Full arch dental implants, also called a fixed implant-supported prosthesis, replace an entire upper or lower row of teeth with a single bridge anchored to titanium posts in your jawbone. The approach grew out of decades of research on how bone bonds with titanium, and angled-implant techniques now let dentists support a full arch with fewer posts. At North County Aesthetics & Implants, Dr. Khizer Hafeez, DDS, uses this approach to help patients in San Marcos and Rancho Bernardo replace failing or missing teeth with a smile that stays put.
Full Arch Dental Implants
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Khizer Hafeez, DDS, comes from a family of physicians and surgeons, and he chose dentistry after shadowing his uncle, a world-renowned dental implant surgeon. A graduate of New York University College of Dentistry, he takes an evidence-based approach shaped by his research background and ongoing implant training. He practices alongside Dr. Dariyan Ayazi, DDS, who brings advanced restorative and cosmetic training to the team. Together, they carry on Dr. Nelson Howard’s legacy, who opened the San Marcos and Rancho Bernardo offices in 1992 and trusted them to uphold his standard of care.
Signs You May Need Full Arch Implants
You may be a good candidate if you’ve lost most of your teeth or if the ones you have are failing due to decay or gum disease. Other common signs include dentures that slip or cause sore spots, trouble chewing foods you enjoy, and a more sunken-looking face as your jawbone shrinks.
This treatment addresses these problems by replacing the whole arch with teeth anchored in your bone. Because implants replace your natural tooth roots, they restore steady chewing power and help keep your jawbone from shrinking.
You're Not Alone in This
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The CDC’s 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report shows complete tooth loss rising from 1.2% among adults ages 35 to 49 to 5.9% among adults ages 50 to 64, and 11.4% among adults ages 65 to 74. For adults 75 and older, the rate reaches 19.7%. Tooth loss becomes more common with age, so it isn’t a personal failing, and well-established ways can restore your smile.
When should you see a dentist?
You don’t need to wait for an emergency. MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, advises, “See a dentist if your dentures do not fit correctly.” The same applies if you’re missing most of your teeth, have loose teeth, ongoing gum pain, or trouble chewing. This is general guidance, not a diagnosis, so a simple exam can show whether full arch treatment makes sense for you.
Full Arch Treatment Options We Offer
Every mouth is different, so there’s more than one way to restore a full arch with dental implants. After a full exam, Dr. Hafeez will recommend the option that fits your bone structure, bite, and goals.
What Happens at Each Appointment
Talking Through Your Health and Smile Goals
Your visit starts with a conversation about your health, your frustrations, and what you want your smile to look like. Dr. Hafeez examines your teeth, gums, and jaw, and we take 3D scans to measure your bone and map possible implant positions. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, so you leave knowing what treatment involves and what it may cost.
Choosing Between All-on-4, All-on-6, and More
Once we review your scans, Dr. Hafeez helps you compare All-on-4, All-on-6, and other approaches, then builds a plan around your bone and bite. It covers the number of implants, the type of replacement teeth, and a clear start-to-finish timeline. If you need extractions or extra preparation, we explain that up front so you can decide with confidence.
Having Your Implants Placed Comfortably
On the day of your procedure, we focus on keeping you relaxed, and sedation dentistry is available in San Marcos and Rancho Bernardo if dental visits make you anxious. Dr. Hafeez removes any damaged teeth (tooth extractions when needed), places the implants, and attaches temporary teeth when appropriate. Over the next few months, your implants fuse with your jawbone, and we fit your final custom teeth for a precise, natural look.
Checking Your Healing and Bite Over Time
We see you soon after your procedure to check your healing and make sure your bite feels right. After we place your final teeth, regular visits let us inspect your implants, clean your restoration, and catch small problems early. Routine checkups are the best way to keep your new teeth strong for years to come.
Prevention & Hygiene Education
Protecting your remaining teeth and gums now can help prevent tooth loss from worsening. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and keep up with routine checkups so we can catch decay and gum disease early. Once you have implants, the same habits matter even more, since implants can still develop gum disease. Stick to soft foods while you heal, clean around your bridge every day with the tools we recommend, and avoid chewing ice or other very hard items.
Popular Home Remedies and DIY Approaches
Many people with sore gums or loose teeth turn to home fixes. Salt-water rinses are popular for soothing and cleaning the gums, and over-the-counter denture adhesives are widely used to hold a loose denture in place. These options appeal because they’re inexpensive and don’t require an appointment. They can offer short-term comfort, but they don’t treat the cause, such as infection, bone loss, or a poor fit.
Myth Busting
A common belief is that a strong adhesive can make a loose denture work like new. Research indicates it’s only a short-term fix. The FDA’s guidance on denture adhesives warns that “prolonged use of ill-fitting dentures may lead to an increase in bone loss.” The American Dental Association likewise describes adhesive as possibly only a temporary answer to a poor fit. That’s why an exam is a better next step than another tube.
Cost & Insurance
Many people find that insurance benefits and financing make full arch treatment more manageable than they expected. The figures below are industry averages, not a quote for treatment at North County Aesthetics & Implants.
Industry Average Pricing
Full arch pricing varies widely across the country because it depends on the number of implants, the materials used, and whether extractions or bone preparation are needed first. Published averages vary widely by source and region, so a personal exam is the only reliable way to see what treatment would involve. These are general industry factors, not a quote. To learn how we’ve made care more accessible than most, or to confirm exact plans and rates, please contact our team.
Common Insurance Providers
The National Association of Dental Plans reports that nearly 284 million Americans have some form of dental benefit, and dental PPO plans make up 89% of commercial enrollment. In California, the state marketplace Covered California lists Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, DentaQuest, Delta Dental of California, and Humana among its 2027 dental carriers. These lists reflect general industry offerings, not a promise about which plans we accept or what your plan covers. To verify whether we accept your insurance or payment method, please speak with a member of our team.
FAQs
What is a full arch dental implant?
This treatment replaces all the teeth on your upper or lower jaw with a bridge supported by a few implants. The bridge connects to the posts and stays fixed, so it feels and works much more like natural teeth than removable dentures do. Your dentist plans each case with 3D imaging, so the number and position of implants match your bone.
Are full arch dental implants worth it?
For many people, yes. They offer a stable, long-lasting way to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and help protect your jawbone from shrinking over time. The upfront investment is higher than traditional dentures. Still, you also avoid slipping, adhesives, and repeated adjustments, which is why many patients feel the comfort, durability, and confidence are worth it.
Do full arch dental implants include the top and bottom?
It can include either one or both. Some patients replace only one arch because the other still has healthy teeth, while others restore both arches for a matching smile. After examining your mouth, Dr. Hafeez will recommend the approach that best fits your health, goals, and budget.
How many teeth are in a full arch implant?
A full arch restoration often includes about 12 replacement teeth per arch, enough for a complete, natural-looking smile. The exact number depends on your jaw size, bite, and your dentist’s recommended design. Those teeth attach to just a few implants, so you get a full set without needing one implant for every tooth.
How much are full arch implants?
Cost depends on how many arches you’re treating, the number of implants, the materials used, and whether you need extractions or bone preparation first. Because every mouth is different, the most accurate answer comes from an exam and a personalized treatment plan. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and ask about payment options that may fit your budget.
Replace Missing Teeth With a Smile That Stays Put!
Full arch dental implants can change how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile every day. Dr. Khizer Hafeez, DDS, and the team at North County Aesthetics & Implants are ready to answer your questions. Call San Marcos at 858.758.4860 or Rancho Bernardo at 858.422.1444, or request your appointment online today, and follow us on Facebook for patient stories and updates.