Comprehensive implant solutions for patients missing all or most teeth, from individual implants to full arch restorations. Board-certified periodontist Dr. Chanook David Ahn places your implants while board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Lu designs your new teeth. Just 10 minutes from Santa Ana.
Full mouth dental implants represent the most advanced and comprehensive approach to replacing all missing or failing teeth in one or both jaws. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gums and gradually contribute to bone deterioration, implant-based solutions anchor directly into the jawbone, preserving bone density, restoring full chewing function, and providing a level of stability that dentures simply cannot match. At The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, board-certified periodontist Dr. Chanook David Ahn and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Lu collaborate on every full mouth implant case, combining surgical precision with prosthetic artistry to deliver results that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Patients seek full mouth dental implants for a variety of reasons. Some have lost all their teeth to advanced periodontal disease, which systematically destroys the bone and tissue supporting the teeth until they loosen and fall out. Others have experienced severe, widespread decay that has compromised so many teeth that individual restorations are no longer practical. Traumatic injuries, genetic conditions that affect tooth development, and long-term medication side effects such as dry mouth can also lead to extensive tooth loss. Many patients who come to our practice have been wearing traditional dentures for years and are frustrated with the slipping, sore spots, dietary restrictions, and gradual facial collapse that dentures cause.
Whatever the cause of tooth loss, full mouth dental implants offer a path to permanent, stable, and aesthetically natural teeth. The key to a successful outcome is selecting the right implant approach for each patient's unique anatomy, health status, and goals, and then executing the treatment with the precision that only comes from specialized surgical and prosthetic training.
There is no single solution for replacing all teeth with implants. Instead, several well-established approaches exist, each with distinct advantages depending on the patient's bone volume, aesthetic goals, budget, and preference for fixed versus removable prosthetics. Dr. Ahn evaluates every patient with a comprehensive examination and 3D CBCT scan to determine which option delivers the best combination of function, longevity, and value.
When bone quality and volume are sufficient throughout the jaw, individual implants can replace each missing tooth independently. Each implant receives its own crown, creating the closest possible replica of a natural dentition. This approach provides the most natural feel because each tooth functions as a separate unit, and hygiene is straightforward since patients can brush and floss between implants just as they would with natural teeth. Individual implants require the most bone and represent the highest total investment, but they offer unmatched aesthetics and longevity for patients who are candidates.
Rather than placing one implant per missing tooth, 4 to 6 strategically positioned implants per arch can support a fixed bridge that spans the entire jaw. The bridge is permanently attached to the implants and does not come out. This approach reduces the total number of implants needed while still providing fixed, non-removable teeth. Implant-supported bridges are an excellent middle ground between individual implants and full arch solutions like All-on-4.
The All-on-4 protocol uses just 4 implants per arch to support a complete set of fixed teeth. Two implants are placed vertically in the front of the jaw, and two are tilted at 30 to 45 degree angles in the back. The tilted posterior implants engage more bone surface area and avoid anatomical structures like the maxillary sinus and inferior alveolar nerve, often eliminating the need for bone grafting. Patients can receive a provisional set of fixed teeth on the same day as surgery. Learn more about All-on-4 dental implants.
The All-on-6 approach follows the same principles as All-on-4 but uses 6 implants per arch for additional support. The extra implants distribute biting forces across more points of contact, which can be advantageous for patients with softer bone, larger jaw arches, or heavy bite forces from bruxism. The additional implants also provide redundancy: if one implant were to fail, the prosthesis can still be supported by the remaining five.
For patients who prefer a removable option or who have budget constraints, implant-retained overdentures use 2 to 4 implants per arch fitted with attachment systems that snap the denture securely into place. The denture clicks onto the implants for a firm, stable fit during eating and speaking, yet the patient can remove it for cleaning. This approach costs significantly less than fixed options while providing dramatically better stability and comfort than traditional dentures.
Full mouth implant treatment involves two fundamentally different disciplines: the surgical placement of implants into bone, and the design and fabrication of the prosthetic teeth those implants will support. At The Loft Dental Studio, these two disciplines are handled by two board-certified specialists working as an integrated team rather than a single provider attempting to do both.
Dr. Chanook David Ahn, Board-Certified Periodontist: Dr. Ahn completed his periodontal residency at Yale, where he received intensive training in implant surgery, bone regeneration, and soft tissue management. With over 5,000 implants placed, he brings deep expertise in reading bone anatomy, selecting optimal implant positions, managing compromised sites, and handling complications. His board certification from the American Board of Periodontology demonstrates mastery of the surgical aspects of implant dentistry that directly impact long-term implant survival.
Dr. Lu, Board-Certified Prosthodontist: Dr. Lu specializes in the design, fabrication, and fitting of prosthetic teeth. Prosthodontists complete an additional 3 years of residency training focused specifically on replacing missing teeth with optimal function, aesthetics, and bite mechanics. Dr. Lu designs each prosthesis to deliver natural translucency, proper tooth proportions, balanced occlusion, and comfortable fit. The prosthetic component is as critical as the surgical component because even perfectly placed implants will underperform if the teeth they support are poorly designed.
The difference between a good full mouth implant result and an exceptional one often comes down to the collaboration between the surgeon and the prosthodontist. I plan every implant position with Dr. Lu's prosthetic design in mind, so the implants are not just surgically sound but also optimally positioned to support the most natural-looking and best-functioning teeth possible. This reverse-planning approach, where the final teeth guide the surgical plan, is a hallmark of specialist-level implant care that many single-provider practices cannot replicate.
Not every patient presents with the same bone volume or density, and a critical part of full mouth implant planning is evaluating the foundation available for implant support. Dr. Ahn uses a CBCT 3D scan to assess bone height, width, and density at every potential implant site, as well as the proximity of anatomical structures such as the maxillary sinuses and the inferior alveolar nerve.
Patients who have recently lost their teeth or who have been wearing well-fitting dentures often retain sufficient bone for most implant approaches. These patients have the widest range of treatment options available to them, from individual implants to All-on-4.
Patients who have been edentulous for several years or who lost teeth due to periodontal disease typically experience some degree of bone resorption. The All-on-4 and All-on-6 protocols are specifically designed to work well in these situations because tilted implants engage the denser anterior bone and bypass areas of greater resorption. Minor bone grafting may be performed simultaneously with implant placement.
Long-term denture wearers and patients with a history of advanced periodontal disease may have severely atrophic ridges. These cases require staged bone regeneration procedures such as ridge augmentation, sinus lifts, or block bone grafts before or during implant placement. Dr. Ahn's specialized training in bone regeneration is a significant advantage for these complex cases. Learn more about bone grafting and regeneration.
Dr. Ahn and Dr. Lu evaluate your bone structure, discuss your options, and provide a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate tailored to your needs.
Call (714) 549-7030Full mouth implant treatment follows a carefully sequenced process designed to ensure the best possible outcome at every stage. While the specific steps depend on the treatment approach selected, the general process includes the following phases.
Your initial visit includes a thorough oral examination, digital X-rays, and a CBCT 3D scan. Dr. Ahn evaluates your bone structure, gum tissue health, and overall medical status. Dr. Lu assesses your bite, facial proportions, and aesthetic goals. Together, they develop a treatment plan that details the recommended approach, the number of implants, the type of prosthesis, the timeline, and the cost.
If remaining teeth need extraction, if bone grafting is required, or if active gum disease must be treated before implants can be placed, these preparatory steps are completed first. In some cases, extractions and bone grafting can be performed simultaneously with implant placement to minimize the total number of surgical appointments.
Dr. Ahn surgically places the implants into the jawbone using precise, digitally guided positioning. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation, oral sedation, or nitrous oxide available for patient comfort. For All-on-4 and All-on-6 cases, a provisional set of fixed teeth is attached to the implants on the same day. For other approaches, healing caps are placed over the implants while osseointegration occurs.
Over the next 3 to 6 months, the implants fuse with the surrounding bone in a biological process called osseointegration. This creates the permanent anchor that gives dental implants their exceptional stability and longevity. During this period, patients with same-day provisional teeth can eat, speak, and smile comfortably while the implants integrate.
Once osseointegration is confirmed, Dr. Lu takes detailed impressions and designs the final prosthetic teeth. For full arch cases, this is typically a hybrid prosthesis made from high-strength zirconia or a titanium framework with acrylic teeth. The final prosthesis is precision-fitted, adjusted for optimal bite alignment, and permanently secured to the implants.
Patients who transition from traditional dentures to implant-supported teeth consistently describe the experience as life-changing. The differences are significant and affect nearly every aspect of daily life.
The cost of full mouth dental implants depends on the treatment approach, the number of implants, the prosthetic materials, and whether preparatory procedures such as bone grafting or extractions are needed. At The Loft Dental Studio, we provide transparent, detailed cost breakdowns during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Many PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of implant treatment. Coverage varies by plan but typically includes 50 percent of the surgical placement fee up to the annual maximum. Our team verifies your specific benefits before treatment begins. We accept most major PPO plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. We also offer financing through CareCredit with low-interest and interest-free payment plans, and we accept FSA and HSA funds. Visit our Insurance & Payment page for more details.
The Loft Dental Studio is conveniently located in the South Coast Metro area of Costa Mesa, approximately 10 minutes from Santa Ana. Our address is 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Via Bristol Street: Head south on Bristol Street from central Santa Ana. Continue straight through the South Coast Metro area. Turn right onto Airway Avenue. The office is located in the professional building at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103. Total drive time is approximately 10 minutes.
Via the 55 Freeway: Take the CA-55 (Costa Mesa Freeway) south from Santa Ana. Exit at Baker Street and head west. Turn left onto Airway Avenue. The office is on your right at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103. Total drive time is approximately 10 minutes depending on traffic.
Free Parking: Complimentary parking is available directly in front of the building. The office is on the ground level with easy, accessible entry.
The Loft Dental Studio is located in the South Coast Metro area of Costa Mesa, centrally positioned to serve patients throughout Orange County. Our office at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103 is easily accessible from the 405, 55, and 73 freeways.
The number of implants needed for a full mouth depends on the treatment approach selected. An All-on-4 restoration uses 4 implants per arch, while an All-on-6 uses 6 implants per arch for added support. Implant-supported bridges typically require 4 to 6 implants per arch to anchor a fixed bridge. Implant-retained overdentures use 2 to 4 implants per arch to stabilize a removable denture. In rare cases where bone quality and volume are excellent throughout the jaw, individual implants can replace each missing tooth, which may require 12 to 14 implants per arch. Dr. Ahn evaluates your bone structure with a 3D CBCT scan and recommends the approach that provides the best combination of stability, longevity, and value for your specific situation.
Yes, many patients with significant bone loss are still candidates for full mouth dental implants. Dr. Ahn is a board-certified periodontist who specializes in bone regeneration procedures including ridge augmentation, sinus lifts, and guided bone regeneration. These procedures rebuild the bone foundation needed to support implants. In some cases, the All-on-4 technique can avoid the need for bone grafting entirely by using tilted posterior implants that engage the denser bone in the front of the jaw. Dr. Ahn uses a CBCT 3D scan to evaluate your remaining bone precisely and determine whether bone grafting is needed or whether an approach like All-on-4 can work with your existing anatomy.
All-on-4 uses just 4 strategically angled implants per arch to support a full set of fixed teeth. Individual implants replace each missing tooth with its own dedicated implant and crown. All-on-4 is typically faster, less expensive, and often avoids the need for bone grafting because the tilted posterior implants maximize contact with available bone. Individual implants provide the closest feel to natural teeth, with each tooth functioning independently, but require sufficient bone at every implant site and involve higher total cost. Dr. Ahn evaluates your bone structure, aesthetic goals, and budget to recommend the most effective approach for your situation.
Full mouth implant treatment timelines vary depending on the approach. With All-on-4 or All-on-6, you can receive a provisional set of fixed teeth on the same day as implant placement surgery. The final prosthesis is fabricated and delivered after 4 to 6 months of healing. For individual implants or implant-supported bridges, the process typically takes 6 to 12 months from start to finish, including 3 to 6 months for osseointegration. If bone grafting is needed first, an additional 4 to 6 months of healing may be required before implant placement, extending the total timeline to 9 to 18 months. Dr. Ahn provides a detailed timeline during your consultation.
Full mouth dental implant costs vary based on the treatment approach. Implant-retained overdentures typically range from $8,000 to $15,000 per arch. All-on-4 treatment ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per arch, depending on the prosthetic material selected. All-on-6 ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 per arch. Individual implants for a full arch can range from $30,000 to $60,000 or more depending on the number of implants and restorations needed. These estimates include surgical placement, the prosthetic teeth, and all follow-up care. The Loft Dental Studio offers financing through CareCredit and accepts FSA and HSA funds. Our team provides a detailed cost breakdown during your consultation so there are no surprises.
Dental insurance coverage for full mouth implants varies by plan. Many PPO dental plans cover a portion of implant treatment, typically 50 percent of the surgical placement fee up to the plan's annual maximum. Some plans also provide coverage for the prosthetic components. Medical insurance may cover portions of the treatment when bone grafting or sinus lifts are deemed medically necessary. The Loft Dental Studio accepts most major PPO dental plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Our administrative team verifies your benefits before treatment and helps maximize your coverage. We also offer CareCredit financing and accept FSA and HSA funds.