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You're Not Looking for Another Temporary Fix
Maybe it started with one tooth. Then a few more. Maybe you've been through rounds of crowns, bridges, or dentures that didn't hold up.
Maybe you've been told your teeth need to come out and you've been sitting on that news, not sure what to do next.
If patchwork fixes aren't cutting it anymore, this page covers how it works, who it's for, and what to expect.
What Are All-on-X Dental Implants?
An All-on-X implant works differently from a single implant. Instead of one post per tooth, four to six posts are placed at strategic angles across the arch. This helps distribute biting force across the arch and can improve contact with available bone.
What Makes Up an All-on-X Implant:
Are You a Candidate for All-on-X?
All-on-X may be a good option when many teeth in one arch can no longer be restored predictably.
If removable dentures shift, rub, or limit what you can eat, implant-supported teeth may offer more stability.
Some patients with periodontal damage may benefit from a full-arch plan instead of continuing to repair individual teeth.
All-on-X is designed for patients who want a more fixed, secure, and functional way to rebuild their smile.
Why Choose All-on-X at Livewell?
All-on-X, Done the Livewell Way
You walk in without a functioning smile. You walk out with one.
One Clear Plan From Surgery to Final Smile
With All-on-X, the details matter. Implant position, bite, gum shape, facial support, and the final teeth all need to work together. When those steps are planned separately, small disconnects can affect comfort, function, and the final look of your smile.
At Livewell Dental, Dr. Chris guides the full process with the end result in mind. That means your surgical plan is connected to your temporary teeth, final restoration, and long-term maintenance from the beginning.
How All-on-X Compares to Your Other Options
All-on-X Implants | Traditional Dentures | Single Implants | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replaces | Full arch (all teeth) | Full arch (all teeth) | One tooth at a time |
| Fixed or removable? | Fixed. Stays in your mouth. | Removable. Taken out daily. | Fixed. Stays in your mouth. |
| Number of implants | 4-6 per arch | None | 1 per missing tooth |
| Preserves jawbone? | Yes | No. Bone loss accelerates. | Yes |
| How long it lasts | 20-30+ years | 5-10 years | 20-30+ years |
| Starting investment | $15K-$30K+ per arch | $1K-$3K | $3K-$5K per tooth |
Implant Experience That Extends Beyond the Practice
The Right Tools for Better Decisions and Better Comfort
Every tool we use has one job: better information before we start, better precision while we work, and support for smoother healing afterward.
CBCT 3D Imaging
3D Printing & Guided Surgery
CLEAN Implant System
PRF / PRP / CGF
Surgical Piezosurgery
Modern sedation and comfort techniques
All-on-4 uses exactly four implants to support a full arch of teeth. All-on-X means the number of implants is based on your bone, anatomy, bite, and restoration design. Some patients may need four implants, while others may benefit from five or six. The goal is to use the number that gives your restoration a stable foundation, not to force every patient into one formula.
Surgery day is often about 3 to 5 hours per arch. Many qualifying patients leave the same day with provisional teeth. The full process, from consultation to final restoration, often takes about 4 to 7 months, with most of that time dedicated to healing and integration.
During the healing phase, you will need to follow a soft-food diet to protect the implants as they integrate with the bone. After the final restoration is placed, many patients can return to a much broader diet. Dr. Kim will explain what foods are safe at each stage and how to protect your restoration long term.
The implants are designed as long-term supports, but their lifespan depends on bone health, gum health, bite forces, hygiene, and maintenance. The prosthetic arch may need repair, maintenance, or replacement over time depending on the material and daily wear. Regular checkups are important for protecting the result.
All-on-X treatment is performed with local anesthesia, and sedation options may be available to help you stay comfortable. You should not feel the procedure itself, though soreness, swelling, and tenderness are normal during healing. Most patients return to light activity within a few days, depending on the complexity of their case and their overall health.
Active gum disease must be addressed before implant placement because infection around the gums and bone can increase the risk of implant complications. If gum disease is present, we treat it first or build gum treatment into the overall plan. In some cases, patients with significant periodontal disease may be better served by a full-arch solution than by continuing to repair individual teeth.
Age is not a disqualifying factor. What matters is overall health, bone quality, and whether you are healthy enough for the surgical procedure. Many of our All-on-X patients are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. A thorough evaluation looks at medications, medical history, and healing capacity to make sure the approach is appropriate for you specifically.