“Dedicated to Enhancing Your Smile with Exceptional Care and Expertise”.
“Dedicated to Enhancing Your Smile with Exceptional Care and Expertise”.
“Dedicated to Enhancing Your Smile with Exceptional Care and Expertise”.
“Dedicated to Enhancing Your Smile with Exceptional Care and Expertise”.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Angela Leung, DDS – Last reviewed August 19, 2026
Replace missing or failing teeth with a stable, natural-looking smile at Angela Leung DDS PC – The Endodontics Implant Center. Full arch dental implants replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth using a custom restoration supported by dental implants placed in the jawbone. This treatment may be suitable for patients who have lost most or all their teeth, struggle with loose dentures, or have several severely damaged teeth that cannot be predictably saved.
At Angela Leung DDS PC, Dr. Angela Leung evaluates your remaining teeth, bone health, gum condition, and bite before recommending treatment.
[00:00:00.22] – Question
How much does a full arch of dental implants cost?
[00:00:05.15] – Dr. Leung
Full arch implants is a very vague description. Patient is fully dentulus, meaning they have no more teeth on either the upper or lower arch. If you’re talking about just have a simple replacement, then there will be dentures. Getting dentures, a quality set of dentures, I would say anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000, 4,000 per arch. Full arch can be dentures with a couple of implants to support the denture to give it more stability. Anytime you would add implant into the procedure is when the cost will go up. The next type, I would say, would be something called over-dentures, or in the market, people We call it a snap-on denture. The price really depends on how many implants, what type of components that you use to support your denture. If you don’t like the whole removable concept, if it’s fixed, meaning the patient cannot take the teeth in and out, those becomes pricier. Again, price point depends on how many implants and what type of prosthesis. If you’re talking about fixed implants, the average cost out there probably will be somewhere in the $20,000 to $30,000 plus range per arch, if that will give the patient some ideas of the cost.
[00:01:18.22] – Dr. Leung
Whereas overdentures, we can count on about a half of that. We can count on maybe in the $12,000 range.
[00:01:26.11] – Question
How many implants do I need to replace all my teeth on one arch?
[00:01:30.28] – Dr. Leung
Everything really depends on the patient’s anatomy. You can’t really have a template for everybody. The way to start with any of these full large cases, you really have to start evaluating the patient, looking at their CT scans, all the tissues, where the tongue is, the palate, the sinus. There’s a detailed workup before you can even come up with a game plan on how many implants to place, what type of prosthesis to be placed in the patient’s mouth. You have to see the patient, evaluate what we’re dealing with, looking at the CT scans, look at where the anatomy is, what type of bone that we’re working with before you can really come up with a customized plan that would work best.
[00:02:12.11] – Question
Can I get new teeth the same day my teeth are removed?
[00:02:17.11] – Dr. Leung
Yes, there’s a lot of marketing out there by Clear Choice that tells patients like, Oh, you get teeth in a day. You’re not really going to get teeth in a day, at least not the permanent ones. If there’s extractions to be done, you take out the remaining teeth and Let’s say the site in that particular patient, you could put the implants in on the same day, what you’re walking out with is really some a temporary set of teeth, not the final. When they mark it as teeth in a day, you are walking out with something, but it’s still a temporary set of teeth.
[00:02:48.15] – Question
What is the difference between full arch implants and dentures?
[00:02:52.10] – Dr. Leung
It’s a prosthesis that’s just made out of plastic. Sometimes you could use metal, sometimes you could use metal and plastic combined. But the stability and the function of the denture is really relying on your existing tissue and remaining bone, versus full arch implant is you’re setting the foundation with implants as your supporting structure. Whatever you build on it, whether we use a bar, whether you use abutments, rely on the implants and the components that you use to build up the strength and integrity of the prosthesis.
[00:03:25.22] – Question
Am I too old or is my bone too weak for full arch implants?
[00:03:30.25] – Dr. Leung
Can’t answer that question until the patient is seen and looking at CT scans to see what we’re working with. It’s not about age. There are plenty of patients well into their 70s and 80s that have really good bone and they can get implants. Then we see plenty of young patients where their bone is so deteriorated that without any rafting, that they’re not even qualified for implant.
[00:03:53.19] – Question
How do I clean and maintain full arch implant teeth?
[00:03:58.06] – Dr. Leung
It depends on how the prosthesis is designed. It’s hard to answer that question without knowing the specifics of the prosthesis itself. But there are something called superfaus or something called waterpick. Anybody with any fixed type prosthesis, we encourage them to come at least an annual basis, if not twice a year, so we can oversee the hygiene of the prosthesis.
[00:04:22.24] – Question
How painful is full arch surgery and how long until I eat normally?
[00:04:28.14] – Dr. Leung
Usually during the surgery, patients really don’t feel anything because we get the patient out. In terms of when they can eat, typically we advise patients, of course, wait till the anesthesia wears off before they start eating. What we typically recommend is for the first few days to stay on a soft diet. The area will be sore, the gums will be inflamed. So they stay on something like eggs, yogurt, pasta, things that are easy to chew. Most patients do fine on that.
Full arch dental implants are a tooth replacement option for people who are missing all or most of the teeth in one jaw. Instead of placing an individual implant for every missing tooth, a dentist places several implants that support an entire row of replacement teeth.
A full-arch restoration generally consists of three components:
Depending on the treatment plan, a full arch may be supported by four, six, or another appropriate number of implants.
The restoration can be fixed in place or designed as a removable implant-supported denture.
According to the American Dental Association, dental implants provide stable support for replacement teeth and can help restore oral function.
Full arch dental implants may be appropriate for adults who have extensive tooth loss or whose remaining teeth cannot support comfortable, dependable chewing.
Patients commonly consider this treatment because of the following problems:
Not every patient experiencing these problems needs a complete arch replacement.
Some natural teeth may still be worth preserving through appropriate restorative or endodontic treatment.
At Angela Leung DDS PC, the initial evaluation considers both tooth preservation and replacement. Dr. Leung reviews which teeth may be maintained successfully before determining whether a full-arch restoration is justified.
Patients with more extensive damage may also benefit from an evaluation for full mouth reconstruction.
There is more than one way to replace a complete arch of missing teeth. The choice depends on the jawbone, the patient’s health, the desired restoration, cleaning needs, and budget.
All-on-4 is a full-arch treatment approach that uses four dental implants to support a fixed set of replacement teeth in one jaw.
In some cases, the posterior implants are angled to make better use of available bone and accommodate anatomical limitations.
All-on-4 may be suitable when:
There is sufficient bone for the planned implant positions.
Four implants can provide appropriate support for the proposed restoration.
The patient’s bite and chewing forces are compatible with the design.
A fixed full-arch restoration is preferred.
Four implants are not automatically sufficient for every patient. Bone quality, implant stability, and the restorative design must be evaluated individually.
All-on-6 uses six implants to support a full row of replacement teeth.
The additional implants may offer more support points and provide restorative flexibility in selected cases. However, placing more implants does not automatically make the treatment safer, stronger, or more successful.
All-on-6 may be considered when the anatomy, bite forces, or proposed restoration would benefit from additional implant support.
Dr. Leung evaluates the available bone, jaw relationship, chewing forces, and long-term maintenance requirements before recommending the number and placement of implants.
A fixed hybrid full arch is a restoration secured to dental implants that patients do not remove during daily use. It replaces the missing teeth and, when necessary, part of the lost gum contour with a custom prosthesis. A fixed hybrid restoration may be appropriate for patients who want greater stability than traditional removable dentures. Although patients do not take out the restoration at home, a dental professional may remove it when maintenance or repairs are required. Learn more about fixed hybrid full-arch dental implants.
Implant-supported removable dentures attach to dental implants for greater retention than conventional dentures. Patients can remove these restorations for daily cleaning. For some people, implant-supported dentures provide a practical alternative to a fixed full-arch bridge, particularly when cleaning access, anatomy, or treatment costs are important considerations.
| Feature | Fixed Full Arch | Implant-Supported Removable Denture |
|---|---|---|
| Removable by patient | No | Yes |
| Implant support | Commonly 4–6 or more | Varies by design |
| Stability | Fixed to implants | Retained by implants |
| Daily cleaning | Under and around the bridge | Denture removed for cleaning |
| Treatment planning | Surgical and restorative planning required | Surgical and restorative planning required |
| Suitable for | Patients seeking fixed teeth | Patients preferring or needing a removable option |
Neither option is ideal for everyone. A fixed restoration may provide the experience patients want from non-removable teeth, while an implant-supported removable denture may be easier to clean and more appropriate in some clinical situations.
The best treatment is the one that meets your functional needs and can be maintained over time.
Replacing missing teeth with durable artificial implants.
Specialized care for complex dental procedures.
Specialized dental care treating tooth pulp and roots.
Specialized care for gums and supporting structures.
Repairing teeth for function, health, aesthetics.
Enhance smiles with aesthetic and dental treatments.
Precise evaluation of bite alignment and jaw function.
Clear, precise guidance for safe and effective surgery.
Successful implant treatment begins with evaluating the condition of the mouth and determining whether the patient is a suitable candidate.
At Angela Leung DDS PC, the assessment focuses on several important areas.
Dr. Leung evaluates existing teeth for decay, fractures, periodontal problems, infection, and structural damage.
Teeth that can be predictably restored may be preserved when doing so supports the overall treatment plan.
Active gum disease or infection may require treatment before implant placement.
Dental implants need adequate bone support.
Imaging may be used to assess bone dimensions, nearby anatomical structures, and potential implant positions.
When indicated, cone beam imaging provides three-dimensional information that supports implant planning.
Patients with insufficient bone may require bone grafting or another treatment approach.
Full-arch replacement teeth must fit the way the upper and lower jaws function together.
Dr. Leung considers tooth position, jaw relationship, existing wear, clenching, and the amount of space available for the restoration.
These findings help guide implant placement and the design of the replacement teeth.
Medical conditions, medications, tobacco use, and oral hygiene can affect implant healing and long-term outcomes.
Your health history is reviewed before surgery is recommended. Medical clearance or coordination with another healthcare professional may be appropriate for some patients.
Full-arch treatment is not solely about replacing teeth.
The restoration must also support natural-looking facial proportions, comfortable speech, and practical oral hygiene.
Dr. Leung considers smile appearance, lip support, tongue space, and the patient’s ability to clean around the implants.
Full-arch treatment generally includes evaluation, planning, surgery, healing, final restoration, and ongoing maintenance.
The precise sequence varies according to each patient’s condition.
Dr. Leung reviews your dental and medical history, performs a clinical examination, and recommends diagnostic imaging when needed.
The treatment plan identifies which teeth can remain, which may require removal, the proposed implant positions, and the type of final restoration.
Digital implant planning may be used to evaluate implant placement before surgery.
Angela Leung DDS PC also offers guided dental implant placement when appropriate.
Some patients need existing dental problems treated before implant surgery.
Removing teeth that cannot be saved
Treating active periodontal disease or infection
Performing bone grafting when indicated
Allowing damaged tissues to heal
Patients do not all require these procedures. The treatment sequence is based on the findings of the examination.
Dental implants are surgically placed in planned positions within the jawbone.
Local anesthesia is used to manage procedural pain. Additional comfort or sedation options may be discussed according to the patient’s health and treatment need
Patients concerned about dental anxiety can ask about the practice’s sedation dentistry options.
Some patients may receive a temporary fixed restoration shortly after implant placement, including on the same day.
This depends on implant stability, available bone, surgical findings, and the forces the temporary teeth must withstand.
Other patients require a healing period before a fixed restoration can be attached.
During healing, the surrounding bone gradually connects with the implants through a process called osseointegration.
This process can take several months or longer, depending on the individual.
Once the implants have healed sufficiently, the final restoration is fitted and adjusted.
The replacement teeth are designed around the patient’s smile, bite, speech, and cleaning needs.
Adjustments may be required to improve comfort or chewing function.
After the final restoration is delivered, ongoing professional examinations and daily cleaning remain essential.
Implants do not develop cavities like natural teeth, but the surrounding gums and bone can still develop inflammation and infection.
Regular maintenance helps protect the implants and supporting tissues.
Some patients can receive implants and temporary fixed teeth on the same day, but same-day treatment is not appropriate for everyone.
Immediate temporary teeth may be considered when the implants achieve sufficient initial stability and the bite can be managed safely.
Patients with significant infection, inadequate bone, or other healing concerns may need a staged approach.
It is also important to distinguish temporary teeth from the final restoration.
Even when temporary teeth are delivered on surgery day, the definitive prosthesis is commonly completed after additional healing and evaluation.
Angela Leung DDS PC recommends a treatment timeline based on clinical findings rather than promising the same schedule for every patient.
For suitable patients, full-arch implant treatment can improve oral function and replace teeth that are missing or no longer maintainable.
Potential benefits include:
Improved chewing stability: A supported restoration may make eating more comfortable.
Greater denture security: Fixed teeth eliminate the need to remove a traditional denture each day.
Restored smile appearance: Replacement teeth can be customized for shape, color, and position.
Improved speech confidence: Stable teeth may reduce difficulties caused by loose or missing teeth.
Support for jawbone health: Implants transmit functional forces to the surrounding bone, although they cannot prevent every form of future bone loss.
Personalized tooth replacement: The final design considers the patient’s anatomy, appearance, and daily needs.
Individual outcomes depend on overall health, implant integration, prosthetic design, and continued maintenance.
Full-arch implant treatment involves surgery and requires an ongoing commitment to oral care.
Potential complications include infection, delayed healing, implant failure, injury to nearby anatomical structures, prosthetic wear or fracture, and inflammation around the implants.
Smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions, previous periodontal disease, and inadequate oral hygiene can increase certain risks.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s dental implant guidance explains the benefits, limitations, and complications associated with dental implants.
Dr. Leung reviews the potential risks and alternatives as part of the treatment discussion so patients can make informed decisions.
Dental implants are designed for long-term use, but their lifespan varies.
Some implants can function for decades with appropriate care. However, implants and their attached restorations are not guaranteed to last a lifetime.
The final bridge or denture may require adjustments, repairs, or replacement as materials wear over time.
Long-term results depend on factors such as:
Consistent plaque control and oral hygiene
Regular professional implant examinations
Healthy gums and supporting bone
Managing excessive grinding or clenching
Avoiding tobacco use
Prompt treatment of complications
The American Academy of Periodontology emphasizes regular home care and dental follow-up to help prevent problems around dental implants.
The cost of full arch dental implants varies depending on the condition of the mouth, treatment complexity, and the type of restoration selected.
Several factors affect the total investment.
Number of implants: A plan using four implants may have different surgical and component costs from one using six or more implants.
Tooth extractions: Teeth that cannot be preserved may need to be removed before or during implant treatment.
Bone grafting: Additional procedures may be required when available bone is insufficient.
Diagnostic imaging and planning: The case may require detailed imaging and digital treatment planning.
Restoration materials: The materials and design of temporary and final teeth influence the total cost.
Upper or lower arch: Replacing one arch differs from rebuilding both jaws.
Additional procedures and maintenance: Sedation, treatment of existing oral disease, follow-up care, and potential future repairs should be discussed.
A reliable cost estimate requires a clinical examination and an individualized treatment plan.
Angela Leung DDS PC discusses treatment costs before care begins and provides information about payment arrangements and available financing.
Dr. Angela Leung, DDS, FICOI, DICOI, Associate Fellow, AAID, has more than 30 years of dental experience.
Her professional background includes endodontics and implant dentistry, allowing her to evaluate both the preservation of natural teeth and the replacement of teeth that cannot be reliably maintained.
This distinction is especially relevant for patients who have been told that several or all their remaining teeth need to be removed.
The goal is not to replace every tooth automatically. It is to determine which treatment provides a healthy, functional, maintainable result.
At Angela Leung DDS PC – The Endodontics Implant Center, treatment planning may include:
Evaluation of natural teeth before recommending extractions
Assessment of bone and gum health
Digital diagnostic imaging and implant planning when indicated
Personalized implant-supported restorations
Bite and functional assessment
Continued monitoring after treatment
Patients can discuss tooth-saving options, implant placement, and full-arch restoration as parts of a coordinated treatment plan.
We’ll give you a written plan with costs before treatment begins, then help you choose a realistic path forward.
Age by itself usually does not rule you out. Your overall health, healing ability, bone condition, gum health, and daily function matter more than the number on your birthday. Some older patients do very well with full-arch treatment when the case is selected carefully. If you have major medical concerns, smoke heavily, or heal slowly, we factor that into the plan instead of pretending it does not matter. The right next move is a candidacy visit with imaging and a real discussion of risk.
Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. Same-day temporary teeth can work well when implant stability, anatomy, infection control, and bite forces make it realistic. In other cases, slower healing protects the result better. If a provider promises the same timeline for everyone before doing the workup, be careful. The right answer comes after records, not before them.
That does not automatically eliminate you, but it often changes the sequence. Infection may need to be controlled first. Some teeth may need to come out sooner. Some cases need a staged plan instead of a fast one. Bone loss also affects whether a fixed bridge or another option is the better fit. The key is not whether the mouth is difficult. The key is whether the plan matches the difficulty honestly.
They can if the case is designed poorly. Full-arch teeth need the right contour, lip support, tongue space, and bite position. Temporary teeth are useful partly because they let us evaluate comfort, speech, and appearance before the final version is made. If you have strong speech concerns, hide your smile, or worry about an unnatural look, say that early. Those details should shape the design, not be treated as an afterthought.
You will need to clean around the implants and bridge consistently, keep maintenance visits, report sore spots or bite changes early, and follow food and healing instructions during recovery. Some patients also need night protection if they clench. Full-arch implants are strong, but they are not “install and forget.” The better your maintenance plan, the better the result tends to hold up.
Angela Leung DDS PC – The Endodontics Implant Center
1131 Mission Road, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Phone: 415-681-2697
Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Saturday & Sunday closed)
If you’re dealing with missing teeth, failing dental work, or full-mouth breakdown, the fastest relief is clarity.
