Digital Dental Implant Institute — 37 Etna St, Gosford NSW
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Full-Arch Dental Implants — Content
FULL-ARCH IMPLANT TREATMENT · GOSFORD

Replacing a full arch of teeth with implant-supported prosthetics

For patients who have lost, or are about to lose, most or all of the teeth in an upper or lower jaw. A fixed bridge is supported by several implants placed in the available bone — a significant surgical undertaking that begins with a 3D scan and a long conversation, not a sales pitch.

Consultations are with our principal dentist
Full-arch cases are assessed and planned personally by our principal dentist, who consults on Mondays and Wednesdays. Request either day in the form and reception will confirm the next available time.
✓ CBCT scan and digital planning ✓ Staged written quote before surgery ✓ AHPRA-registered dentists

Request a full-arch consultation

Monday and Wednesday appointments with our principal dentist. Or call (02) 4325 5825.

By submitting this form you consent to us contacting you about your enquiry. Your details are used only for that purpose. An enquiry is not a treatment plan — suitability, risks and costs are discussed at a consultation with a registered dentist.

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Our team will be in touch shortly. If it's urgent, call us on (02) 4325 5825.

What full-arch treatment is

A fixed bridge carried by several implants

Rather than one implant per tooth, a full arch is restored with a smaller number of implants — commonly four to six per jaw — supporting a single fixed bridge. The number and position depend entirely on where usable bone exists, which is why the CBCT scan comes before any recommendation.

In some cases a provisional bridge can be fitted soon after surgery so you are not without teeth; in others the site must heal before anything is loaded. Which applies to you is a clinical decision based on implant stability and bone quality — not something that can be promised in advance.

The final prosthesis is made after healing, once the tissues have settled and the bite can be recorded accurately. It is removable by your dentist for maintenance, but not by you.

Illustration of a full-arch implant-supported prosthesis showing six implant abutments
The pathway

Five stages, over months rather than weeks

Full-arch treatment is a course of care, not a single procedure. Timeframes vary considerably between patients; your principal dentist sets out an expected sequence for your case at the planning appointment.

01

Consultation

With our principal dentist, Monday or Wednesday. Medical history, examination, and an honest discussion of whether this is the right path for you.

02

3D imaging and planning

A CBCT scan maps bone volume, nerve position and sinus anatomy. Implant number and position are planned digitally around what is actually there.

03

Staged quote and consent

An itemised quote by stage with item numbers, the alternatives, the risks, and time to consider it. Nothing is booked at the first visit.

04

Surgery and healing

Any remaining teeth are removed and implants placed. Expect swelling, bruising and a soft diet for a period, with review appointments through healing.

05

Final bridge and maintenance

The definitive prosthesis is made and fitted, then reviewed and professionally cleaned at intervals for the life of the treatment.

Your options for a full arch

Fixed implant bridge, implant-retained denture, or conventional denture

A well-made conventional denture remains a reasonable choice for many patients, and an implant-retained denture sits between the two on cost and complexity. All three are discussed at your consultation.

Option
Considerations
Surgery required
Fixed implant bridge
Does not come out; feels closest to natural teeth for most patients; highest cost and longest treatment
Yes — implant surgery, sometimes with extractions and grafting
Implant-retained denture
Removable but clips onto implants for stability; fewer implants needed; lower cost than a fixed bridge
Yes — fewer implants
Conventional full denture
No surgery and lowest cost; relies on suction and ridge shape, so stability varies; needs relining over time
No
No treatment
Reasonable for some patients; chewing is limited and jawbone continues to resorb over time
No
Risks and considerations

What we tell every patient before they consent

Full-arch implant treatment is major surgery with a long commitment attached. These points are covered in detail at consultation — along with the option of not proceeding — and you are given time to consider them before consenting.

Surgical risks
Infection, bleeding, prolonged swelling and bruising, sinus involvement in the upper jaw, and uncommonly nerve injury causing altered or permanently lost sensation in the lip or chin.
Implants can fail
One or more may not integrate, or may be lost later. Treatment may need revising, and smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and grinding all raise that risk.
Speech and eating change
Adapting to a new prosthesis takes time. Speech, taste and the feel of eating are different at first, and some adjustment appointments are normal.
Grafting may be required
Where bone has resorbed, grafting or sinus augmentation may be needed before implants can be placed — adding time, cost and additional surgical risk.
Maintenance is lifelong
Daily cleaning under the bridge and scheduled professional reviews are essential. Peri-implantitis and wear of the prosthesis are recognised long-term complications.
Not everyone is suitable
Some medical conditions and medications — including certain bone medications — and insufficient bone can make this treatment inadvisable. We will say so.
FEES

What it costs

Full-arch fees depend on how many implants your anatomy allows, whether extractions or grafting are needed, the materials used in the bridge, and whether one or both jaws are treated. There is no meaningful single price, which is why we quote by stage after imaging.

You receive an itemised written quote with dental item numbers so you can check your health fund rebate and consider it at home. Payment plan options can be discussed at your consultation.

Enquire Now
FEWER TEETH INVOLVED?

Only one or two teeth missing?

Single-tooth replacement is a different procedure with a different timeline and cost.

Single implants

Frequently asked questions

Why are full-arch consultations only on Mondays and Wednesdays?−
Full-arch cases are planned and carried out personally by our principal dentist, who consults on those days. Booking you into that clinic means the person who would perform the surgery is the person who assesses you, rather than passing you between clinicians.
Will I leave the first appointment with teeth?+
No. The first appointment is assessment and discussion. Whether a provisional bridge can be fitted soon after surgery is a clinical decision that depends on implant stability and bone quality, and it is made at the planning stage.
How many implants will I need?+
That depends on where usable bone exists in your jaw, which the CBCT scan shows. Commonly four to six per arch, but the number is determined by your anatomy, not by a set formula.
Is it done under general anaesthetic?+
Many cases are managed under local anaesthetic, with sedation options discussed where appropriate. What suits you depends on the extent of surgery and your medical history, and it is decided with you beforehand.
I already wear a full denture — am I a candidate?+
Possibly. Long-term denture wear often means bone has resorbed, which may limit implant positions or require grafting. The scan tells us what is available to work with, and we will be straight with you if it is not enough.
How long does the whole treatment take?+
Typically several months from surgery to the definitive bridge, sometimes longer where extractions, grafting or healing complications are involved. An expected sequence is set out in writing at your planning appointment.
Our Gosford practice

The people and the place you'll be coming to

Our clinicians are registered with the Dental Board of Australia. You are welcome to visit, meet the team and ask questions before deciding on any treatment.

The Digital Dental Implant Institute team
Meet the team
Reception and waiting area at the practice
Reception and waiting area
A treatment room at the practice
Our treatment rooms

Talk it through with our principal dentist

Monday and Wednesday consultations at our Gosford practice. You will leave understanding your options, the risks and the staged cost — with no obligation to proceed.

Book An Appointment Call (02) 4325 5825