Missing teeth
If you're missing several teeth, you may want to understand the options for replacing them and whether full arch treatment is appropriate.
Treatment options
Full arch dental implants
Full arch dental implants support a complete set of replacement teeth in the upper or lower jaw. This page explains fixed teeth supported by implants, including suitability, treatment stages, costs and ongoing care.
If you have many missing teeth, failing teeth or loose dentures, a clinical assessment can help determine whether this option may suit you.
The quiz can help you prepare for a consultation; it cannot confirm suitability.
Planning your treatmentUnderstand the plan for temporary teeth, final teeth and ongoing care.
Full arch implant care
Assessment before treatment
Planning for temporary and final teeth
Long-term aftercare
Suitability
Who may consider full arch implants?
Missing teeth, loose dentures and failing teeth can be reasons to seek advice. They do not, by themselves, establish whether full arch treatment is appropriate.
Loose dentures
If your dentures move or rub, you can ask about alternatives and whether an implant-supported option may suit you.
Failing or broken teeth
If teeth keep breaking or infection keeps returning, an assessment can help establish what can be saved and what may need replacing.
Assessment considers your health, jawbone, gums, bite and remaining teeth, as well as your ability to care for the replacement teeth over time.
Comparing your options
Fixed full arch implants and removable dentures
These options differ in how the teeth are supported, the treatment involved and daily care. The choice depends on your assessment and preferences.
| Consideration | Conventional removable dentures | Fixed full arch implant teeth |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Rest on the gums. Fit and stability vary, and adjustments may be needed. | Supported by implants placed in the jaw. Suitability depends on clinical assessment. |
| Treatment involved | Do not require implant placement. Other dental treatment or extractions may still be needed. | Require implant surgery and time for healing. Additional procedures may be needed. |
| Daily cleaning | Removed for cleaning, with ongoing care of the mouth and gums. | Need cleaning around the implants and beneath the bridge, following professional advice. |
| Ongoing care | Fit should be reviewed; adjustment, relining or replacement may be needed. | Require regular review; the bridge and its components may need repair or replacement. |
Some removable dentures are supported by implants. They are a different option from the fixed teeth described here. Ask which alternatives may suit your mouth and care needs.
Treatment planning
Planning the implants and replacement teeth together
Your treatment plan considers where the implants will be placed and how the replacement teeth will work, look and be cleaned. It should also explain temporary teeth, the final bridge and ongoing maintenance.
If you're also researching All-on-4, read how it relates to full arch treatment and the questions to discuss at an assessment.
All-on-4 explainedWhat your plan should explain
- Whether temporary teeth on the day of surgery may be suitable
- Whether treatment needs separate stages or further assessment
- What the quote includes and what may cost extra
- How to clean and maintain the final bridge
The process
What happens from consultation to aftercare
Your assessment determines whether treatment is appropriate and how it would be staged. The sequence and timing can vary, particularly where healing or additional treatment is needed.
Consultation
Talk through your dental concerns, questions and what you hope treatment could help with.
Assessment and records
Your health, teeth, gums, jawbone and bite are assessed, along with any denture problems and comfort needs.
Your treatment plan
Discuss whether full arch implants may suit you, the proposed stages, and the risks and limitations that apply to you.
Surgery and temporary teeth
Some patients may be suitable for fixed temporary teeth on the day of surgery. Others need treatment in separate stages. Temporary teeth are not the final bridge. Your clinician will explain the timing that applies to you.
Final teeth
Your final bridge is planned around how your teeth work and look, the materials used, and how you will clean and maintain it.
Aftercare
Your replacement teeth need daily cleaning, regular professional review and ongoing maintenance.
Recovery and ongoing care
Some discomfort and swelling can occur after implant surgery. Your recovery instructions should explain eating, cleaning and when to contact the clinic. Follow the advice for your own treatment, including any restrictions while the implants heal.
Temporary teeth and final teeth serve different stages of treatment. The timing of the final bridge depends on healing and the treatment plan. Ongoing care continues after the final teeth are fitted.
Risks to discuss before treatment
Implant treatment carries risks, including infection, an implant not bonding with the bone and, depending on its position, nerve injury. The teeth and components supported by implants may also need repair or replacement. Your clinician should explain the risks relevant to you and the alternatives available.
Cost factors
What affects the cost of full arch implants?
Costs depend on whether you need treatment in one or both jaws, any additional procedures, and the materials used for your replacement teeth. Your quote should explain the treatment stages, what is included and any additional or ongoing costs.
Treatment in one or both jaws
The extent of treatment and whether it takes place in separate stages affect the plan and quote.
Additional procedures
Ask whether extractions, bone grafting or other procedures are needed and how they affect the total cost.
Replacement teeth and ongoing care
Check what is included for temporary teeth, the final bridge, review appointments and maintenance.
Questions about full arch dental implants
These answers are general. A clinical assessment is needed for advice about your own treatment.
Am I suitable for full arch implants?
Suitability for full arch implants depends on your health, jawbone, gums, bite, remaining teeth, denture history and treatment goals. A clinical assessment is needed to determine which options may suit you.
Am I too old for treatment?
Age alone does not determine suitability. Your health, medications and ability to heal are considered as part of a clinical assessment.
Can I get temporary teeth on the day of surgery?
Some patients may be suitable for fixed temporary teeth on the day of surgery. This depends on bone support, implant stability, bite, and health. Temporary teeth are not the final bridge. Ask what the plan would be if fixed temporary teeth cannot be fitted on the day.
What if I don't have enough bone?
Limited bone does not always rule out treatment, but it may change the plan. Further assessment, treatment in stages, bone grafting or referral may be needed.
What affects the cost of full arch implants?
Costs depend on treatment in one or both jaws, any extractions or additional procedures, and the temporary and final teeth required. Ask what the quote includes and what maintenance may cost.
Can I use superannuation for dental treatment?
In limited circumstances, you may be able to apply to the ATO for early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds for eligible dental treatment. Approval is separate from your clinical assessment and is not guaranteed.
Read about early access to superannuationIs treatment painful?
Anaesthesia is used during implant placement. Some discomfort and swelling can occur afterwards. Ask which anaesthetic or sedation options are appropriate for you and what to expect during recovery.
How long do full arch implants last?
There is no guaranteed lifespan. The implants and the teeth they support need ongoing cleaning and review, and the bridge or its components may need repair or replacement. Your clinician can explain the factors that affect longevity in your case.
Next step
Request a consultation
Leave your details and the team will contact you to arrange a consultation. You can discuss your options, questions and the assessment needed before making treatment decisions.