All-on-X Dental Implants in San Diego
Missing or failing teeth change more than a smile — they change how you eat lunch on a workday, how you speak in a meeting, and whether you feel like yourself in photographs. For San Diego patients living with loose dentures, multiple failing teeth, or years of patchwork dental work, All-on-X implants offer a way to replace a full arch of teeth with a fixed, stable solution that stays put.
All-on-X is the umbrella term for full-arch implant restorations, where a complete set of teeth is supported by a small number of dental implants placed into the jawbone. Instead of replacing each missing tooth with its own implant, we anchor a single, custom bridge onto strategically positioned posts. The result is a fixed set of teeth that doesn't come out at night and doesn't rely on adhesive or suction to stay in place.
We offer both All-on-4 and All-on-6 at our studio. All-on-4 uses four implants per arch, with the rear implants angled to take advantage of available bone — a practical option for patients who want fewer surgical sites and have adequate bone in the front of the jaw. All-on-6 adds two additional implants, distributing bite forces across more points of support. That extra support can suit patients with stronger bite forces, larger arches, or bone volume that allows for it. Which approach we recommend depends on your anatomy, your bite, and your goals — not on a one-size-fits-all protocol. When bone volume is limited, bone grafting can sometimes build up the site so that implants have a solid foundation.
Most people who come to us about full-arch implants fall into a few familiar situations. Some have worn dentures for years and are tired of the slipping, the sore spots, and the foods they've quietly given up. Others have advanced periodontal disease or a series of cracked, decayed, or previously root-canaled teeth that are no longer worth saving one at a time. Some are facing the loss of their remaining teeth and would rather plan ahead than react.
Good candidacy comes down to overall health, gum condition, and available bone. Because our office brings together general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial radiology, we can evaluate all of those factors in one place rather than sending you around town for separate opinions. We start with a complimentary consultation, where we listen first, examine thoroughly, and explain honestly whether All-on-X is the right direction for you — or whether something else would serve you better.
What the Treatment Process Looks Like
Planning comes before anything surgical. We gather imaging and records, assess bone and gum health, and design the new arch with your facial proportions in mind. This is where our studio works differently: Dr. Darian Anderson designs smiles alongside Sarah Garces, NP-C, whose focus is facial balancing, so the shape, length, and position of your new teeth are planned in concert with your whole face rather than in isolation. Digital Smile Design helps you preview the direction before treatment begins.
On surgery day, any remaining teeth in the arch are removed, the implants are placed, and a provisional set of teeth is attached so you leave with a full smile. Over the following months, the implants integrate with the bone. Once healing is complete, we deliver your final restoration, refined for fit, bite, and appearance.
Here's what San Diego patients can generally expect along the way:
- A free consultation with a full evaluation and honest recommendation
- A treatment plan comparing All-on-4 and All-on-6 for your specific case
- Extractions and implant placement, with temporary teeth the same day
- A healing and integration period with scheduled check-ins
- Delivery of the final, custom full-arch restoration
Aftercare, Cost, and Getting Started
Aftercare in the first weeks centers on rest, a soft diet, and keeping the surgical sites clean exactly as we direct. Long term, implant-supported teeth still need daily attention — brushing, cleaning underneath the bridge with the tools we provide, and regular professional visits so we can check the implants, the fit of the restoration, and the health of your gums. Patients who stay consistent with maintenance tend to have the smoothest experience.
We're an out-of-network, fee-for-service practice and do not bill insurance, which keeps our recommendations based on what's right for you. We welcome self-pay patients and offer financing through Cherry, so full-arch treatment can be spread into manageable payments. Before anything begins, you'll receive a clear breakdown of your plan and costs.
We're glad to serve San Diego along with Del Mar, Encinitas, La Jolla, and Solana Beach. If you're weighing your options, start with a complimentary consultation and get real answers.