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Full-arch implants (often called All-on-X) replace all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw with a fixed bridge held by four to six implants. The bridge doesn't come out at night, and you can eat, speak and smile without worrying about a loose denture.
In most cases, fixed temporary teeth are attached on the day of surgery, so you don't go without teeth. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons plan every case in 3D and perform the surgery under IV sedation or general anesthesia in our Oakville office.
Full-arch implants may be right for you if you:
Full-arch implants also help preserve the jawbone and support the lips and cheeks.
Been told you don't have enough bone? You may still be a candidate. Depending on your scan, options include bone grafting, a sinus lift, or zygomatic and pterygoid implants, which anchor in the cheekbone or the back of the upper jaw.
A full-arch restoration has three parts:
The bridge – a full set of custom teeth that attaches to the implants. You wear a temporary bridge while you heal; the final bridge is usually made of zirconia, a strong, natural-looking ceramic.
The abutments – small connectors that join the bridge to the implants.
The implants – usually four to six posts in the jawbone. When upper-jaw bone is limited, zygomatic or pterygoid implants can provide support, in some cases without a bone graft.
Our surgeons place the implants and work with your own dentist, who makes your temporary and final teeth. If you prefer, we can refer you to a prosthodontist or a denturist for your teeth instead.
A 3D CBCT scan and records of your bite let us plan the implant positions and your new teeth together with your dentist.
Full-arch surgery is done under IV sedation or general anesthesia in our office, so you're comfortable throughout.
Teeth that can't be saved are removed and the implants are placed in the same visit. Any grafting you need is usually done at the same time.
In most cases, a fixed temporary bridge is attached on the day of surgery, so you don't go without teeth. If an implant isn't stable enough that day, you wear a temporary denture and the fixed bridge is attached once it heals.
After about three to six months of healing, your dentist replaces the temporary with your final bridge, usually made of zirconia.
There are two main ways to restore a full arch on implants:
Fixed bridge (All-on-X) – stays in permanently and is removed only by your dental team for maintenance. The final bridge is usually zirconia.
Implant-supported overdenture – a removable denture that snaps onto two to four implants. It's much more stable than a regular denture and usually costs less than a fixed bridge.
Your surgeon and dentist will help you choose based on your bone, your goals and your budget.
Here's what most patients can expect after full-arch surgery.
You'll get written aftercare instructions, and we see you for follow-up visits to check your healing.
Thinking about full-arch implants? Book a consultation with our surgeons. You don't need a referral; just bring your dentist's name so we can plan your new teeth together.
