Full-Arch Implants (All-on-X) Treatment Guide
A complete arch of fixed teeth on implants. Here's what the first days, weeks and months look like.
The Full Guide
Full-arch treatment, often called All-on-X or Teeth in a Day, replaces an entire upper or lower arch of missing or failing teeth with a fixed set of teeth supported by a small number of implants, commonly four to six. When implant stability and your clinical situation allow, a fixed temporary set of teeth can often be attached on the day of surgery, so you do not go without teeth while the implants heal.
The teeth are fixed in place, so they do not come out at home and do not rely on adhesive. Dr. Han and your restorative dentist plan the case together from the beginning, so the implant positions support the teeth you will end up with.
Considering a full arch? Book a Consultation and we will go over whether it fits.
If you choose sedation, follow the fasting instructions our office gives you, typically no food for about six hours beforehand, and arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves, and tell us about every medication and supplement you take.
Full-arch surgery is typically done with sedation, so you can rest comfortably through the whole procedure. We also place local anesthetic at the surgical sites to keep the area numb.
Any remaining teeth that cannot be saved are removed, and the implants are placed in the positions planned on your scan. When the implants are stable enough, fixed temporary teeth are attached the same day. Dr. Han will tell you beforehand what to expect for your case.
Expect pink or blood-tinged saliva for 2 to 3 days, and bite gently on gauze if needed. You will be numb for several hours. Take your first dose of pain medication before the numbness wears off. If you had sedation, go straight home and rest for the day with your adult. For at least 24 hours, do not drive, drink alcohol, use machinery or make important decisions.
Stay on liquids and soft foods at first, and do not chew hard or tough foods on your temporary teeth. Most patients follow a soft diet for the weeks to months while the implants integrate, and Dr. Han will give you your exact timeline. If you need a knife to cut a food, it is too firm for your temporary teeth right now. Avoid nuts, chips and sticky foods.
Brush your gums and the temporary teeth gently and rinse after eating. We will show you how to clean under the teeth, often with a water flosser and a prescribed rinse during the first weeks.
Do not smoke. If you clench or grind, we may recommend a night guard to protect the teeth.
Take pain medication, antibiotics and any prescribed rinse exactly as directed. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are common choices when they are right for you; we will tell you what is best.
Swelling usually becomes apparent after the first day and peaks around days 2 to 3. Bruising is common and can take a couple of weeks to fade, and for upper arches it may spread around the eyes. Ice the outside of your face in intervals the first day or two, rest, and keep your head elevated.
Swelling steadily goes down, though it may linger for 7 to 10 days. Stitches may stay in for a couple of weeks, and we will tell you when to leave them alone or have them removed.
You will have check-ins so we can adjust the temporary teeth if needed. Keep eating soft foods and keep the area very clean while the bone grows around the implants.
Once the implants have integrated, which commonly takes about 3 to 6 months, your final teeth are made and fitted. Then regular check-ups and professional cleanings keep the implants healthy for the long term.
your temporary teeth feel loose, crack or come off (call right away and do not try to reattach them), bleeding does not slow after 30 minutes of firm gauze pressure, swelling keeps growing after day 3 or 4, you have a fever, pus or a bad taste that does not clear, or numbness in the lip, chin or tongue is slow to resolve.
rapidly spreading facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or signs of a severe allergic reaction. These are rare, but go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 rather than waiting for a callback.
A note on this guide: this is general guidance. Your treating doctor's specific instructions for your individual case always take priority over anything written here. If something feels off or you're unsure, call us. Don't wait it out.
Implant Care
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