FULL JAW DENTAL IMPLANTS
Full jaw dental implants, for one complete arch.
If most or all of the teeth in one upper or lower jaw are missing, failing or difficult to manage, full jaw implants may offer a fixed way to restore that part of your mouth. We’ll help you understand whether treating one jaw is the right approach and how it would work with the teeth opposite.
WHO ARE THEY FOR?
For people whose main dental problems are in one jaw.
The upper teeth may be causing most of the problems while the lower teeth remain maintainable, or the situation may be the other way round. You might already have many missing teeth in that jaw, several teeth with a poor outlook, or a denture that moves or feels uncomfortable.
Full jaw implant treatment uses dental implants to support replacement teeth across that one complete arch. The opposite jaw is still an important part of planning because the new teeth need to work comfortably with the teeth, restorations or denture that meet them.
HOW COULD THEY HELP?
Restore the jaw that needs treatment without automatically treating the whole mouth.
For suitable patients, full jaw implants may provide a more stable fixed option when one upper or lower jaw has extensive missing or failing teeth. This can be particularly relevant if a removable denture in that jaw is affecting eating, speaking, comfort or confidence.
Your clinician will also assess the opposite jaw and the way your teeth meet. If both jaws have extensive problems, full mouth treatment may be more appropriate. If only part of the jaw needs treatment, a less extensive solution may make more sense. The aim is to recommend the amount of treatment you actually need.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
What could full jaw treatment change for you?
Focus treatment on the jaw that needs it
The upper or lower arch can be restored without assuming that the opposite jaw requires the same level of treatment.
Have a more stable fixed option
Implants can support replacement teeth across the affected jaw rather than relying solely on a removable denture.
Improve everyday function in the affected jaw
The restored arch is planned to work with the teeth or restorations opposite it and support comfortable eating and speaking.
Know how the restored jaw will be maintained
You’ll understand how to clean around the implants and replacement teeth and what ongoing reviews are recommended.
THE PROCESS
What does full jaw implant treatment involve?
You can begin with a free consultation at a Unity Dental practice closer to home. The next step is to understand the affected jaw in detail, how it works with the opposite teeth and which treatment plan is appropriate for you.
HELPFUL ANSWERS
Questions about full jaw implants?
These are some of the questions people commonly ask when extensive problems are concentrated in one upper or lower jaw.
Full jaw treatment restores one complete upper or lower jaw. Full mouth treatment is considered when extensive problems affect both jaws. The distinction matters because the aim is to treat what actually needs restoring rather than automatically recommending the same treatment across the whole mouth.
Yes, if the main problem is in one upper or lower jaw and the opposite jaw can be maintained appropriately. The teeth, restorations or denture in the opposite jaw still need to be assessed because the new replacement teeth have to work with them. Your clinician will explain whether restoring one jaw is appropriate for your situation.
Those teeth are assessed individually. Healthy teeth that have a reasonable long-term outlook may be worth keeping, while teeth that are failing may affect how the jaw can be restored. Implant treatment should be based on the condition of the teeth rather than assuming that every remaining tooth needs to be removed.
Temporary replacement teeth may form part of some treatment plans, but this depends on your starting situation and the approach recommended by your clinician. Before treatment begins, the team will explain what you can expect between stages and any temporary arrangements or limitations during healing.
The cost depends on the condition of the jaw, the treatment required and the replacement teeth being planned. Once your assessment has established what you need, the team can explain the quotation, what is included and any confirmed payment options. The Finance & Payment Plans page also explains Unity’s general approach to treatment costs.
Timescales vary according to your treatment plan, starting dental health and the healing needed between stages. Once the jaw has been assessed, your clinician can explain the likely sequence, when different stages may take place and when the final replacement teeth are expected to be fitted.
PATIENT FEEDBACK
START YOUR JOURNEY
Start with a free consultation.
If you’re living with missing teeth, failing teeth or dentures, or you’re simply looking for a more secure way to restore your smile, a free implant consultation is a chance to understand your options. We’ll talk through the treatments that may be suitable, likely costs and timescales, and what could offer the best outcome for you.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
That’s completely fine. Tell us what’s affecting you and we’ll help you understand where to start.
Explore our locationsTell us a little about you
Share a few details about what’s affecting you. A member of the implant team will get in touch, talk through your enquiry and help arrange the right next step at the Unity Dental location that works best for you.