Full Mouth Dental Implants
Full mouth dental implants replace an entire arch of missing or failing teeth with a fixed set of teeth anchored to a small number of implants placed in the jaw. Techniques such as All-on-4 support a full arch on four implants, and many patients leave with a temporary set of teeth the same day. Dr. Arthur Johnson plans and places these at our Mission Viejo office.
Full mouth dental implants, also called full arch implants, restore a complete upper or lower set of teeth when most or all of the natural teeth are missing or failing. Instead of a removable denture that rests on the gums, the new teeth attach to implants anchored in the jawbone, so they stay in place while you eat and speak. The implants also help slow the bone loss that follows tooth loss. Depending on your bone and your goals, the surgeon may recommend an All-on-4 or All-on-6 approach, or a full set of individual implants.
How All-on-4 and All-on-6 work
All-on-4 supports a full arch of fixed teeth on four implants, angled to make the most of the bone you already have. All-on-6 uses six implants for added support in some cases. Both differ from single-tooth implants, where each missing tooth gets its own implant.
In many cases the surgeon can place the implants and attach a temporary fixed set of teeth on the same day. After the implants heal and fuse with the bone over several months, the final set of teeth is made and fitted.
Are you a candidate?
Good candidates have most or all of their teeth missing or failing in an arch, enough jawbone to hold implants or the option to rebuild it with bone grafting, and are in reasonable general health. The only way to know is a consultation.
At your consultation, a Cone Beam CT scan at our Mission Viejo office maps your bone and the nerve pathways, which lets the surgeon plan implant positions and tell you whether a bone graft is needed first.
What full mouth dental implants cost
The cost depends on how many arches are treated, the number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, and the materials used for the final teeth. Because those factors vary, the price is quoted after your consultation and scan rather than as a single figure.
At your consultation the surgeon reviews the full cost with you and explains the financing options available.
Recovery and results
Most patients return to routine activity within a few days and follow a soft-food diet while the implants heal. Once the final teeth are placed, they are cared for much like natural teeth, with regular brushing, cleaning, and check-ups.
Implant-supported teeth are designed to last for years with good care. The implants are meant to be a long-term foundation, while the teeth attached to them may need maintenance over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between All-on-4 and full mouth dental implants?
All-on-4 is a specific technique that supports a full arch of teeth on four implants. Full mouth dental implants is the broader term, which also includes All-on-6 and full sets of individual implants.
Can I get teeth the same day?
In many cases, yes. The surgeon can often place the implants and attach a temporary fixed set of teeth on the same day as surgery. The final set is made and fitted after the implants heal, usually over several months.
Do I need a bone graft first?
Not always. Patients with enough jawbone can proceed to implant placement. Those with significant bone loss may need a bone graft first to create a stable foundation. A Cone Beam CT scan at your consultation shows which applies to you.
How much do full mouth dental implants cost?
The cost depends on the number of arches and implants, whether bone grafting is needed, and the final materials. You receive a full quote after your consultation and scan, along with the financing options available.
How long do full mouth dental implants last?
With good care, implant-supported teeth are designed to last for years. The implants themselves are a long-term foundation, while the prosthetic teeth may need maintenance or replacement over time.