Full-Arch Dental Implants: What to Expect with All-on-4 in La Mirada
Full-arch dental implants replace an entire upper or lower row of teeth using 4 to 6 implants that support a fixed prosthesis. At La Mirada One Dental, the process includes a CBCT-guided consultation, surgical placement (often with same-day temporary teeth), 3 to 6 months of healing, and a final permanent prosthesis.
Full-arch dental implants replace an entire upper or lower row of teeth using 4 to 6 implants that support a fixed prosthesis. At La Mirada One Dental, the process includes a CBCT-guided consultation, surgical placement (often with same-day temporary teeth), 3 to 6 months of healing, and a final permanent prosthesis. It is a stable, long-term alternative to traditional dentures.
A grandmother from Cerritos came in last spring frustrated with a lower denture that slipped every time she laughed at her grandkids. She wanted to know if there was a way to eat carne asada at family gatherings without worrying about her teeth. That is the exact moment most people start asking about full-arch implants.
In our office, we walk patients through this slowly. No rush. The decision deserves real conversation.
What are full-arch dental implants?
Full-arch dental implants are a fixed set of replacement teeth secured by 4 to 6 implants placed into the jawbone. The prosthesis stays in your mouth. You do not take it out at night like a denture.
You may hear different names for this treatment: All-on-4, All-on-6, implant-supported denture, hybrid prosthesis, or "teeth in a day." They all describe variations of the same concept. According to peer-reviewed research on the All-on-4 protocol pioneered by Maló and colleagues, a full arch can be supported by as few as four strategically angled implants, which often eliminates the need for bone grafting in the back of the jaw.
Fixed, not floating. That is the key difference.
Who is a good candidate for full-arch implants?
Most adults missing all or nearly all teeth in an arch are candidates. We also see strong candidates among:
Patients with advanced periodontal disease and failing teeth
Long-time denture wearers tired of slipping, sore spots, or adhesive
Patients who have lost multiple teeth over the years and want one comprehensive solution
Health factors matter. Controlled diabetes is fine. Non-smokers heal better, and according to CDC and peer-reviewed implant literature, smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure. Bone volume is reviewed during your CBCT 3D scan, and when bone is limited we discuss grafting or, in rare cases, zygomatic options.
If you are unsure, a consultation gives you a real answer. No guessing.
What does the full-arch implant process look like step by step?
The treatment unfolds over several months, but the surgical phase is typically completed in a single day. Here is what to expect.
Step 1: Consultation and 3D imaging
We take a CBCT scan to map your jawbone, sinuses, and nerves in three dimensions. This guides every decision that follows.
Step 2: Treatment planning
Dr. Park reviews the scan with you, plans implant positions, and identifies any teeth that need extraction or sites that need grafting.
Step 3: Surgical placement
Failing teeth are removed (if needed), 4 to 6 implants are placed, and a temporary fixed prosthesis is often attached the same day. Many patients walk out with teeth.
Step 4: Healing and osseointegration
According to American Dental Association patient resources, osseointegration (the fusion of bone to implant) typically takes 3 to 6 months. During this window you wear the temporary prosthesis.
Step 5: Final permanent prosthesis
Once healing is complete, the final prosthesis (usually zirconia or acrylic hybrid) is fitted. This is the one you keep for the long haul.
How long is recovery after full-arch implant surgery?
Recovery is more comfortable than most people expect. Here is the general pattern.
First 72 hours: Mild swelling, soft diet (think mashed potatoes, eggs, smoothies), and prescribed pain control. Most patients are back to work within a few days.
Weeks 1 to 2: Soft foods continue. We see you for a follow-up to check healing.
Months 1 to 6: You wear the temporary prosthesis while the implants integrate with bone. Normal activities, normal life.
Long-term: Nightly cleaning under the prosthesis with a water flosser and regular hygiene visits at our office.
Healing is a marathon, not a sprint. We pace it with you.
How do full-arch implants compare to traditional dentures?
Both replace missing teeth. That is where the similarity ends.
Stability. Full-arch implants are fixed in place. Dentures rest on gums and rely on suction or adhesive.
Bone preservation. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry notes that implants provide the functional stimulation natural tooth roots once gave the jawbone. Conventional dentures, by contrast, are associated with accelerated alveolar bone resorption over time, according to research published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.
Chewing and diet. Implant patients eat steak, apples, corn on the cob. Denture patients often avoid those foods.
Long-term cost. Dentures cost less upfront. Implants cost more upfront but typically need fewer replacements and adjustments over the years.
What does full-arch implant treatment cost in Southeast LA County?
Costs vary based on several factors:
Materials used (acrylic hybrid is more affordable, zirconia is premium)
Whether extractions or bone grafting are needed
One arch versus both arches
Sedation choices
We give every patient a written treatment plan after consultation. No surprise numbers. We accept most major PPOs, offer CareCredit financing, and have an in-house membership plan that helps offset the cost of restorative work for patients without traditional insurance.
For patients driving in from Cerritos, Norwalk, Whittier, or Buena Park along Interstate 5 or Beach Boulevard, our office on Imperial Highway is easy to reach. Saturday appointments help working families fit consultations into busy weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many implants are needed for a full arch?
Most full-arch cases use 4 to 6 implants per arch. The All-on-4 protocol uses four implants placed at strategic angles, while All-on-6 distributes force across six. Dr. Park decides the right number based on your CBCT scan, bone density, and bite forces.
Will I leave the office with teeth on the same day?
In most cases, yes. We place a temporary fixed prosthesis the day of surgery so you never leave without teeth. The final permanent prosthesis is fitted a few months later, after the implants fully integrate with the bone.
Can I get full-arch implants if I have worn dentures for years?
Often yes, though long-term denture wear can cause bone loss. We use 3D imaging to measure remaining bone. If volume is low, options like bone grafting or the angled All-on-4 approach can usually still make implants possible.
How long do full-arch implants last?
The implants themselves have long-term success rates above 95% in healthy patients, according to systematic reviews cited by the NIDCR. The prosthesis on top may need refurbishing or replacement after 10 to 20 years depending on materials and care.
Does insurance cover All-on-4 treatment?
Most PPO plans cover portions of the treatment (extractions, some restorative components) but rarely cover the full cost. We help you understand your benefits, file the claims, and offer financing through CareCredit or our in-house membership plan to bridge the rest.
Ready to talk through your options?
If you are considering full-arch implants and want a straightforward consultation with Dr. Park, call La Mirada One Dental at (562) 777-1234 or visit us at 14930 E Imperial Hwy, Suite D, La Mirada, CA 90638. We will walk you through the scan, the plan, and the numbers in one visit. No pressure, just answers.