Full-Arch Dental Implants:
20+ Questions You’ve Always Wanted Answered
If you (or someone you love) are missing most or all of your teeth, full-arch implant dentistry can be life-changing. But it’s also a big decision — and naturally, you’ll have lots of questions.
We’ve compiled 20+ of the most common questions we get from patients considering full-arch implant treatment. These will help you understand the process, what to expect, and how to decide if it’s right for you.
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1. What exactly are full-arch dental implants?
Full-arch implants replace all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw using 4–6 dental implants that support a full set of prosthetic teeth. These teeth are fixed into position (not removable like dentures) and are designed to look and function like natural teeth.
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2. Why do you recommend implants over dentures or “doing nothing”?
Simply put: your natural teeth are always the best option — but when they can’t be saved, implants are the next best thing.
• Implants provide excellent stability for chewing, smiling, and speaking.
• Dentures are less stable, often uncomfortable, and make eating some foods difficult.
• Doing nothing leaves you unable to chew properly and can lead to jawbone loss and changes in facial shape.
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3. How long does the process take?
For most patients, it takes 6–12 months from start to finish. That includes healing and refining the bite and smile design. However, in many cases we can place implants and a fixed set of teeth on the same day as tooth removal, so you walk out with teeth.
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4. Does that mean I’ll never be without teeth?
Correct. Our rule is simple: No one leaves without teeth.
On the day of surgery, you’ll leave with either a fixed temporary bridge or a well-fitting plate (depending on your bone quality). Later, we replace this with your long-term set of ceramic teeth for lasting function and aesthetics.
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5. Is it painful?
Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they experience. We use strong anaesthesia to ensure you are completely numb during the procedure, and we provide pain relief for the days following surgery. In fact, this is our second rule: no one feels any pain. Full stop. We can also discuss sedation options if you’re feeling nervous.
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6. Am I too old for implants?
Age isn’t a barrier. We regularly treat patients in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. The key factors are your overall health, bone quality, and commitment to maintaining your implants long-term.
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7. Will my implants last forever?
Implants are predictable for 15–20 years with good care, and many last much longer. But implants are not “set and forget” — they require regular cleaning and professional maintenance. Without this, problems can arise sooner.
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8. What happens if an implant fails?
Roughly 1 in 50 implants fail to heal properly, often due to factors like smoking or poor bone quality. If this happens, we replace the implant or adjust the treatment plan to ensure a stable long-term result.
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9. How much does full-arch treatment cost?
On average, a full upper or lower arch costs around $29,000–$32,000, including all extractions, implants, provisional (temporary) teeth, and your long-term ceramic bridge. Your lower jaw may cost less if we are restoring only certain areas rather than a full arch.
This cost reflects the complexity and quality of the treatment. Full-arch implant dentistry involves advanced 3D imaging and digital smile design, surgical placement of multiple implants, and multiple sets of custom-made teeth — with provisional restorations designed and fabricated entirely in-house. Your long-term ceramic bridge is created using a combination of in-house precision work and collaboration with trusted external dental laboratories to ensure the best aesthetics, strength, and long-term performance. It also includes ongoing follow-up and care. This is a complex, high-skill process designed to last for decades, not a quick fix.
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10. What if I can’t afford it all at once?
You’re not alone — this is one of the biggest concerns for our patients. Options include staged treatment, accessing your superannuation (via the ATO’s compassionate release scheme), and payment plans. We’ll talk through your situation at the consultation and help you choose what works for you.
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11. Can I use my superannuation to pay for it?
Yes. Many patients access their super (superannuation) to cover treatment costs. Important: This process adds to your taxable income for the year, so we strongly recommend discussing it with your accountant.
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12. What if I don’t like how my new teeth look?
That’s why we do it in stages. Your first set of teeth (fitted the day of surgery) are provisional — they allow your implants to heal and your bite to settle. You’ll wear these for a few months, giving us plenty of time to tweak shape, colour, and bite before making your long-term ceramic bridge. You’ll be involved in every step of the design process.
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13. Why don’t you fit the long-term teeth straight away?
It’s a fair question. The answer is that your gums, bite, and bone need time to settle after surgery. Provisional teeth act as a “trial phase,” allowing us to perfect your bite, speech, and smile design. Once everything is stable, we craft your long-term ceramic bridge for the best possible function, comfort, and aesthetics. Rushing this step can lead to complications or a poor result, which is why we take the time to do it properly.
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14. How soon can I eat after surgery?
Most patients can eat soft foods (like pasta, scrambled eggs, fish) within a few days. As you heal and move to your long-term teeth, you’ll gradually be able to enjoy a full range of foods — including steak and crunchy fruit.
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15. Will my speech be affected?
Initially, yes — especially if you’ve been missing teeth or wearing dentures. But after a few weeks to months, your tongue and muscles adapt, and most people notice significant improvement in speech clarity compared to before treatment.
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16. Do I need to quit smoking?
We strongly encourage reducing or quitting smoking. Smokers have a higher risk of implant failure and gum problems. Even cutting down significantly improves your success rate.
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17. How do I keep my implants clean?
You’ll need to:
• Brush morning and night with a soft brush.
• Use interdental brushes or water flossers to clean around the bridge.
• See our hygienist every 6 months for a professional clean.
Proper maintenance is the biggest factor in long-term implant success.
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18. Can I replace only one arch and keep my other teeth?
Absolutely. Many patients replace all the teeth in one arch (upper or lower) while keeping their natural teeth in the opposite arch, supported by fillings, crowns, or individual implants where needed.
For some patients, an implant-retained overdenture (a removable denture that clips securely onto implants) can also be an excellent option — especially for those who need easier cleaning due to reduced manual dexterity or require additional lip support to enhance facial profile.
We’ll assess your bite and discuss which combination of solutions best suits your needs, function, and budget.
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19. What if I have gum disease?
We can still do implants, but achieving a fixed full-arch solution begins with establishing healthy gums. In some cases, this process can take considerable time — even years — but the outcome is well worth it. Current evidence strongly supports that placing implants in the presence of active gum disease significantly increases the risk of complications and failure. For this reason, we prioritise treating your gum health first, which may involve deep cleaning, scaling, and adjusting your treatment plan to ensure the best long-term results.
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20. Will I look different after treatment?
Yes — but in a good way. We restore natural tooth height, lip support, and a balanced smile, which often softens wrinkles around the mouth and gives you a more youthful appearance.
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21. Common misconceptions about implants
Do implants set off airport scanners? No.
Do I need to be put to sleep? Not necessarily. Most procedures are done with local anaesthesia and optional sedation.
Are full-arch bridges big or bulky? No — they’re carefully designed to match your natural bite and smile.
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22. Why choose Shumack Dental & Implants?
• Advanced technology: 3D scans, digital smile design, and in-house milling for custom teeth.
• Experience: We do this type of dentistry regularly and focus on complex cases.
• Personalised care: We guide you from consultation to surgery to maintenance, with a dedicated team who knows you by name.
• Commitment to quality: We take the time to do it right, prioritising precision and long-term results over “same-day shortcuts.”
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For partners and support people: how you can help?
Having a partner, friend, or family member involved makes the process smoother. You can help by:
• Attending consultations to understand the journey.
• Supporting soft food preparation and post-op care in the early healing stage.
• Encouraging your loved one through the emotional (and sometimes physical) recovery period.
What to expect in the first week:
• Mild to moderate swelling and bruising (usually settles within a week).
• Soft-food diet for several weeks.
• Follow-up appointments to check healing and adjust the provisional bridge.
Many patients tell us this is a team journey — your support can make all the difference.
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Your treatment timeline (at a glance):
1. Consultation & 3D scan — We assess your mouth, take digital scans, and create a personalised plan.
2. Surgery & provisional teeth — Implants are placed, and you leave the same day with fixed provisional teeth.
3. Healing & adjustments — Over a few months, your bite settles and we refine your design.
4. Long-term ceramic teeth — Your long-term bridge is fitted for durability, function, and aesthetics.
5. Ongoing maintenance — Regular check-ups and cleaning ensure everything stays healthy.
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Ready to take the next step?
Full-arch implants are life-changing — for your smile, your ability to eat, and your confidence.
If you’re ready to explore your options, book a consultation today. Our team will walk you through every step and help you create a smile you’re proud of.
Call Shumack Dental & Implants on (02) 6921 2333