3535 Randolph Road Suite 103-R,

Charlotte, NC

(704) 365-0123

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Full Mouth Dental Implant in Charlotte, NC

When most or all teeth have been lost or need to be removed, full mouth dental implants offer a permanent, fixed solution. Unlike complete removable dentures, implant-based full-mouth restorations are anchored in the bone, function like natural teeth, and preserve the jaw structure that dentures allow to deteriorate.

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(704) 365-0123

Board-Certified Periodontists | Serving Charlotte, NC since 1973

What Are Full Mouth Dental Implants?

Full mouth dental implants replace all the teeth in one or both arches using dental implants as the foundation. The term "full mouth" typically refers to treatment of both the upper and lower arches though some patients treat only one arch.

Several techniques fall under full mouth implant treatment:

All-on-4 (Full Arch on 4 Implants)

Four implants per arch support a complete fixed prosthesis. The rear two implants are placed at an angle to maximize contact with available bone, making this option viable for patients with some bone loss. In appropriate cases, a provisional fixed arch can be placed the same day as surgery.

Explore Our Dental Implant Services

CharlottePerio offers a full range of dental implant solutions. Explore each service to learn what's right for your situation.

Single Tooth

Implant

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All-on-4-Dental Implant

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Implant-Supported Dentures

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Bone Grafting For Dental Implant

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All-on-6 (Full Arch on 6 Implants)

Six implants per arch distribute load across more points of support. This option is typically recommended for patients with larger arches or higher bite force needs, or where clinical evaluation indicates additional implant support is beneficial.

Full Arch Individual Implants

For patients with sufficient bone, each tooth position can be restored with its own implant. This is the most comprehensive approach and allows for individual replacement or repair if needed later.

Full Mouth Implant-Supported Dentures

Full mouth treatment can also be achieved with fixed or removable implant-supported dentures. This is a more accessible option for patients who want significant improvement over conventional dentures without the full individual implant investment.

Who Needs Full Mouth Dental Implants?

Full mouth dental implants are typically recommended for patients who:

Have lost all or nearly all natural teeth in one or both arches
Have severely damaged teeth that need full extraction
Are currently wearing complete dentures and want a permanent, fixed alternative
Want to stop managing the ongoing problems of loose or uncomfortable dentures
Have experienced the facial changes that come with long-term tooth and bone loss

Age is not a barrier. CharlottePerio treats patients of all ages who are appropriate candidates for implant surgery. The key factors are bone quality, overall health, and whether any preparatory treatment is needed first.

Full Mouth Implants vs. Complete Dentures

Most patients who come to us for full-mouth implant consultations are either currently wearing dentures or facing full extraction. Here's how the two compare.

Feature	Full Mouth Dental Implants	Complete Removable Dentures
Fixed in place	Yes	No
Preserves jawbone	Yes	No
Natural biting strength	Yes	Limited (20–30% of natural)
Dietary restrictions	Minimal	Significant
Requires adhesive	No	Usually
Average lifespan	20–30+ years	5–7 years
Facial support (prevents sunken look)	Yes	No

Patients who wear full dentures typically experience dramatically reduced biting force. Studies suggest denture wearers bite with roughly 20–30% of the force of natural teeth. This significantly limits the diet and affects nutrition over the long term.

More significantly, without the stimulation of tooth roots, the jawbone continues to resorb under dentures. Over the years, this changes facial shape and contributes to the sunken appearance associated with long-term denture wear. Full mouth implants stop this process.

Preparatory Treatment Before Full Mouth Implants

Not every patient is ready for implant placement immediately. Some common preparatory steps include:

Periodontal Therapy

Active gum disease can compromise implant healing. If gum disease is present, it must be treated and controlled before implants are placed. CharlottePerio's experienced team provides these services in-office.

Bone Grafting

Patients with significant bone loss may need grafting to build adequate bone volume for implant placement. This is particularly common in patients who have worn dentures for many years. Bone grafting adds to the overall timeline but is necessary for long-term implant stability.

Extractions

Any remaining teeth that are failing or diseased need to be removed before or at the time of implant placement. We handle extractions as part of the surgical appointment in most cases.

We map out any needed preparatory procedures at your consultation and provide a clear timeline before treatment begins.

The Full Mouth Implant Process

Consultation and Imaging

A thorough evaluation of your bone, gums, bite, and medical history. Cone beam CT imaging provides the 3D view needed for precise surgical planning.

Preparatory Treatment (If Needed)

Periodontal therapy, bone grafting, or extractions as indicated.

Implant Placement

Implants are placed in the jawbone at precisely planned positions. In appropriate candidates, a provisional fixed arch is attached the same day.

Healing and Integration

Implants integrate with the bone over several months. During this time, provisional prosthetics allow normal function.

Final Restoration

Your permanent prosthetic arch is fabricated with your restorative dentist and is placed once healing is confirmed. Final adjustments are made for bite and comfort.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are full mouth dental implants?

Full mouth dental implants replace all the teeth in one or both arches using implant posts anchored in the jawbone as the foundation. The implants support a fixed prosthetic arch permanently or as a removable-but-stable implant denture. Options include All-on-4, All-on-6, individual implants per tooth, or implant-supported dentures.

How long do full mouth dental implants last?

The implant posts are designed to be permanent and can last decades with proper care. The prosthetic arch placed on top may require repair or replacement over time, depending on wear and material. Many patients experience 20 or more years of function before any prosthetic maintenance is needed.

How long does full mouth implant treatment take?

The total timeline depends on whether preparatory procedures (bone grafting, periodontal treatment) are needed and how quickly healing progresses. From consultation to final restoration, full mouth implant treatment typically takes 6 to 12 months. In some cases, a provisional fixed arch can be placed the same day as implant surgery.

Can I get full mouth implants if I've been wearing dentures for years?

Often, yes, though long-term denture wear is usually associated with some degree of bone loss, which may require bone grafting before implants can be placed. We evaluate your bone structure at the consultation and let you know which options are feasible and what preparatory treatment may be needed.

Is full mouth implant surgery painful?

Surgery is performed under local anesthesia, and sedation options are available. Most patients find post-surgical discomfort manageable with prescribed and over-the-counter medication and report that recovery was less difficult than expected. The discomfort typically resolves within one to two weeks.

Do full mouth implants look natural?

Yes. The final prosthetic arch is custom-fabricated to match the shape, shade, and proportions of natural teeth. Because implants preserve bone and support the facial structures the way natural roots do, patients also avoid the sunken facial appearance that develops with traditional dentures over time.

What is the difference between All-on-4 and full mouth dental implants?

All-on-4 is a type of full-arch implant treatment; it uses four implants per arch to support a complete prosthesis. "Full mouth implants" is a broader term that includes All-on-4, All-on-6, individual implants, and implant-supported dentures. The right approach depends on your bone volume, arch size, and clinical situation.