Full-arch permanent teeth placed by a Yale-trained, board-certified periodontist -- minutes from Newport Beach at The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa
Newport Beach residents expect the highest standard of care in every aspect of their lives, and dental treatment should be no exception. When it comes to All-on-4 dental implants -- a complex surgical procedure that replaces an entire arch of teeth with a permanent, fixed prosthesis supported by four titanium implants -- the qualifications of the surgeon and the quality of the treatment planning are the single most important factors in determining the outcome.
The Loft Dental Studio, located at 3151 Airway Ave Suite F-103 in neighboring Costa Mesa, is just minutes from Newport Beach via Newport Boulevard or the 73 Toll Road. The practice is led by Dr. Chanook David Ahn, a Yale-trained, board-certified periodontist and UCLA faculty member who brings an academic level of surgical expertise to every All-on-4 case. Working alongside Dr. Elaine Lu, a board-certified prosthodontist, Dr. Ahn delivers a dual-specialist approach to full-arch implant treatment that Newport Beach patients recognize as a meaningful step above what most private practices can offer.
Patients traveling from Corona del Mar, the Balboa Peninsula, Newport Coast, the Eastbluff and Big Canyon communities, and the neighborhoods surrounding Fashion Island consistently find that the short drive to Costa Mesa gives them access to a caliber of implant surgery and prosthetic design that would otherwise require a trip to a university medical center. With a 5.0-star Google rating across more than 107 reviews, The Loft Dental Studio's track record speaks for itself.
The All-on-4 concept is built on a deceptively simple principle: rather than placing six, eight, or more implants to support a full arch of teeth -- which requires substantial bone volume throughout the jaw -- the protocol uses just four implants positioned at strategic angles to achieve the same result. Two implants are placed vertically in the anterior (front) region of the jaw, where bone is naturally thickest. Two additional implants are placed in the posterior (back) region at angles of up to 45 degrees, engaging a longer surface of available bone and avoiding the maxillary sinuses (upper jaw) or the inferior alveolar nerve (lower jaw).
This tilted implant approach was developed by Dr. Paulo Malo and validated through more than 20 years of published clinical research. The protocol made permanent, fixed full-arch teeth accessible to a dramatically wider population of patients -- including those who had previously been told they did not have enough bone for implants. For Newport Beach patients who have been wearing removable dentures or tolerating a failing dentition because they believed implants were not an option, the All-on-4 protocol frequently represents a turning point.
The posterior implants in the All-on-4 configuration are not tilted arbitrarily. Their angulation is a calculated biomechanical decision that accomplishes three objectives simultaneously. First, the tilt increases the bone-to-implant contact surface by engaging the implant body along a diagonal path through the bone, effectively using a longer implant than would be possible with vertical placement in the same anatomical region. Second, the angled trajectory directs the implant tip away from critical structures -- the sinus floor above and the nerve canal below -- eliminating the need for sinus lift surgery or nerve repositioning. Third, the prosthetic emergence point of the tilted implant is positioned further posterior in the arch, widening the support base for the bridge and reducing the length of the cantilever extension behind the last implant.
These biomechanical advantages translate directly into clinical benefits for the patient: fewer surgical procedures, shorter total treatment time, reduced cost, and high long-term predictability. The evidence base supporting this approach is among the strongest in implant dentistry, with published studies reporting implant survival rates consistently above 95 percent at 10-year follow-up.
For Newport Beach patients accustomed to efficiency and results, the immediate loading capability of All-on-4 is particularly appealing. When the implants achieve sufficient primary stability at the time of placement -- measured by insertion torque values -- a pre-fabricated temporary prosthesis is attached to the implants on the same day as surgery. The patient leaves the office with a full set of fixed, non-removable teeth.
This immediate loading protocol requires meticulous pre-surgical planning. At The Loft Dental Studio, the process begins weeks before surgery day with a comprehensive evaluation that includes 3D CBCT imaging, digital impressions, facial analysis, and a collaborative planning session between Dr. Ahn and Dr. Lu. The temporary prosthesis is designed and fabricated in advance, accounting for the patient's facial proportions, lip line, midline, and desired tooth shape and shade.
The same-day temporary teeth are functional from the moment they are placed. Patients can speak normally and eat soft foods immediately, progressing to a broader diet as healing advances over the following weeks. The temporary prosthesis is typically made from high-quality acrylic or reinforced composite, designed to withstand normal function during the four to six months of osseointegration -- the biological process during which the titanium implants fuse permanently with the jawbone.
Once osseointegration is confirmed through clinical testing and radiographic evaluation, the temporary prosthesis is replaced with the final bridge. For Newport Beach patients, the final restoration is typically crafted from monolithic zirconia -- a material that combines exceptional strength with natural translucency and stain resistance. Dr. Lu's expertise in prosthodontics ensures that the final bridge is designed for optimal aesthetics, precise bite alignment, and long-term durability. The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions remarkably close to natural teeth.
Newport Beach patients -- contact The Loft Dental Studio for a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Ahn
Book Your ConsultationThe choice between four and six implants per arch is not a matter of personal preference -- it is a clinical decision based on anatomy, bone density, jaw dimensions, and functional demands. Dr. Ahn evaluates each Newport Beach patient individually using 3D CBCT imaging and clinical examination to determine the optimal protocol.
All-on-4 is the established standard for patients with moderate posterior bone loss, smaller jaw arches, or when the priority is to minimize surgical complexity and cost. Four implants provide an excellent foundation when bone density is favorable and the prosthetic span is within the recommended biomechanical parameters.
All-on-6 adds two additional implants in the posterior region, creating six support points instead of four. This configuration distributes functional forces more broadly, which is advantageous for patients with larger jaw arches, those who habitually clench or grind their teeth, or when the available bone permits the placement of additional fixtures without requiring grafting. The additional implants also provide structural redundancy -- a margin of safety that some patients value highly.
At The Loft Dental Studio, this decision is never made in isolation. Dr. Ahn and Dr. Lu review the 3D imaging data together, discuss the prosthetic design requirements, and arrive at a recommendation that balances surgical predictability, long-term stability, and the patient's individual goals. The recommendation is always explained in detail so that the patient understands the reasoning and can make an informed decision.
Newport Beach patients researching All-on-4 will encounter a wide range of providers offering this treatment -- from general dentists with weekend implant courses to oral surgeons and periodontists with years of residency training. The differences in qualification are significant and directly affect outcomes.
A board-certified periodontist has completed three additional years of full-time residency training beyond dental school, focused on the surgical management of bone, gum tissue, and the periodontal structures that support teeth and implants. This training includes extensive hands-on experience with implant placement, bone grafting, soft tissue procedures, and the management of complex and medically compromised cases.
Dr. Chanook David Ahn's training trajectory places him among the most qualified periodontists in Southern California for All-on-4 procedures. His periodontics residency at Yale School of Medicine -- where he was selected as Chief Resident -- provided intensive training in the most complex implant and regenerative cases. Board certification through the American Board of Periodontology confirmed his mastery through rigorous examination. His ongoing role as clinical faculty at UCLA School of Dentistry keeps him connected to the latest evidence-based protocols and teaching methodologies.
For a procedure as consequential as All-on-4, where four implants must be placed at precise angles in a single surgical session, the surgeon's training and experience are the most important variables in the equation. Newport Beach patients who value precision, evidence-based care, and specialist-level expertise consistently choose The Loft Dental Studio for this reason.
Every All-on-4 case at The Loft Dental Studio begins with a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan that produces a three-dimensional volumetric image of the patient's complete jaw anatomy. This imaging modality provides information that traditional two-dimensional X-rays cannot: precise measurements of bone height and width at every potential implant site, bone density values, the exact positions of the maxillary sinuses and mandibular nerve canals, and the relationship between existing teeth and the surrounding bone.
Dr. Ahn uses the CBCT data to create a virtual surgical plan that specifies the position, angle, depth, and diameter of each implant. This plan is coordinated with Dr. Lu's prosthetic design, ensuring that the implants are placed not only where the bone is most favorable, but also where they will provide optimal support for the final bridge. The result is a treatment plan that works backward from the desired aesthetic and functional outcome to determine the ideal surgical approach.
For Newport Beach patients, this level of pre-surgical planning provides both precision and peace of mind. There are no surprises on surgery day. The implant positions have been determined, the prosthetic design has been finalized, and the entire treatment team understands the plan before the first incision is made.
Many Newport Beach patients seeking All-on-4 treatment have experienced years of bone loss following tooth extraction, long-term denture wear, or advanced periodontal disease. The All-on-4 protocol was designed with these patients in mind -- the tilted posterior implants engage existing bone and bypass the areas of greatest resorption, often eliminating the need for separate bone grafting procedures.
However, some patients present with bone loss that is too severe even for the tilted implant approach. In these cases, Dr. Ahn draws on his extensive training in bone regeneration to offer two alternatives. The first is targeted bone augmentation using guided bone regeneration or autogenous block grafting to rebuild bone volume in specific areas. The second, for patients with extreme upper jaw bone loss, is zygomatic implant placement.
Zygomatic implants are specialized fixtures that range from 30 to 52.5 millimeters in length and anchor into the dense zygomatic bone (cheekbone) rather than the maxillary ridge. The zygomatic bone maintains its density regardless of how much bone has been lost in the upper jaw, making it a reliable anchorage point for patients who have been told they cannot receive implants. This procedure is performed by a small number of experienced surgeons and can often be combined with conventional anterior implants to support a full-arch prosthesis without any bone grafting.
Dr. Ahn evaluates whether zygomatic implants are appropriate during the 3D CBCT planning phase. For Newport Beach patients who have been declined for treatment elsewhere due to severe bone loss, a consultation at The Loft Dental Studio may reveal options they did not know existed.
Newport Beach patients appreciate clear expectations, and Dr. Ahn provides a detailed recovery roadmap before every All-on-4 procedure. On surgery day, patients leave with their temporary teeth in place and prescriptions for pain management and antibiotics. Most patients find that post-surgical discomfort is well controlled with prescribed medication for the first two to three days, transitioning to over-the-counter pain relievers by day four or five.
Swelling and bruising are normal physiological responses to surgery. They typically peak at 48 to 72 hours and resolve gradually over the following seven to ten days. Applying ice packs during the first 24 hours and keeping the head elevated during sleep can minimize swelling.
A soft diet is recommended for the first four to six weeks. This means foods like scrambled eggs, yogurt, pasta, fish, and well-cooked vegetables -- nutritious meals that do not place excessive force on the healing implants. As osseointegration progresses, patients can gradually reintroduce firmer foods under Dr. Ahn's guidance.
The long-term success of All-on-4 implants depends on three pillars: surgical precision, prosthetic quality, and ongoing maintenance. Published studies report implant survival rates exceeding 95 percent at 10 years, with the prosthetic bridge lasting 15 to 20 years before potential replacement or refurbishment. The titanium implants themselves can last a lifetime.
Maintenance visits every three to four months are essential for cleaning around the implants, checking the prosthesis for wear or micro-fractures, and monitoring the health of the surrounding bone and soft tissue. The Loft Dental Studio provides a structured maintenance program that protects the patient's investment over the long term.
All-on-4 dental implants typically range from $20,000 to $35,000 per arch for the complete treatment at The Loft Dental Studio. This comprehensive fee includes the initial 3D CBCT evaluation, surgical placement of four implants, the same-day temporary prosthesis, all healing-phase follow-up visits, and the final zirconia bridge. All-on-6 treatment, which uses two additional implants, may cost slightly more.
Variables that affect the total cost include the number of teeth requiring extraction before implant placement, whether any localized bone augmentation is needed, the material selected for the final prosthesis (monolithic zirconia vs. zirconia-porcelain hybrid), and whether IV sedation is used during the procedure. Dr. Ahn provides a transparent, itemized treatment estimate after the initial consultation so that Newport Beach patients understand the complete scope of costs before making a commitment.
Financing is available through CareCredit and Lending Club, with flexible monthly payment plans. Many patients find that when they calculate the cumulative lifetime cost of denture relines, repairs, adhesives, and replacements, the All-on-4 investment is comparable -- with vastly superior comfort, function, and quality of life.
The All-on-4 protocol was specifically designed to broaden access to full-arch implant treatment. Ideal candidates include patients who are edentulous (missing all teeth) in one or both arches, patients with a failing dentition that requires full-arch extraction and replacement, patients who are dissatisfied with removable dentures, and patients with moderate to severe bone loss who want to avoid or minimize bone grafting.
Good general health is important, as the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with optional sedation. Patients with well-controlled diabetes, hypertension, or other chronic conditions are generally excellent candidates. Uncontrolled systemic conditions, active heavy smoking, or certain medications (such as bisphosphonates) may require additional evaluation and planning.
The definitive way to determine candidacy is through a comprehensive consultation that includes 3D CBCT imaging. This allows Dr. Ahn to evaluate bone volume, density, and anatomical relationships with the precision needed to recommend the optimal treatment approach. Newport Beach patients who have been told they are not candidates for implants by other providers are encouraged to seek a specialist evaluation, as the All-on-4 technique and zygomatic implant options may open doors that were previously closed.
The Loft Dental Studio at 3151 Airway Ave Suite F-103, Costa Mesa, is remarkably close to Newport Beach. Patients traveling from Corona del Mar can reach the office in approximately 10 to 12 minutes via the 73 Toll Road to the 405 North. Those coming from the Balboa Peninsula or Lido Isle typically take Newport Boulevard north, arriving in about 12 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. Newport Coast and Crystal Cove residents can take the 73 Toll Road or MacArthur Boulevard, with travel times of approximately 12 to 18 minutes.
Patients from the neighborhoods near Fashion Island, Eastbluff, Big Canyon, and Harbor View Hills are especially close -- often arriving in under 10 minutes via Jamboree Road or Bristol Street. The office is in the South Coast Metro area, adjacent to South Coast Plaza, which many Newport Beach residents visit regularly for shopping and dining.
Newport Beach patients also travel to our practice from Balboa Island, the Port Streets, Westcliff, Dover Shores, and the neighborhoods along Back Bay. Beyond Newport Beach, we serve patients from Costa Mesa, Irvine, Tustin, Anaheim, Laguna Beach, and communities throughout Orange County who seek specialist-level All-on-4 care.
Contact The Loft Dental Studio for your comprehensive All-on-4 implant evaluation
Call (714) 549-7030The Loft Dental Studio is located at 3151 Airway Ave Suite F-103 in Costa Mesa, approximately 5 to 15 minutes from most Newport Beach neighborhoods. Patients from Corona del Mar typically arrive in 10 to 12 minutes via the 73 Toll Road, while those from the Balboa Peninsula take about 12 to 15 minutes via Newport Boulevard. Fashion Island and Eastbluff residents are often at our office in under 10 minutes via Jamboree Road or Bristol Street.
Complete All-on-4 treatment typically ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 per arch, including 3D CBCT evaluation, surgical implant placement, same-day temporary teeth, all follow-up visits, and the final zirconia bridge. Variables include the number of extractions, whether bone augmentation is needed, material selection, and sedation preferences. Learn more about All-on-4 treatment details. Financing through CareCredit and Lending Club is available.
Newport Beach patients value specialist credentials, and Dr. Ahn's profile is exceptional: Yale periodontics residency with Chief Resident distinction, board certification through the American Board of Periodontology, and UCLA faculty appointment. The dual-specialist team approach with Dr. Lu (board-certified prosthodontist) ensures that both the surgical and prosthetic aspects of treatment are managed by specialists. The practice maintains a 5.0-star Google rating with over 107 reviews, reflecting consistently excellent patient experiences.
Yes. All-on-4 implants are designed to replace removable dentures with a permanent, non-removable set of teeth. The four implants anchor a fixed bridge that eliminates denture adhesive, prevents slipping and rocking, and restores chewing power comparable to natural teeth. Many patients who transition from dentures to implant-supported fixed teeth describe the improvement in quality of life as transformative -- they can eat the foods they enjoy, speak with confidence, and smile without self-consciousness.
Most patients return to light activities within two to three days. Swelling peaks at 48 to 72 hours and resolves over the following week. A soft diet is maintained for four to six weeks during the initial healing phase. The same-day temporary teeth are placed at the time of surgery, so patients are never without teeth. The final zirconia prosthesis is delivered after four to six months of osseointegration, completing the treatment.
Yes. Every All-on-4 case at The Loft Dental Studio is planned using 3D CBCT imaging that provides a complete three-dimensional map of bone volume, density, sinus positions, and nerve pathways. Dr. Ahn uses this data to determine the precise position, angle, and depth of each implant before surgery. This pre-surgical planning approach, coordinated with Dr. Lu's prosthetic design, ensures that implants are placed for both optimal bone engagement and ideal prosthetic support -- a process that produces predictable, high-quality results.