Full Arch Dental Implants (All-on-X) in Bellingham, WA
If you’ve been living with missing teeth or dental work that doesn’t feel secure, there is a modern solution. Full arch dental implants (All-on-X) can replace a complete set of teeth using as few as four implants per arch. Recent studies and clinical reviews have shown high survival rates and significant improvements in quality of life when treatment is well-planned and well-maintained.
At Roots Dental in Bellingham, Dr. Joshua Clarkman and our team utilize digital planning and guided techniques to personalize care—choices that research has shown to be linked to more precise placement and efficiency.
Table of Contents
What Are Full Arch (All-on-X) Dental Implants?
“All-on-X” restores a full upper or lower arch with a small number of implants, which act like anchors for a fixed set of teeth. “X” means the number is tailored to your anatomy (often 4 or 6). You get teeth that look and feel natural—and are secured in place. Evidence from contemporary cohorts and case series supports the use of immediate function protocols when primary stability and careful planning are present.
What’s the Difference Between All-on-4, All-on-6, and All-on-X?
All-on-4: Four implants per arch placed in strategic positions (often with tilted posterior implants) to maximize available bone.
All-on-6: Six implants per arch for added support—helpful for stronger bite forces or when bone distribution benefits from more fixtures.
All-on-X: Flexible, customized approach—your plan may use 4, 5, 6, or more based on your goals, bone quality, and bite.
Recent comparative research suggests that both 4- and 6-implant protocols achieve comparable survival rates, with some biomechanical analyses indicating lower stress with 6 implants—one reason we individualize plans rather than use a one-size-fits-all approach.
Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-X Dental Implants?
Bone health: Adequate bone is ideal, but grafting and strategic implant angulation can expand candidacy. Long-term data on full-arch cases show excellent survival when foundational diagnostics and maintenance are prioritized.
Lifestyle & health: Non-smokers (or those who quit) and patients with well-controlled systemic conditions (like diabetes) can be candidates, assessed case-by-case. A 2023 update from the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) emphasizes the importance of professional maintenance protocols to help protect long-term outcomes.
Expectations: Patients seeking a fixed, long-lasting solution that allows them to smile, speak, and eat confidently tend to love their results; recent three-year outcome data reinforce the predictable function that can be achieved when protocols are followed.
What Is the Process Like? Step-by-Step Guide
1. Consultation & 3D Digital Scan
We evaluate your jawbone, bite, and goals using CBCT and digital impressions. Systematic reviews indicate that computer-guided full-arch surgery enhances placement accuracy, which can facilitate efficient treatment and prosthesis fit.
2. Personalized Treatment Plan
Your plan (All-on-4 vs All-on-6, materials, timing) is tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle. Comparative research informs these choices while keeping your comfort and long-term stability in focus.
3. Surgery Day
Implants are placed under comfortable anesthesia. Digital workflows—such as prefabricated interim prostheses—can reduce chair time and streamline the initial phase.
4. Same-Day Provisional Teeth
When stability metrics are met, many patients leave with fixed temporary teeth that look great and let you smile the same day—an approach supported by current case series and clinical reviews of immediate loading.
5. Healing & Osseointegration (3–6 months)
Implants integrate with bone. During this period, we ensure accuracy by verifying digital impressions and fit. Recent work highlights small, measurable differences between immediate and delayed full-arch scans—details that we manage closely.
6. Final Custom Prosthesis
Your permanent full-arch restoration is designed for both strength and aesthetics. Medium-term data continue to show high survival with careful follow-up (along with maintenance visits described by ACP guidance).
Advanced Technology at Roots Dental
Consultation for All-on-X full arch dental implants at Roots Dental in Bellingham. Digital imaging & 3D planning enable precise mapping of nerves and bone; a 2024 systematic review reports high accuracy for complete-arch computer-guided surgery.
- Guided surgery & prefabricated provisionals to streamline appointments and comfort.
- High-quality materials & lab partnerships for durable, natural-looking results; current literature continues to evaluate materials and frameworks to reduce complications over time.
Why Choose Roots Dental in Bellingham for Your Full Arch Dental Implants?
Expertise & clarity: Patients consistently mention our thorough explanations and modern office experience, including “state-of-the-art imaging,” “most meticulous hygienist,” and “very thorough,” among many others. We’re proud of feedback like: “They empower you to own your oral health… in a non-judgmental way.”
Evidence-based planning: We align with ACP maintenance recommendations and the ADA’s emphasis on transparent discussions of options and financing for full-arch care.
Convenient Bellingham location & concierge-style service: Designed for busy professionals and families who value clear communication and predictable timelines.
Life After Full Arch Implants: What Patients Can Expect
- Eat confidently (yes—crisp apples and steak), speak clearly, and smile freely.
- Long-term data, including 10–to 15-year cohorts, show high implant survival and stable bone levels with proper care and hygiene.
- Follow-up matters: Regular maintenance visits help protect your investment and catch minor issues early, consistent with ACP guidance.
Request Your Consultation at Roots Dental Today
Curious if you’re a candidate? Let’s review your scans and goals, then map a plan that fits your life and timeline.
Request your consultation at Roots Dental today. (Limited consult times available weekly.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Full Arch Dental Implants
How long do full-arch implants last?
With good home care and professional maintenance, studies report high survival across 3–15 years and beyond; prosthetic parts may need periodic updates depending on wear.
Does the procedure hurt?
Treatment is done under anesthesia. Most patients describe mild post-op soreness for a few days. Digital planning and guided placement can reduce chair time and improve precision.
How much do All-on-X implants cost?
Costs vary by case (bone, number of implants, materials). The ADA recommends discussing all options and financing transparently; we provide clear estimates after your exam and 3D scan.
Is All-on-4 or All-on-6 better?
Both can be excellent. A 2023 comparative study found similar long-term outcomes overall; biomechanical modeling suggests lower stresses in some scenarios with all-on-6. We choose the count that best fits your anatomy and bite.
Can I get All-on-X Implants the same day?
Often, yes—when implants achieve the proper stability. Recent case series and workflow studies support the use of immediate function with prefabricated provisionals and guided surgery.
Key Recent Sources (Last ~2 Years)
- Guided/fully digital full-arch accuracy & workflows (2024): Systematic review and JPD digital-workflow article.
- Immediate full-arch outcomes (2024): 3-year clinical data and contemporary case series supporting immediate function with proper protocols.
- All-on-4 vs All-on-6 (2023–2024): Comparative outcomes and biomechanical stress analyses to inform personalized planning.
- Long-term survival (updated 2023+): Cohorts showing high 10–15-year survival with maintenance.
- Professional guidance (USA): ACP position statement on maintenance (revised 2023) and ADA statement reinforcing patient-centered decision-making and transparent discussions for full-arch care (2024).
