Full arch dental implants replace an entire upper or lower row of teeth with one fixed bridge anchored to a small number of implants, and they are for adults who are missing most or all of their teeth or whose remaining teeth cannot be saved. The practical difference shows up at the dinner table. A loose denture can make you cut food into small pieces, avoid certain meals, or worry about slipping when you laugh. A full arch restoration stays in place, so eating and speaking can feel more natural again.
A full arch restoration starts with dental implants, small posts placed in the jawbone that act as anchors. Instead of one implant for every missing tooth, a complete set of replacement teeth is attached to several implants spread across the arch. You may have heard related terms such as All-on-4 dental implants, implant-supported bridges, or Teeth In A Day. These describe different ways of approaching the same goal, and we offer each of them. The right one depends on your bone, your bite, and your health.
This treatment helps people in a range of situations. Some patients have worn a complete denture for years and are tired of adhesives and sore spots. Others have a mouth full of failing teeth, old crowns, or advanced gum disease and want to stop repairing one tooth at a time. Some have a partial denture and are losing the teeth that hold it. In each case, the aim is a stable, fixed set of teeth that you do not take out at night.
Full arch work is planned and restored here by Dr. Renan Buitrago, DDS, a prosthodontist. A prosthodontist is a dentist with three additional years of specialty training in replacing and restoring teeth. Dr. Buitrago earned his DDS from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in 2000 and from New York University in 2008, completed NYU's advanced program in prosthodontics and dental implants, and finished a three-year prosthodontics residency at New York Hospital Queens, affiliated with Cornell University. He is a recipient of the Gersten Award and has owned this Coral Springs practice since 2014.
In practical terms, you see the same doctor at every visit. Dr. Buitrago designs the final teeth, coordinates each step, and restores the case in our office rather than sending you to several offices. Our on-site dental lab supports that work. Because we also provide extractions, bone grafting, and gum disease treatment, many of the steps that lead up to a full arch can happen under one roof.
Am I a good candidate for full arch implants?
Many adults who are missing most of their teeth are candidates, and the only way to know for sure is an exam with Dr. Buitrago. He looks at the amount and quality of your jawbone, the health of your gums, the teeth you still have, and how your upper and lower jaws meet.
Your general health matters too. Please share your medications and medical conditions so the plan fits you. If bone has thinned after years without teeth, bone grafting may be part of the plan. If gum disease is present, we treat it first. Patients who feel anxious about dental care can ask about oral sedation, which we offer. Things worth thinking about before your consultation include:
- How long you have been missing teeth or wearing a denture
- Whether your current teeth are painful, loose, or repeatedly breaking
- Any medical conditions or medications that affect healing
- Your priorities for chewing, comfort, and appearance
How do I care for full arch implants, and how long do they last?
You care for full arch implants with daily brushing, careful cleaning around and under the bridge, and regular professional visits. The teeth do not decay like natural teeth, but the gums and bone around the implants still need attention to stay healthy.
How long your restoration lasts depends on your home care, your overall health, habits such as smoking or grinding, and keeping up with checkups. Our hygienists provide cleanings and periodontal maintenance, and Dr. Buitrago checks the fit and bite over time. If a repair or adjustment is ever needed, having our lab in the office and the same doctor who designed your teeth makes that simpler.
How can I pay for full arch dental implants?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing. Coverage for implant treatment varies widely between plans, so our team reviews your benefits with you and explains what your plan may cover before treatment begins.
For the remaining balance, we offer CareCredit, 0% and low-interest financing options, and all major credit cards. Every full arch case is different, so we give you a written plan after your exam rather than a general number.
How do I get started?
You start by scheduling a consultation at our office at 2232 N University Drive, Suite B, in Coral Springs. Patients visit us from Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, Boca Raton, and nearby communities. At your first visit, Dr. Buitrago will examine your mouth, talk through your goals, and explain the options that fit your situation. Call our office today and our team will help you find a time that works.