Full-arch permanent teeth by a Yale-trained, board-certified periodontist -- a short drive from Irvine to The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa
Irvine is a city that attracts residents who value planning, precision, and evidence-based decision-making. These same principles define how The Loft Dental Studio approaches All-on-4 dental implant treatment. Located at 3151 Airway Ave Suite F-103 in Costa Mesa -- just 10 to 20 minutes from Irvine neighborhoods via the 405 Freeway or Jamboree Road -- The Loft Dental Studio offers Irvine residents access to specialist-level full-arch implant surgery without the need to travel to Los Angeles or a university hospital.
Dr. Chanook David Ahn, the practice's board-certified periodontist, brings a research-oriented approach to All-on-4 treatment that resonates particularly well with Irvine's highly educated patient population. His Yale School of Medicine residency training, Chief Resident appointment, and current role as UCLA School of Dentistry faculty mean that every treatment decision is grounded in the peer-reviewed evidence base rather than marketing claims or trend-following. Working alongside Dr. Elaine Lu, a board-certified prosthodontist, Dr. Ahn delivers a dual-specialist team approach that produces outcomes comparable to what patients would receive at an academic implant center.
Irvine patients from Woodbridge, Northwood, Turtle Rock, University Park, Quail Hill, Portola Springs, Stonegate, and the neighborhoods surrounding the Irvine Spectrum and UC Irvine campus regularly travel to The Loft Dental Studio for All-on-4 treatment. Many are professionals, academics, or engineers who appreciate the structured, data-driven approach to surgical planning that characterizes Dr. Ahn's practice -- particularly the use of 3D CBCT imaging to plan every implant position before surgery begins.
The All-on-4 protocol emerged from a fundamental problem in implant dentistry: patients who needed full-arch tooth replacement often lacked sufficient bone volume in the posterior jaw to support conventionally placed implants. Traditional approaches required extensive bone grafting -- procedures that added months of healing time, increased surgical risk, and substantially raised the cost of treatment. Many patients were simply told they were not candidates.
The solution, developed by Dr. Paulo Malo and validated through more than two decades of published research, was to use the existing bone more efficiently. Instead of placing implants vertically throughout the arch, the All-on-4 protocol positions two implants vertically in the anterior jaw (where bone density is naturally maintained even after years of tooth loss) and two implants at angles of up to 45 degrees in the posterior regions. This tilted placement engages more bone surface area, avoids the maxillary sinuses and mandibular nerve, and creates a wider prosthetic support base -- all without requiring bone grafts.
For analytically minded Irvine patients, the evidence supporting this approach is compelling. Multiple prospective studies with 10-year or longer follow-up have reported cumulative implant survival rates exceeding 95 percent. The protocol has been adopted by periodontists, oral surgeons, and prosthodontists at major academic institutions worldwide, and it remains the most extensively studied configuration for full-arch immediate loading.
The angulation of the posterior implants is not arbitrary -- it is a precisely calculated surgical decision based on the patient's 3D anatomy. By tilting the implant at 30 to 45 degrees, the surgeon achieves several biomechanical advantages. The implant body traverses a longer diagonal path through the bone, increasing the total bone-to-implant contact surface and enhancing primary stability. The tilt directs the implant tip anteriorly and superiorly, away from the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw and the inferior alveolar nerve canal in the lower jaw. And the prosthetic emergence point shifts posteriorly, reducing the cantilever length of the bridge behind the last implant and distributing occlusal forces more favorably.
These principles are not theoretical -- they are measurable, predictable, and verified through finite element analysis and clinical outcome data. Dr. Ahn applies these biomechanical principles to each patient's unique anatomy using the 3D CBCT data obtained during the planning phase, ensuring that every implant is positioned for optimal long-term function.
One of the most significant patient benefits of the All-on-4 protocol is the immediate loading capability -- the ability to attach a full arch of temporary fixed teeth to the implants on the same day as surgery. For Irvine patients who lead busy professional lives, the prospect of a single surgical appointment rather than months of staged procedures is often a deciding factor.
The immediate loading protocol requires that the implants achieve sufficient primary stability at the time of placement, typically measured at 35 Ncm or higher of insertion torque. When this threshold is met, the pre-fabricated temporary prosthesis is secured to the implants using multi-unit abutments, and the patient leaves the office with a complete set of fixed, non-removable teeth.
The key to successful same-day teeth is the planning that occurs weeks before surgery. At The Loft Dental Studio, Dr. Ahn captures a 3D CBCT scan along with digital impressions and clinical photographs. This data is used to create a comprehensive surgical plan that maps each implant's position, angle, and depth. Dr. Lu simultaneously designs the temporary prosthesis based on the planned implant positions, the patient's facial anatomy, and the desired aesthetic outcome. By the time surgery day arrives, every variable has been accounted for.
The temporary teeth serve the patient well during the four to six month osseointegration period. They are functional for eating (progressing from soft foods to a broader diet over several weeks), speaking, and social interaction. Once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone -- confirmed through clinical testing and follow-up imaging -- the temporary prosthesis is removed and replaced with the final zirconia bridge.
The final restoration is custom-designed by Dr. Lu for each patient, taking into account tooth shape, shade, translucency, gum tissue contour, and bite alignment. Monolithic zirconia is the material of choice for most cases, offering exceptional strength (withstanding bite forces exceeding 900 MPa), natural aesthetics, and long-term stain resistance. The result is a prosthesis that is virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Visit The Loft Dental Studio for a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Ahn and Dr. Lu
Book Your ConsultationThe question of whether to place four or six implants per arch is one that Irvine patients frequently ask, and it is a question that Dr. Ahn answers with data rather than dogma. Both configurations have strong clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness, and the choice depends on the individual patient's anatomy and functional profile.
The four-implant configuration is appropriate when posterior bone loss limits implant placement options, when the jaw arch is average or smaller in size, and when the bone density supports excellent primary stability with four fixtures. It is the most studied protocol and carries the largest body of long-term evidence.
The six-implant configuration adds two posterior implants, distributing forces across more support points. This is advantageous for patients with wider or longer jaw arches, those with bruxism (habitual clenching or grinding), or when posterior bone volume permits additional implant placement without grafting. The additional implants provide redundancy -- if one implant were to encounter difficulty over decades of function, the remaining five can continue to support the prosthesis.
Dr. Ahn makes this recommendation based on quantitative data from the 3D CBCT scan (bone volume, density, and anatomy), clinical assessment of bite forces and parafunctional habits, and the prosthetic design requirements communicated by Dr. Lu. Irvine patients appreciate this systematic approach, and the recommendation is always explained with supporting evidence so that the decision is fully informed.
Irvine residents navigating the landscape of All-on-4 providers will encounter significant variation in the qualifications of practitioners offering this procedure. Understanding these differences is essential for making an informed choice, because the technical demands of All-on-4 surgery are substantial and the consequences of poor execution are serious.
Board-certified periodontists complete three years of full-time residency training beyond dental school, focused exclusively on surgical management of the tissues that support teeth and implants: bone, gum tissue, and the periodontal ligament. This training includes hundreds of supervised implant cases, bone grafting and regeneration procedures, and the management of complex surgical situations. Board certification through the American Board of Periodontology adds a layer of verified competency through rigorous written and oral examinations.
Dr. Chanook David Ahn's credentials are among the strongest of any periodontist performing All-on-4 procedures in Orange County. His residency at Yale School of Medicine placed him in one of the most competitive training environments in the country, where the complexity and volume of surgical cases exceeded what most residency programs provide. His appointment as Chief Resident -- a role given to the resident who demonstrates the highest level of clinical ability and leadership -- further distinguished his training.
Board certification confirmed his expertise through examination, and his faculty appointment at UCLA School of Dentistry keeps him actively engaged in teaching, research review, and evidence-based protocol development. For Irvine patients who value credentials and rigor, Dr. Ahn's profile provides a clear basis for confidence in the surgical outcome.
The collaboration with Dr. Elaine Lu adds prosthodontic specialty expertise to every case. Dr. Lu's training in full-arch prosthetic design, occlusion, and dental materials ensures that the final restoration is engineered for both aesthetics and longevity. This dual-specialist model -- where the surgeon and the restorative specialist each contribute their focused expertise -- produces outcomes that exceed what any single practitioner can achieve.
At The Loft Dental Studio, every All-on-4 case begins with a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan -- a low-dose 3D X-ray that produces a complete volumetric map of the patient's jaw anatomy. This imaging modality captures data that conventional two-dimensional radiographs cannot: precise bone measurements in all three dimensions, bone density at each potential implant site, the exact positions of the maxillary sinuses and mandibular nerve canals, and the spatial relationship between existing teeth, roots, and the surrounding bone.
Using specialized planning software, Dr. Ahn maps the optimal position, angle, depth, and diameter of each implant on the virtual 3D model. This plan is integrated with Dr. Lu's prosthetic design, ensuring that the implants support the bridge in the ideal positions for function and aesthetics. The surgical plan is finalized before the patient enters the operating room, reducing surgical time, improving precision, and minimizing the likelihood of intraoperative complications.
For Irvine patients with complex anatomy -- such as low-hanging maxillary sinuses, prominent nerve canals, or asymmetric bone resorption -- this level of planning is not optional; it is essential. The 3D data allows Dr. Ahn to identify and plan around anatomical challenges that would be invisible on a standard panoramic X-ray, ensuring that each implant is placed in the safest and most biomechanically favorable position available.
A central advantage of the All-on-4 protocol is its ability to treat patients with moderate to significant bone loss without requiring a separate bone grafting procedure. The tilted posterior implants engage dense anterior bone and bypass the regions of greatest resorption, allowing many patients to proceed directly to implant placement.
For patients whose bone loss exceeds the capacity of the standard All-on-4 angulation strategy, Dr. Ahn offers two additional pathways. Targeted bone augmentation uses guided bone regeneration, particulate grafting, or block grafting to rebuild bone volume in specific areas. These procedures may be performed simultaneously with implant placement or as a staged preliminary procedure, depending on the degree of deficiency.
For patients with extreme upper jaw bone loss -- where the maxillary ridge has resorbed to the point that neither conventional nor tilted implants can achieve adequate anchorage -- zygomatic implants provide a solution. These specialized implants, ranging from 30 to 52.5 millimeters in length, bypass the deficient maxillary bone entirely and anchor into the zygomatic bone (cheekbone). The zygomatic bone maintains its density regardless of maxillary resorption, providing a stable foundation that eliminates the need for extensive bone grafting.
Zygomatic implant placement is an advanced procedure performed by a limited number of surgeons with specific training. Dr. Ahn evaluates whether zygomatic implants are appropriate during the CBCT planning phase. For Irvine patients who have been told by other providers that they cannot receive implants due to bone loss, a consultation at The Loft Dental Studio may identify options that were not previously considered.
Dr. Ahn provides every patient with a detailed recovery protocol before surgery. On the day of the procedure, patients leave with their temporary teeth in place and prescriptions for pain management and infection prevention. Most Irvine patients report that the first two to three days require prescribed pain medication, followed by a transition to over-the-counter analgesics. Swelling peaks at 48 to 72 hours and typically resolves within seven to ten days.
Diet during the first four to six weeks is limited to soft foods: scrambled eggs, soups, pasta, smoothies, yogurt, and similar items that do not place significant force on the healing implants. As osseointegration progresses, Dr. Ahn gradually expands the dietary allowances based on clinical evaluation at follow-up appointments.
The All-on-4 protocol has been studied more extensively than almost any other implant configuration. Published meta-analyses report cumulative implant survival rates of 95 to 98 percent at five to ten years. The titanium implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper maintenance, while the prosthetic zirconia bridge typically serves the patient for 15 to 20 years before requiring replacement.
Long-term success depends on consistent professional maintenance -- typically every three to four months -- during which the implants, prosthesis, and surrounding tissues are examined, cleaned, and evaluated. The Loft Dental Studio provides a structured maintenance program that ensures the investment is protected and any emerging issues are addressed before they become significant problems.
All-on-4 dental implants at The Loft Dental Studio range from $20,000 to $35,000 per arch, encompassing the complete treatment from initial evaluation through final prosthesis delivery. This includes 3D CBCT imaging, all surgical and prosthetic appointments, the same-day temporary teeth, healing-phase follow-up visits, and the final zirconia bridge. All-on-6 treatment may carry a slightly higher fee due to the additional implants.
The total investment depends on case-specific variables: the number of extractions required, whether localized bone grafting is indicated, the prosthetic material selected for the final bridge, and sedation preferences. Dr. Ahn provides an itemized treatment plan after the initial consultation, ensuring that Irvine patients have complete cost transparency before making any commitment.
Financing through CareCredit and Lending Club is available, with monthly payment plans that make treatment accessible. When evaluating the All-on-4 investment, Irvine patients often compare it to the cumulative lifetime cost of removable dentures -- including relines every two to three years, adhesives, repairs, and eventual replacement -- and find that the long-term economics favor the permanent implant solution, in addition to the immeasurable quality-of-life improvements.
All-on-4 was designed to expand the eligibility criteria for full-arch implant treatment. Candidates typically include patients who are fully edentulous (toothless) in one or both arches, patients with a failing dentition requiring comprehensive extraction, patients dissatisfied with removable dentures, and patients with moderate to significant bone loss who wish to avoid or minimize bone grafting.
General health considerations include the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes (which should be well controlled), cardiovascular disease (stable), and osteoporosis (medication history reviewed). Active smoking is a significant risk factor that impairs healing, and patients are strongly encouraged to stop smoking before and after surgery. Bisphosphonate medications require careful evaluation due to their effects on bone metabolism.
The definitive evaluation requires 3D CBCT imaging, which allows Dr. Ahn to assess bone volume, density, and anatomy with precision. Irvine patients who have been declined for implant treatment elsewhere -- particularly due to bone loss -- may find that the All-on-4 technique or zygomatic implant option provides a viable path to permanent full-mouth rehabilitation.
The Loft Dental Studio at 3151 Airway Ave Suite F-103, Costa Mesa, is conveniently accessible from all Irvine neighborhoods. Patients from Woodbridge and the areas near Irvine City Hall typically reach the office in approximately 12 to 15 minutes via the 405 Freeway (northbound, exit Bristol Street). Northwood and Portola Springs residents can take the 261 Toll Road to the 405, arriving in about 15 to 18 minutes. Turtle Rock and the neighborhoods near UC Irvine are approximately 10 to 12 minutes away via University Drive and the 405 or via Campus Drive and Jamboree Road.
Patients from the Irvine Spectrum, Great Park, and Stonegate neighborhoods in southern Irvine typically travel 15 to 20 minutes via the 405 or the 5 Freeway to the 55. Quail Hill and Shady Canyon residents can take Laguna Canyon Road to the 73 Toll Road or take the 405, reaching the office in about 15 minutes.
The office's South Coast Metro location means that many Irvine residents who work in the Costa Mesa/South Coast Plaza business district can schedule appointments during their workday. Patients from nearby Tustin, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Lake Forest, and Mission Viejo also travel to The Loft Dental Studio for specialist-level All-on-4 care.
Contact The Loft Dental Studio for your comprehensive All-on-4 evaluation with Dr. Ahn
Call (714) 549-7030The Loft Dental Studio is located at 3151 Airway Ave Suite F-103 in Costa Mesa, approximately 10 to 20 minutes from most Irvine neighborhoods. Woodbridge and central Irvine are about 12 to 15 minutes via the 405 Freeway. Turtle Rock and the UC Irvine area are about 10 to 12 minutes via University Drive. The Irvine Spectrum and Great Park communities are approximately 15 to 20 minutes away. The office is in the South Coast Metro area near South Coast Plaza.
Complete All-on-4 treatment at The Loft Dental Studio ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 per arch, covering 3D CBCT imaging, surgical implant placement, same-day temporary teeth, all follow-up appointments, and the final zirconia bridge. Learn more about the All-on-4 procedure and pricing. Cost variables include the number of extractions, bone augmentation needs, material selection, and sedation preferences. CareCredit and Lending Club financing is available.
Dr. Ahn completed his periodontics residency at Yale School of Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident. He is board certified through the American Board of Periodontology and serves as clinical faculty at UCLA School of Dentistry. His training includes extensive experience with full-arch implant cases, complex surgical planning, zygomatic implant placement, and advanced bone regeneration techniques. The dual-specialist team with Dr. Lu (prosthodontist) ensures both surgical and prosthetic excellence.
Yes. The All-on-4 protocol at The Loft Dental Studio uses immediate loading, meaning a full arch of temporary fixed teeth is attached to the implants on surgery day. This requires that the implants achieve adequate primary stability (typically 35 Ncm or higher insertion torque). The pre-surgical planning using 3D CBCT imaging and digital design ensures that the temporary prosthesis is ready before the procedure begins. The final zirconia bridge is delivered after four to six months of osseointegration.
All-on-4 implants offer substantial advantages over removable dentures. The fixed bridge restores approximately 90 percent of natural biting force (compared to 20 to 25 percent with conventional dentures), eliminates the need for adhesives, prevents ongoing jawbone resorption, and removes the palatal plate that interferes with taste sensation and speech clarity. For Irvine patients who have experienced the limitations of removable dentures, All-on-4 represents a permanent upgrade in function and quality of life. Learn more about implant-supported alternatives to dentures.
The All-on-4 protocol was specifically engineered for patients with bone loss. The tilted posterior implants engage denser bone in the front of the jaw and avoid the sinuses and nerves, allowing treatment to proceed in many cases where conventional vertical implants cannot. For patients with extreme upper jaw bone loss, zygomatic implants anchored in the cheekbone provide an alternative that bypasses the deficient bone entirely. Dr. Ahn's training in bone regeneration offers additional options. Irvine patients who have been declined elsewhere should consider a specialist consultation to explore these advanced solutions.