Full Arch Dental Implants in St. Louis

Who Is a Good Candidate for Full Arch Implants?

Full arch implants may be a strong option for patients who:

• Are missing all or most of their teeth in the upper or lower jaw
• Have failing teeth from extensive decay, fractures, or periodontal (gum) disease
• Wear dentures that feel loose, shift while eating or speaking, or require adhesives
• Want a permanent, non-removable alternative to conventional dentures
• Are in reasonably good general health and able to undergo oral surgery

Candidacy is confirmed during a consultation that includes a 3D scan to evaluate your jawbone and plan implant placement. Patients who have experienced bone loss may still qualify; in some cases bone grafting is used to rebuild support before or alongside implant placement. When teeth still need to be removed, any necessary tooth extractions can often be completed during the same surgical appointment.

How the Full Arch Implant Process Works

Full arch treatment is a surgical procedure, performed and overseen by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon such as Dr. Hiran Fernando. Most patients move through the following steps:

1. Consultation and 3D imaging. We review your dental and medical history, examine your mouth, and capture detailed 3D images to map bone volume and nerve position.
2. Personalized treatment planning. Using those images, we plan the number and placement of implants and design a prosthesis that fits your bite and facial structure.
3. Extractions and implant placement. Any remaining non-restorable teeth are removed and the implants are placed, typically with sedation or anesthesia options available in our office for your comfort.
4. Same-day provisional teeth. In many cases, a temporary fixed set of teeth can be attached the same day, so you leave with a full smile rather than an empty arch.
5. Healing and integration. Over the following months, the implants fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a secure foundation.
6. Final restoration. Once healing is complete, your final, custom-fitted arch of teeth is placed for long-term function and appearance.

For patients who are ready to move quickly, immediate implants can sometimes shorten the overall timeline, depending on bone quality and individual needs.

Benefits of Full Arch Implants

• Stability and confident chewing. A fixed arch does not shift, letting you eat a wider range of foods comfortably.
• Bone preservation. Implants stimulate the jawbone much like natural tooth roots, helping slow the bone loss that often follows tooth loss.
• A natural look. The prosthesis is designed to match the shape, size, and shade of natural teeth.
• No adhesives or daily removal. Your teeth stay in place and are cared for much like natural teeth.
• Fewer implants, full results. A complete arch is supported by just a handful of implants, which can make treatment more efficient than replacing each tooth individually.
• Improved speech and confidence. Secure teeth support clearer speech and a more comfortable smile.

Full Arch Implants vs. Traditional Dentures

Both options restore a full smile, but they work very differently:

• Stability: Full arch implants are fixed to the jaw, while conventional dentures rest on the gums and can move during eating or speaking.
• Bone health: Implants help preserve jawbone, whereas traditional dentures do not stimulate the bone and may contribute to gradual bone loss and changes in facial shape.
• Daily care: Implant-supported teeth are cleaned in place; removable dentures require taking out, soaking, and adhesives.
• Feel and function: Many patients report that a fixed arch feels and functions closer to natural teeth.

Related Implant and Oral Surgery Services at Gateway

Full arch restoration is one part of the complete range of oral surgery services our practice provides. Depending on your needs, treatment may be combined with single dental implants for individual gaps, immediate implants to streamline your timeline, or bone grafting to strengthen your foundation. Because our team provides surgical extractions and anesthesia in-house, complex cases can often be managed start to finish in one place.