Full mouth implant treatment follows a proven process. While details vary by treatment type (All-on-4, All-on-6, snap-on), the general journey is similar. Here's what to expect.
Getting full mouth dental implants is a significant but well-established procedure. Thousands of Canadians complete this treatment every year with excellent results.
The process typically spans 3-6 months from start to finish, though many patients receive functional teeth on day one with All-on-4 and All-on-6 approaches.
| Treatment | Surgery Time | Same-Day Teeth? | Total Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-on-4 | 2-4 hrs/arch | Yes | 3-6 months |
| All-on-6 | 3-5 hrs/arch | Yes | 3-6 months |
| Snap-On | 1-2 hrs/arch | Sometimes | 3-6 months |
Duration: 1-2 hours
Your specialist evaluates overall oral health, remaining teeth condition, gum tissue health, and bite and jaw relationship.
Advanced imaging reveals bone volume and density, optimal implant positions, nerve and sinus locations, and need for any bone grafting.
Based on findings, your specialist recommends which solution fits your situation (All-on-4, All-on-6, or snap-on), number and position of implants, whether extractions are needed, and timeline and cost.
This is your opportunity to understand all options, ask questions, review costs and financing, and make an informed decision.
Duration: 1-4 weeks before surgery
If you have health conditions, your specialist may coordinate with your physician.
Some patients require tooth extractions (can often be done same day as implants), bone grafting (may require separate procedure months before), or treatment of gum disease.
For same-day teeth protocols, impressions or scans are taken, temporary prosthesis is pre-fabricated, and tooth shade and shape are selected.
Duration: 2-5 hours (depending on treatment type and whether one or both arches)
Most patients receive local anesthesia (numbing) and IV sedation ("twilight sleep"). General anesthesia is available but less common.
Step 1: Extractions (if needed)
Remaining teeth are removed. Often done immediately before implant placement.
Step 2: Site Preparation
Gum tissue is opened to access the jawbone. Implant channels are precisely created using surgical guides.
Step 3: Implant Placement
Titanium implants are inserted into planned positions:
Step 4: Abutment Attachment
Connector pieces are attached to implants.
Step 5: Temporary Teeth (Same-Day Protocols)
For All-on-4 and All-on-6, temporary prosthesis is secured—you leave with functional teeth. For Snap-On (standard protocol), a healing denture is provided and final snap-on denture is placed after healing.
Step 6: Post-Op Care
Prescriptions provided, instructions reviewed, and follow-up scheduled.
Duration: 3-6 months
Your implants fuse with jawbone over 3-6 months—this is what makes them permanent.
Week 1: Rest and recovery, soft diet, mild to moderate discomfort, some swelling.
Weeks 2-4: Return to normal activities, gradual improvement, continued soft diet.
Months 2-6: No surgical discomfort, implants integrating silently, temporary teeth functioning well, life feels normal.
For Same-Day Teeth Patients: You have functional teeth throughout this period. Be careful with diet to protect healing implants.
Learn more about full mouth implant recovery.
Duration: 2-4 appointments over 2-4 weeks
Your specialist confirms implants have fully integrated (usually via imaging or stability testing).
Precise measurements taken for your permanent prosthesis.
Your final teeth are custom-made with high-quality materials (acrylic or zirconia), individually characterized teeth, designed for optimal function and aesthetics.
Final prosthesis is fitted, bite adjustments made, care instructions provided.
You leave with your completed smile!
Surgery typically takes 2-4 hours per arch for All-on-4, 3-5 hours for All-on-6. Both arches together: 4-7 hours. Many patients have both arches completed in one session.
Most patients receive IV sedation—deeply relaxed and likely won't remember the procedure. You're not fully unconscious but won't feel pain. General anesthesia is available if preferred.
With All-on-4 and All-on-6, yes—you receive temporary fixed teeth the same day. With snap-on dentures, you typically wear a healing denture until final restoration.
Yes. Many patients complete upper and lower in one surgery—meaning one recovery period. Your specialist will advise based on your situation.
Compare different implant options to find what's right for you.
Full arch replacement with 4 implants. Same-day teeth possible.
Enhanced stability with 6 implants. Ideal for lower jaw restoration.
Removable implant-supported dentures. More affordable option.
Replace individual missing teeth with permanent implants.
A consultation provides your personalized treatment plan and timeline.
Find a Specialist Near You