre-screening: Submit dental X-rays or CBCT images (taken locally) for initial feasibility assessment. OriEast coordinates this process.
- Treatment plan and cost confirmation: Your proposed protocol (All-on-4 vs. All-on-6, implant brand, whether bone grafting is required) is confirmed before you book travel.
Visit 1: Surgical Visit (Days 1–10)
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | Arrival, on-site CBCT and intraoral scan, specialist consultation, final treatment plan sign-off |
| Day 3 | Any pre-surgical procedures (extractions if remaining teeth need removal) |
| Day 4–5 | Implant surgery; temporary fixed prosthesis placed same day or next day (immediate loading) |
| Day 6–8 | Rest, post-operative monitoring, prosthesis adjustments |
| Day 9–10 | Final pre-departure check; discharge with detailed surgical documentation |
Note: Patients who require bone grafting may need a 4–6 month healing interval before implants can be placed, adding a trip between the extraction/grafting visit and the implant surgery visit.
Healing Interval (Months 1–4 at Home)
Implants osseointegrate (fuse with bone) while you live with the temporary prosthesis. Most patients can eat normally on soft to medium-textured foods during this period. Regular soft-tissue checks with your home dentist are advisable.
Visit 2: Final Prosthesis (3–5 Days, 3–6 Months After Surgery)
- Impressions or digital scans taken for the permanent prosthesis
- Final prosthesis fabricated (full-arch zirconia bridge is most common)
- Fitting, bite adjustment, and final delivery
- Comprehensive photographic and radiographic documentation
The final prosthesis is typically a full-arch zirconia bridge — a monolithic or layered structure that is fixed, non-removable, aesthetically superior to acrylic, and highly durable. Zirconia full-arch prostheses at Chinese hospitals cost approximately $3,000–$6,000 per arch for the final restoration, significantly less than comparable work in the US or Europe.
Top Hospitals in Shanghai for Full-Arch Implants
Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital (上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院)
Consistently ranked China's number-one oral and maxillofacial hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Handles the most complex full-arch cases in the country, including patients with significant bone loss, multiple failed implants, or systemic conditions requiring medical coordination. Research-grade CBCT and digital planning workflow. International patient department available.
Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University (复旦大学附属上海口腔医院)
Top-tier university dental hospital with a strong implantology division. Experienced in full-arch rehabilitation using Straumann and Nobel Biocare systems. Offers a full range of prosthetic options including full-arch zirconia.
Private International Dental Clinics in Shanghai
For patients who prefer an English-first private clinic environment, several internationally oriented practices in Shanghai offer full-arch implant treatment using premium brands, with Western-trained or bilingual clinical staff. These clinics typically charge 20–40% more than university hospitals for equivalent implant brands, but offer a more concierge-oriented patient experience. OriEast can match patients to vetted options based on their case profile and preferences.
For context on Shanghai's broader medical landscape, see our guides to international hospitals in Shanghai and Shanghai vs Beijing for medical tourism. For visa requirements, see our China medical visa guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-on-4 a permanent solution?
All-on-4 implants are designed to be a long-term fixed solution — not a temporary or removable appliance. The implant fixtures themselves, if successful, are permanent. The prosthetic teeth (the bridge attached to the implants) have a finite lifespan: acrylic temporary bridges typically last 12–18 months; final zirconia bridges typically last 15–20+ years with proper maintenance. Over a lifetime, you should expect to replace the prosthetic bridge at least once, while the implant fixtures themselves may last indefinitely. Long-term data on All-on-4 specifically (15+ year follow-up studies) consistently shows implant survival rates above 94–97% for premium implant systems.
What if I need bone grafts? Does that rule out All-on-4?
Not necessarily. All-on-4's defining clinical advantage is its ability to achieve stable implant placement in patients with moderate bone loss — particularly in the posterior jaw — without requiring bone grafts by using angled implant placement. Many patients who would be told they "don't have enough bone" for conventional implants are still candidates for All-on-4. However, patients with very severe bone atrophy, particularly in the upper jaw (maxilla), may require a sinus lift or more extensive bone augmentation before or instead of All-on-4. This is determined by your CBCT scan. At Shanghai's leading hospitals, in-house oral-maxillofacial surgeons handle sinus lifts and bone augmentation as part of the same treatment pathway — you do not need to source a separate specialist.
How long do I need to stay in China?
For the surgical visit: 7–10 days is the standard recommendation. This allows adequate time for pre-surgical assessment (Days 1–2), any necessary extractions (Day 3 if needed), implant surgery with immediate loading (Days 4–5), recovery and prosthetic adjustment (Days 6–8), and a final check before departure (Days 9–10). For the final prosthesis visit: 3–5 days. Total time in China across both trips is typically 10–15 days. Some patients choose to extend the first visit to allow for additional recovery time; others with less complex cases may be able to compress the surgical visit to 6–7 days.
Can I fly home the same day as surgery?
No. This is a common question, and the answer is consistently no from any responsible surgical team — regardless of country. Full-arch implant surgery is a significant oral procedure performed under local anesthesia with possible IV sedation. Post-operative swelling, bleeding, and adjustment to the temporary prosthesis require at minimum 3–5 days of monitoring before a long-haul flight. Most Chinese hospitals recommend waiting at least 5–7 days post-surgery before flying internationally. Flying too soon risks dislodging clots, compromising healing, and arriving home without access to your surgical team if problems arise.
What implant brands are used in China, and will my home dentist be able to service them?
China's leading hospitals use Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Osstem, and Dentium — all of which have global distribution networks and are serviced by implant dentists worldwide. Straumann and Nobel Biocare are available through authorized dealers in virtually every country where implant dentistry is practiced. Osstem has become the world's highest-volume implant brand by units placed and is serviced by trained practitioners across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. You should receive full documentation of your implants at discharge — brand, model, lot number, and placement records — which any qualified implant dentist can use to maintain your work.
Can I combine All-on-4 with other medical care during the same trip?
Yes, and this is a meaningful advantage of choosing China. Full-arch implant surgery typically requires 4–5 days of active clinic involvement out of a 10-day trip. The remaining days can be used for a comprehensive health checkup, specialist consultations, or other health goals. OriEast coordinates multi-service medical trips to Shanghai, helping patients consolidate dental and general healthcare in a single visit. Contact us or submit an inquiry to discuss your situation.
How does the cost break down across both visits?
A typical breakdown for full-mouth All-on-4 (both arches) at a leading Shanghai hospital using mid-premium implants (Osstem or Nobel Biocare):
- Implant surgery (4 fixtures per arch × 2 arches): $8,000–$16,000
- Temporary prosthetics (both arches): $800–$1,600
- Pre-surgical diagnostics (CBCT, intraoral scan): $100–$200
- Final zirconia prosthetics (both arches, fabricated on second visit): $6,000–$12,000
- Estimated total across both visits: $15,000–$30,000
The wide range reflects implant brand selection (Straumann at the top end vs. Osstem at the mid-range), case complexity (whether bone grafting is required), and clinic type (university hospital vs. private international clinic). Getting a treatment plan based on your own CBCT is the only reliable way to obtain a case-specific quote.
What to Prepare Before You Travel
- Get a CBCT scan locally if possible. Many hospitals in your home country can provide a CBCT (cone beam CT) scan on request — sometimes just by asking your dentist for a referral. Sending this digitally to the Chinese hospital before your trip allows for pre-treatment planning and a more accurate quote.
- Disclose all medications and systemic health conditions. Blood thinners, bisphosphonates (used for osteoporosis), immunosuppressants, and uncontrolled diabetes all affect implant surgery planning.
- Stop smoking at least 2–4 weeks before surgery and for at least 3 months after. Smoking is the single largest modifiable risk factor for implant failure and poor healing.
- Arrange post-operative dental support at home. You will need a local dentist willing to check your implants and temporary prosthetics during the healing interval. Most practitioners can provide routine follow-up even if they did not perform the original surgery, provided you have full documentation.
- Budget for the return trip. The final prosthesis visit is a non-negotiable part of the treatment — not an optional upgrade. Build it into your planning from the start.
Bottom Line
For patients facing full-arch or full-mouth implant treatment, China's combination of hospital-grade surgical infrastructure, globally recognized implant brands, and prices that are 60–75% below US levels makes it one of the most compelling options in international dental care — particularly for patients in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, or those willing to make one significant international trip for what would otherwise be an unaffordable procedure at home.
The realistic total cost for full-mouth All-on-4 across both visits, including accommodation in Shanghai, is approximately $18,000–$32,000 — compared with $40,000–$60,000+ for equivalent treatment in the United States using the same implant brands. The surgical infrastructure delivering that outcome is not a downgrade.
OriEast coordinates full-arch implant trips to Shanghai, including pre-treatment CBCT review, hospital matching, scheduling, translation, and local logistics. Submit an inquiry or contact us to get a case-specific assessment.
Related Reading
- Dental implants: China vs Mexico vs Turkey — full comparison
- Global dental implant cost comparison
- China medical visa guide for international patients
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment costs, outcomes, and timelines vary by individual case, implant brand, and institution. Pricing data is based on publicly available hospital fee schedules, dental tourism agency quotes, and OriEast client experience as of April 2026; actual costs should be confirmed directly with the treating institution. All treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified dental professionals. OriEast is a medical travel facilitation service and does not provide dental treatment directly.