Full Arch Dental Implants

What Are Full Arch Dental Implants?

Full-arch dental implants replace every tooth in your upper or lower jaw with a small number of implants, rather than one implant per tooth. Titanium implants are placed in your jawbone, where they fuse with the bone and act as artificial tooth roots. A custom arch of teeth is then attached to them.

When both arches are replaced, the treatment is often referred to as full-mouth dental implants. The approach is the same; it’s simply done on the upper and lower jaw.

There’s more than one way to restore a full arch. The right option depends on how much bone you have, how strong your bite is, and whether you want teeth that stay in or can be removed.

Your Full Arch Options at Nashville Dental Implants

• All-on-4® / Hybrid Dentures. A fixed full-arch bridge anchored on four strategically angled implants. Angling the implants makes the most of the bone you have, which helps many patients avoid bone grafting. Learn about All-on-4® dental implants.
• All-on-6 Dental Implants. The same fixed bridge, supported by six implants. The extra anchors spread chewing forces more widely, which helps patients with softer bone or strong bite forces. Learn about All-on-6 dental implants.
• Implant-Retained Dentures. A denture that snaps onto two to four implants. It’s far more secure than a traditional denture, and you take it out for cleaning. Learn about implant-retained dentures.

Not sure which is right for you? At your consultation, Dr. Deweese reviews your 3D scans and walks you through the options that fit your mouth and budget.

Knowing what to expect can ease any worries about treatment. Here’s how a fixed full-arch treatment, such as All-on-4® or All-on-6, usually goes.

1. Consultation and planning: Dr. Deweese reviews your medical history, takes 3D scans of your jawbone, and discusses your options. You leave with a treatment plan tailored to you.
2. Surgery day: You’re kept comfortable with anesthesia or sedation. Any remaining teeth in the arch are removed, and the implants are placed in your jawbone.
3. Same-day temporary teeth: A fixed temporary bridge is attached to your implants before you leave, so you’re never without a smile.
4. Recovery and healing: Swelling and discomfort usually ease within the first few days. Over the next 3 to 6 months, your implants fuse with your jawbone while you follow a soft-food diet and gentle oral hygiene.
5. Final teeth: We take impressions and craft your permanent teeth. Dr. Deweese fits them, adjusts your bite, and makes sure your new smile looks and feels natural.

• A stable, secure smile: Implants hold your teeth firmly in place, so there’s no slipping, clicking, or adhesive.
• Eat and speak with confidence: Chew the foods you love and speak clearly again.
• A natural look and feel: Your new teeth are custom-designed for your face and smile.
• Protects your jawbone: Implants stimulate the bone like natural roots, helping prevent bone loss that can change your facial structure after tooth loss.
• Easy daily care: Fixed options are cleaned with brushing and flossing, with regular checkups, without removal at night.
• A long-term solution: With proper care, full-arch implants are designed to last for many years.

Who Is a Candidate for Full Arch Dental Implants?

Full arch implants are designed for patients who are missing most or all of the teeth in an arch, whose remaining teeth can’t be saved, or who are unhappy with traditional dentures. Good candidates have healthy gums and enough jawbone to hold the implants.

If you’ve lost bone, you may still qualify. Bone grafting can rebuild your jaw, and options like All-on-4® are designed to work with less bone. Smoking and some medical conditions can affect healing, so that Dr. Deweese will review your health history with you.

Cost, Insurance, and Financing

The cost of full arch dental implants depends on the option you choose, the number of arches, and whether you need extractions or bone grafting. Insurance rarely covers full-arch treatment entirely, but we accept most private dental plans and file claims to maximize your benefits. For the remaining balance, we offer monthly payment options through partners such as CareCredit®, Sunbit, LendingClub, and Proceed Finance. See our financial options.

Full Arch Dental Implants in Nashville FAQ

What’s the difference between full arch and full mouth dental implants?

Full arch implants replace all the teeth in one jaw. Full mouth implants replace both the upper and lower arches. Many patients start with one arch and treat the other later.

Which is better: a fixed bridge or an implant-retained denture?

A fixed bridge (All-on-4® or All-on-6) stays in your mouth and feels closest to natural teeth. An implant-retained denture snaps on and off for cleaning, needs fewer implants, and usually costs less. Dr. Deweese will help you weigh comfort, budget, and bone health.

How many visits does full arch treatment take?

Most patients have a consultation, surgery day, follow-up visits while the implants heal, and a final appointment to place the permanent teeth.

How long do full arch dental implants last?

The implants fuse with your jawbone and are designed to last for many years with good home care and regular checkups. Your teeth may need adjustments or repairs over time.

Will I be without teeth during treatment?

Not with fixed options. Dr. Deweese attaches temporary teeth to your implants on the day of surgery.