All-on-X Dental Implants – A Complete Guide

woman at the dentist smiling and is happy with her all on x dental implants
December 9, 2024

When it comes to replacing multiple teeth to fully optimize your oral health, all-on-X dental implants are an advanced and enticing option when it comes to restorative dentistry.  

All-on-X dental implants are less invasive than traditional dental implants and more permanent than temporary teeth solutions like removable dentures. Additionally, all-on-X dental implants can provide optimal oral health while giving you back your confidence, your chewing ability, and your perfect smile. 

The all-on-X treatment requires an expert in implant dentistry. Our caring and experienced team at Pannu Dental Group can help you explore your options when it comes to the all-on-X procedure and what to expect.  

In the meantime, read on to uncover all the basics about all-on-X dental implants, including who is a great candidate and what to expect during the dental implant surgery. We will also cover what to expect after the all-on-X dental implant procedure is complete.  

Table of Contents
How Do You Know if All-on-X Dental Implants Are Right for You?
The All-on-X Dental Implant Procedure
What Are the Components of All-on-X Dental Implants?
How Much Do All-on-X Dental Implants Cost?
The Benefits of All-on-X Dental Implants
Transform Your Smile with All-on-X Dental Implants in San Jose

What Are All-on-X Dental Implants? 

All-on-X dental implants are a specialized dental implant treatment that offers a permanent solution for patients with multiple missing teeth or complete tooth loss, also known as edentulism. 

The all-on-X procedure stands out because it requires fewer implants than other tooth replacement options.  Traditional dental implants use a separate implant for every tooth replacement required. On the other hand, the all-on-X dental implant procedure uses just four to six strategically placed implants, providing a stable foundation for a permanent dental arch.  

The all-on-X technique and dental implant procedure are cutting-edge and permanent solutions provided by advanced and highly experienced dental professionals.

The end result is a full arch of replacement teeth that have a shorter timeframe when it comes to the dental implant procedure and the healing process but long-lasting benefits for your smile, your facial structure, and your oral health. 

patient missing tooth is ideal for all on x dental implants

How Do You Know if All-on-X Dental Implants Are Right for You? 

There are multiple options when it comes to solutions for missing teeth, which include permanent treatments like all-on-X implants, as well as traditional dentures. 

So, when determining whether you are a candidate for all-on-X implants, consider the following guidelines, which may indicate that all-on-X implants are likely a great tooth replacement solution for you.  

You are missing multiple or most of your natural teeth 

All-on-X dental implants are best suited for patients who need to replace most of their natural teeth and do not just need a lone tooth replacement. All-on-X dental implants may be a good fit if you have multiple missing teeth in your upper or lower jaw.   

You have adequate bone density 

If you have a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, it can affect your bone density, bone volume, and bone support. If compromised bone density is an issue, the dental implants may not have a stable foundation to support the all-on-X dental implants, even if only four implants are required. As such, to ensure successful implant placement, you’ll need sufficient jawbone structure to maximize bone support. This will allow for a full bridge or full arch between the anchoring implants, resulting in stable, permanent teeth.  

Note: If significant bone loss is an issue, then your dentist may be able to mitigate the bone loss with a bone graft procedure. Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting natural bone or bone substitutes into damaged areas where bone loss is present to rebuild or repair your jawbone. Bone grafting can be used to stimulate new bone growth, provide structural support, and allow two or more implants to be securely placed. 

You do not have an underlying oral disease 

Periodontal disease is an oral disease (also known as gum disease) that does not necessarily disqualify a patient from full mouth dental implants like all-on-X implants. Furthermore, your dentist will want to treat any underlying oral health conditions before the all-on-X dental implant procedure takes place.  

You do not smoke 

The best candidates for all-on-X implants are non-smokers, as smoking can increase the implant failure rate significantly. If you do smoke, it is recommended that you quit for a period of time leading up to the all-on-X dental implant procedure. It is also important to not smoke throughout the post-operative healing period. 

You want a better solution than traditional dentures 

If you currently use traditional dentures, then all-on-X dental implants may be a great solution. Unlike traditional dentures, they are a permanent solution for tooth replacement. All-on-X implants do not shift out of place or cause a patient discomfort when eating. Also, after the procedure, patients can chew, bite, and speak like they have natural teeth with complete confidence. 

You follow proper oral hygiene habits 

Maintaining good oral health habits before, during, and after implant procedures is important to ensure a streamlined treatment process from start to finish. So, suppose you have good overall oral health (or your dental practice addresses any issue like bone loss or gum disease beforehand). In that case, all-on-X implants may be the permanent missing teeth solution you have been looking for. 

dentist showing patient the all on x dental implant procedure and what implants look like

The All-on-X Dental Implant Procedure 

All-on-X implants are similar to other implant procedures in terms of the treatment process and implant placement. However, generally speaking, there is a shorter healing period and potentially less time in the dentist’s chair. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect. 

Step 1: Initial consultation and exam 

On your first visit, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination and evaluation to ensure you are a good candidate for all-on-X dental implants.  

Considerations include:  

  • overall oral health 
  • bone density 
  • your medical history    
  • the number of missing teeth that need to be replaced  

During this visit, digital imaging and computer- guided surgery may be utilized to guide the upcoming implant placement procedure. (Any preparation steps, like tooth extractions, might also occur during this initial visit or sometime before your all-on-X dental implant placement.) 

Step 2: The all-on-X dental implants procedure 

On the day of your surgery, your oral surgeon will use local or oral sedation to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment. The dental implants are then strategically inserted into your jawbone, with two or more implants placed vertically at the front of your arch and two or more implants angulated towards the back of your mouth. This distinctive configuration ensures that bone support is maximized, and in many cases, it eliminates the need for excess bone grafting. 

Once the implants are securely in their proper place, temporary teeth are attached to allow for healing, a process known as osseointegration, where the implants fuse with the jawbone. After several months, the implants are fully integrated and have become a solid foundation for the final restoration. 

After this healing period, the temporary prosthetic teeth are replaced with a customized and permanent dental arch. The final restorative steps are carefully crafted to ensure that the new teeth perfectly match the color, shape, and bite alignment of your natural teeth, resulting in an optimal smile. 

model of human teeth using all on x dental implants

What Are the Components of All-on-X Dental Implants? 

All-on-X dental implants are similar to other types of dental implants and consist of the following key components. 

  • The implant structure – The implants are screw-shaped and strong metal posts, that are typically made of titanium, that are placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. It should be noted that all-in-X dental implants are angled implants, which provide a more secure and permanent connection with the jawbone. 
  • Prosthetic restoration teeth – Prosthetic teeth are temporary teeth attached to the implants as they heal. These temporary teeth replace your missing teeth before the final restoration is complete. 
  • Final new teeth – The final all-on-X dental implants are made of long-lasting material like zirconia, which creates a realistic, aesthetically pleasing appearance while providing durable new teeth that act just like natural teeth. 

How Much Do All-on-X Dental Implants Cost? 

All-on-X dental implants can be more expensive than temporary solutions like dentures. However, they are a permanent solution for missing teeth, improving facial structure and overall oral health. Unlike other tooth replacement options, all-on-X dental implants can last a lifetime and provide functional teeth that look, feel, and act just like natural teeth for decades to come.  

Note that your dental insurance may cover a significant portion of your all-on-X dental implants, especially since they are a recommended treatment for oral health issues and not just a cosmetic dentistry procedure.  

Be sure to ask your expert dental practice about your options for missing teeth and tooth loss. A caring team like Pannu Dental Group will ensure that any tooth replacement solution fits within your budget.  

patient properly maintaining his dental implants

How to Care for All-on-X Dental Implants 

One of the great benefits of all-on-X dental implants is that long-term care and maintenance are easy and align with everyday good oral health habits. These steps include: 

  • Sticking to a soft food diet for a short period of time during the healing process. (Once you are fully recovered, you can eat without any discomfort!) 
  • Brushing and flossing daily 
  • Scheduling regular checkups with your dental practice 
  • Avoiding bad habits that can damage the implants or any remaining teeth, like smoking 
  • Eating a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. 

Simply put, because all-on-X dental implants look and function just like your former missing teeth, they are easy to care for and more resistant to damage that can impact natural teeth. 

The Benefits of All-on-X Dental Implants 

The benefits of all-on-X dental implants are numerous and can last a lifetime. A sample of just some of these benefits includes the following: 

  • Shorter recovery time – Fewer implants mean that there is less disruption to the jawbone, resulting in a faster healing period. 
  • Cost-effective – All-on-X dental implants are generally less expensive than other dental implant options simply because fewer implants are required.  
  • Comfortable – All-on-X dental implants look and function just like natural teeth, as the prosthetic arch fits securely and seamlessly over the implants for a comfortable fit. 
  • Better functionality – All-on-X dental implants allow you to eat, speak, and laugh with confidence. 
  • Helps jawbone health – All-on-X dental implants can improve oral health by maintaining jawbone and preventing further bone loss. 
  • Less maintenance – All-on-X dental implants require much less maintenance and care than more temporary solutions, like traditional dentures. 
  • Minimal repairs or future treatments – All-on-X dental implants are a long-lasting solution that requires minimal repairs throughout a lifetime. Any chips or damage can be easily addressed with repair resin or other treatments at your dental practice. 
  • Less invasive procedure – All-on-X dental implants are a more manageable and simplified procedure that is less invasive than other dental implant options, like dentures or dental bridges. 
  • A long-term solution – All-on-X dental implants can last for a lifetime, which means that once the procedure is complete, you will have a beautiful smile and better oral health for many years to come. 

Want to Learn More About Dental Implants? Pannu Dental Group is Your Best Resource! 

When it comes to lifelong solutions for missing teeth and tooth loss, you need a trusted practice with decades of experience. At Pannu Dental Group, we use the most advanced technology available and have a caring team behind the scenes who are focused on your comfort and best interests every step of the way. 

dentist looking at patient's mouth - they are checking the dental implants

Transform Your Smile with All-on-X Dental Implants in San Jose  

At Pannu Dental Group, we offer multiple advanced treatment options for missing teeth, including cutting-edge all-on-X dental implants procedures. 

Regardless of your oral health needs or the number of missing teeth that need to be replaced, Pannu Dental Group can help you find the best, lifelong solution that will give you back your smile and confidence. 

Reach out to our team today to schedule your consultation.  Take a life-changing step towards optimal oral health for decades ahead.

With Pannu Dental Group guiding the way, you can ensure a comfortable and successful all-on-X dental implant in San Jose that will change improve your oral health, your smile, and your life.  

Discover the full potential of your smile.  

Schedule your all-on-X dental implants consultation today!

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Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu has been a practicing dentist since 1995. In 1996 he opened his first dental practice in India, where he gained invaluable experience and acumen. In October of 1997 he was invited by the American Dental Association (ADA) to present the table clinic on Endodontics, at their annual session held in Washington, D.C. At this time he fell in love with the United States and became passionate about practicing dentistry in California. He became particularly enamored of the San Francisco Bay area, and soon took up residence and work here.