Board-certified specialists delivering All-on-4, All-on-6, and teeth-in-a-day full-arch rehabilitation. A short drive from Woodbridge, Northwood, Turtle Rock, and all Irvine communities.
Irvine is one of the largest and most carefully planned cities in Orange County, home to master-planned neighborhoods like Woodbridge, Northwood, Turtle Rock, University Park, Quail Hill, and the newer Great Park communities. Residents of these neighborhoods who face the prospect of losing all their teeth or replacing failing dentures can access elite-level implant care at The Loft Dental Studio in nearby Costa Mesa, a drive of roughly ten to fifteen minutes depending on your starting point.
Patients in Woodbridge or Northwood can take the 405 freeway south to the Bristol Street exit and reach our Airway Avenue office in about twelve minutes. Those living in Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon, or along the University of California Irvine corridor have an even more direct route via the 73 Toll Road, arriving in approximately ten minutes. Residents of the Irvine Spectrum area and the newer Portola Springs or Orchard Hills neighborhoods can take the 5 freeway to the 405 or use Jamboree Road through Newport Beach for a similarly short commute.
This accessibility is important because full mouth dental implant treatment involves multiple appointments over several months. Choosing a practice that is convenient to reach ensures you can maintain your appointment schedule without significant disruption to work, family, or the activities that Irvine residents enjoy at the Great Park, the trails around Bommer Canyon, or the shops and restaurants at the Irvine Spectrum Center.
Full mouth dental implants serve as a permanent, fixed replacement for every tooth in an upper or lower arch. They are the definitive solution for patients whose dental condition has progressed beyond what individual fillings, crowns, or bridges can address. The treatment replaces an entire set of failing or missing teeth with a single, non-removable prosthesis anchored to implants embedded in the jawbone.
The implants themselves are small titanium posts, typically eight to fifteen millimeters in length, that are placed surgically into the jawbone. Titanium is biocompatible, meaning the body accepts it without rejection, and it bonds directly with bone tissue through osseointegration. Once integrated, each implant becomes a permanent fixture in the jaw, providing a stable foundation for the prosthetic teeth that will be attached to them.
The prosthesis is a single unit that contains a full set of teeth and gum-colored material. It is either screwed or cemented onto the implants, making it completely fixed in the mouth. Patients cannot remove it, nor do they need to. It is cleaned with normal brushing and flossing, maintained through regular dental visits, and designed to withstand decades of daily use.
The differences between full mouth implants and removable dentures are substantial. Dentures sit on the gum tissue and are held in place by suction, adhesive, or gravity. They can shift during eating and speaking, restrict the types of food you can enjoy, and require removal for cleaning. Over time, dentures accelerate jawbone loss because they do not stimulate the bone the way natural tooth roots do.
Full mouth implants, by contrast, are anchored in the jawbone and function like natural teeth. They preserve jawbone density, restore full bite force, allow an unrestricted diet once healed, and are maintained exactly like natural teeth. For Irvine patients who want a solution that is permanent, low-maintenance, and high-functioning, full mouth dental implants represent the current standard of care.
The All-on-4 technique has become one of the most reliable and efficient methods for full-arch tooth replacement. It uses four implants per arch, with two placed vertically in the anterior jaw and two placed at angles in the posterior jaw, to support a complete set of fixed teeth. The angled posterior implants engage longer sections of bone and can often avoid areas where bone has been lost, reducing or eliminating the need for bone grafting.
For Irvine patients, the All-on-4 approach offers several practical advantages. The treatment can be completed in a single surgical day, with patients leaving the office with a functional set of provisional teeth. This means Irvine professionals who cannot afford extended time away from work can schedule their procedure on a Thursday or Friday and return to most activities by the following Monday or Tuesday.
At The Loft Dental Studio, every All-on-4 case begins with 3D cone beam CT imaging and digital implant planning. Dr. Ahn maps each implant position within a virtual model of the patient's jaw, accounting for bone density, nerve location, sinus position, and the prosthetic design that Dr. Lu has established. A surgical guide is then fabricated to translate this digital plan into precise implant placement during the actual procedure. This technology-driven approach reduces surgical time, improves accuracy, and produces more consistent results compared to freehand techniques.
Not every patient is best served by four implants per arch. Some cases call for six implants to provide greater load distribution, especially when the patient has strong bite forces, a history of bruxism, or jawbone anatomy that allows for additional implant placement. The All-on-6 protocol spreads chewing forces across a wider area, reducing stress on each individual implant and increasing the overall stability of the prosthesis.
Dr. Ahn determines the optimal number of implants for each Irvine patient based on the 3D imaging data, bone quality assessment, and the specific functional demands of the case. In some situations, five implants may be the ideal configuration. The decision is always driven by what will produce the best long-term outcome, not by a one-size-fits-all formula.
Like All-on-4, the All-on-6 protocol at Loft Dental follows the teeth-in-a-day approach. Patients receive provisional fixed teeth on the day of their surgery, regardless of whether four, five, or six implants are placed.
The prospect of being without teeth for months while implants heal was once a major barrier to full-arch treatment. Modern immediate-loading protocols have eliminated this concern entirely. At The Loft Dental Studio, Irvine patients undergoing full mouth implant treatment receive a provisional prosthesis on the day their implants are placed.
This provisional set of teeth is fabricated in advance based on the digital treatment plan. After Dr. Ahn places the implants and confirms adequate primary stability, Dr. Lu attaches the pre-fabricated provisional prosthesis. The patient leaves the office with a complete set of fixed, functional, and aesthetically pleasing teeth.
The provisional prosthesis is made from durable acrylic designed to withstand the soft-diet phase that follows surgery. Over the next three to six months, the implants fuse with the jawbone. Once integration is confirmed through imaging, the provisional is replaced with the final prosthesis, typically fabricated from high-strength monolithic zirconia for maximum durability and natural appearance.
Irvine has no shortage of dental practices, but very few offer the specialist credentials and training background that Dr. Chanook David Ahn brings to full mouth implant cases. Dr. Ahn is a board-certified periodontist who completed his specialty residency at Yale University, one of the most competitive and respected programs in the country. His training encompassed advanced implant surgery, bone regeneration, and the management of medically and anatomically complex cases.
Board certification by the American Board of Periodontology is a voluntary credential that requires passing rigorous written and oral examinations. It signifies a level of knowledge and clinical judgment that exceeds the minimum required for licensure. Among practicing periodontists, only a portion hold this distinction, making it a meaningful differentiator when selecting a surgeon for a procedure as consequential as full-arch implant rehabilitation.
Dr. Ahn also serves on the faculty of the UCLA School of Dentistry, where he trains dental students and residents in implant surgery and periodontics. This academic role keeps him connected to the latest research and evolving techniques in the specialty. For Irvine patients, this means their implant surgery reflects current evidence-based practices rather than outdated approaches.
Full mouth dental implants require expertise in two distinct specialties: the surgical placement of implants (periodontics) and the design and fabrication of the prosthesis that attaches to them (prosthodontics). At most practices, these specialties are provided by different offices, requiring patients to travel between locations and rely on communication between providers who may never meet in person.
The Loft Dental Studio eliminates this fragmentation. Dr. Elaine Lu, a board-certified prosthodontist trained at UCLA, works alongside Dr. Ahn in the same Costa Mesa office. Together they plan every full-arch case from the initial consultation through the delivery of the final prosthesis. Dr. Lu determines the ideal tooth position, size, shape, and bite relationship, and Dr. Ahn plans the implant placement to support that design with maximum stability.
This co-planning process is called restorative-driven implant placement, and it produces superior outcomes because the implants are positioned to serve the prosthesis rather than being placed wherever the bone happens to be convenient. For Irvine patients who expect precision and attention to detail, this integrated approach delivers results that exceed what a fragmented treatment model can achieve.
The foundation of every full mouth implant case at Loft Dental is a 3D cone beam CT scan. This imaging technology captures a comprehensive three-dimensional view of the jawbone, sinuses, nerves, and any existing dental structures. The resolution is sufficient to measure bone density in specific regions, identify areas of resorption, and map the exact course of the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw.
Dr. Ahn imports this data into implant planning software, where he can virtually position each implant within the bone, adjusting angle, depth, and diameter to achieve the best combination of stability, spacing, and prosthetic support. Once the plan is finalized, a surgical guide is milled or printed to translate the virtual positions into precise physical placement during surgery.
This guided approach is particularly important for full-arch cases. When four to six implants must be placed in a single arch, even small positional errors can compound, affecting how the final prosthesis sits, how forces are distributed across the implants, and whether the restoration achieves optimal function and aesthetics. Computer-guided surgery minimizes these risks and shortens the procedure time, benefiting Irvine patients who want efficiency without compromising quality.
Jawbone loss is a common challenge among patients who need full mouth dental implants. The bone resorbs naturally when teeth are missing because it no longer receives the mechanical stimulation that tooth roots provide. Periodontal disease, long-term denture wear, and certain medical conditions can accelerate this process.
Dr. Ahn is trained in the full spectrum of bone regeneration procedures, including guided bone regeneration with particulate grafts and resorbable membranes, ridge augmentation to restore the width and height of the alveolar ridge, block bone grafts for areas of severe deficiency, and sinus floor elevation to create adequate bone volume in the upper posterior jaw.
The 3D CBCT imaging taken at the consultation reveals exactly where and how much bone has been lost, allowing Dr. Ahn to determine whether grafting is needed, what type of graft is most appropriate, and whether the grafting can be performed simultaneously with implant placement or requires a separate preliminary procedure. In many All-on-4 cases, the angled posterior implants can bypass areas of bone loss entirely, avoiding the need for grafting and shortening the overall treatment timeline.
Visit our bone regeneration page for more details on how we rebuild jawbone.
Irvine patients considering full mouth dental implants benefit from understanding the recovery timeline so they can plan accordingly. Here is what to expect in the weeks and months following your procedure:
This is the most intensive phase of recovery. Expect swelling that peaks around the second or third day, along with mild to moderate discomfort controlled by prescribed medication. Ice packs help reduce swelling. A liquid and soft-food diet is recommended. Most patients rest at home for two to three days before returning to desk work or light activities.
Swelling subsides progressively. Discomfort decreases and many patients transition from prescription medication to over-the-counter options. The diet expands to include soft solid foods. Dr. Ahn sees patients for follow-up appointments during this period to monitor healing and confirm that the provisional prosthesis is fitting well.
Patients feel increasingly normal during this phase. The diet continues to expand. The surgical sites mature, and the implants are undergoing active osseointegration beneath the surface. Patients resume all normal activities including exercise.
Osseointegration is confirmed through clinical evaluation and 3D imaging. Dr. Lu begins the process of designing and fabricating the final prosthesis. This involves precise impressions or digital scans, shade matching, and laboratory fabrication. The final prosthesis is placed and meticulously adjusted to achieve ideal fit and bite alignment.
Full mouth dental implants are a substantial investment, and Irvine patients deserve transparency about what drives the cost. The total fee reflects the combined expertise of two board-certified specialists, the technology used for planning and execution, the quality of materials, and the number of appointments involved. Key cost factors include:
The Loft Dental Studio provides a comprehensive, itemized fee estimate after the initial consultation and 3D evaluation. This estimate covers every phase of treatment so Irvine patients can plan with clarity. Financing options including monthly payment plans are available to make the investment manageable.
Determining whether you are a candidate for full mouth dental implants requires a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation. At The Loft Dental Studio, Dr. Ahn assesses the following during your consultation:
Irvine patients who have been told they are not candidates for implants should seek a second opinion from a board-certified periodontist. Dr. Ahn's expertise in bone regeneration and complex surgical planning frequently allows treatment for patients who were previously deemed ineligible.
Irvine is a city built on precision planning and high standards, and its residents apply those same expectations to their healthcare. When it comes to full mouth dental implants, Irvine patients consistently choose The Loft Dental Studio for several compelling reasons.
The dual-specialist model is foremost among them. Having both a board-certified periodontist and a board-certified prosthodontist plan and execute your treatment under the same roof is a level of coordinated care that most practices simply cannot provide. This structure eliminates the referral chains, communication gaps, and scheduling complications that plague fragmented treatment models.
The practice's 5.0-star Google rating with 107 or more reviews provides evidence of consistent patient satisfaction. Irvine patients who have undergone treatment at Loft Dental report appreciation for the thorough explanations, the unhurried consultation process, and the quality of the final results.
The proximity between Irvine and the Costa Mesa office, typically ten to fifteen minutes via the 405 or the 73 Toll Road, makes the practice easily accessible for the multiple visits that full-arch treatment requires. And Dr. Ahn's credentials, including his Yale residency, board certification, and UCLA faculty position, offer a level of assurance that the surgeon handling your case has reached the highest level of training and recognition in the specialty.
Irvine residents: find out if All-on-4, All-on-6, or teeth-in-a-day is right for you. Dr. Ahn and Dr. Lu offer comprehensive evaluations with 3D imaging.
Call (714) 549-7030The Loft Dental Studio • 3151 Airway Ave Suite F-103, Costa Mesa CA 92626 • 10-15 min from Irvine
The office at 3151 Airway Ave Suite F-103 in Costa Mesa is approximately ten to fifteen minutes from most Irvine neighborhoods. Patients from Woodbridge and Northwood typically take the 405. Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon, and Quail Hill residents reach us quickly via the 73 Toll Road. The office is located near the 405/73 interchange by South Coast Plaza.
Periodontists complete three additional years of surgical residency training beyond dental school, specializing in implant placement, bone grafting, and tissue management. Dr. Ahn trained at Yale and holds board certification, demonstrating mastery at the highest level. This depth of surgical training is especially critical for complex full-arch cases that may involve bone loss, nerve proximity, or sinus complications.
Yes. Many denture wearers are excellent candidates for conversion to fixed implant-supported teeth. Dr. Ahn assesses bone volume through 3D imaging and can rebuild lost bone through grafting when necessary. The All-on-4 technique is especially effective for denture patients because it can often work with the bone that remains, avoiding extensive grafting.
The titanium implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper maintenance. The prosthesis typically lasts fifteen to twenty-five years or longer. Zirconia prostheses generally outlast acrylic. Regular checkups, good hygiene, and management of habits like teeth grinding help maximize the restoration's lifespan.
Some dental plans provide partial coverage for implant treatment, covering components such as extractions, grafting, or prosthetic work. Coverage varies widely by plan. The Loft Dental Studio team assists with insurance verification and benefit optimization. Financing options are available for any remaining costs.
The practice offers monolithic zirconia and acrylic prosthesis options. Zirconia is the premium choice, providing exceptional strength, stain resistance, and lifelike aesthetics. Dr. Lu custom-designs each prosthesis for natural appearance and optimal function. A provisional acrylic prosthesis is worn during healing before the final restoration is delivered.