All-on-X Full-Arch Dental Implants in Los Angeles
The short answer
A fixed arch of teeth on a few implants.
All-on-X in Los Angeles replaces every tooth in one jaw with a fixed bridge screwed onto a small group of dental implants. It suits people losing most of their teeth or tired of loose dentures. At Veneers & Co. Dental Group, Dr. Farahnik places implants himself, with a periodontist and oral surgeons on our in-house team.
- Dentist
- Faraz Farahnik, DDS
- Training
- DDS, USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
- License
- California-licensed dentist
- Patients
- Patients travel from across the country and around the world.
All-on-X
What is All-on-X?
All-on-X, offered at our Encino practice, is a way of restoring a whole arch at once. Instead of an implant for every missing tooth, Dr. Farahnik places a small number of implants at carefully chosen positions and angles. A single bridge of teeth then screws onto them. The "X" reflects that the number of implants varies from person to person.
In the four-implant layout these papers describe, the front implants go in straight and the two back implants sit at an angle. That lets them fit in front of the sinuses in the upper jaw and the nerve exits in the lower jaw. It is one option for people who would rather avoid bone grafting or a sinus lift.
What the finished bridge is made of
Labs make final full-arch bridges in several ways: acrylic resin on a metal framework, porcelain fused to metal, or zirconia. Materials differ in how often they chip or need repair, and Dr. Farahnik will explain the trade-offs for your case.
All-on-X
Who is All-on-X for?
All-on-X is for people who are losing, or have already lost, all the teeth in a jaw. Candidates need enough bone to support the implants and general health that allows oral surgery.
People who often consider it
- Denture wearers whose dentures slip, rub or make eating difficult
- People with several failing teeth from advanced gum disease, deep decay or repeated fractures
- People whose dentist says most of their remaining teeth can't be saved
- People with a mix of old bridges and partials that keep breaking down
When another approach may suit better
- Several healthy teeth remain in the arch: Dr. Farahnik may suggest saving them, with individual implants where needed. Dental implants
- Bone loss is severe: you may need bone grafting or a different implant strategy first.
- Health factors such as uncontrolled diabetes or smoking raise the risk of implant problems. Bone-affecting medications also need careful discussion.
- You prefer a removable option you can take out to clean: an implant-retained overdenture may fit better.
All-on-X
How does All-on-X compare with dentures and individual implants?
An All-on-X fixed bridge sits between a conventional denture and replacing every tooth with its own implant. A small group of implants holds it, rather than a separate implant for every tooth, and research supports that approach for full-arch bridges.
| Conventional denture | Implant overdenture | All-on-X fixed bridge | An implant for every tooth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Held by | Rests on the gums | Fits over implants | Screwed to implants | Each tooth on its own implant |
| Removed by | You | You | Only the dentist | Not removable |
| Surgery | None | Some implants | A group of implants, with extraction of any failing teeth | An implant for each missing tooth |
| Stability | Can slip | Implants stabilize and secure it | Fixed in place | Fixed in place |
All-on-X
What happens during All-on-X treatment?
All-on-X treatment in Encino has three main phases: planning, the surgery visit and the final bridge. The final bridge comes after the bone has healed around the implants. You'll know the number of visits and the expected timeline from your written plan.
Planning your new teeth first
Dr. Farahnik designs full-arch treatment backward from the teeth. He records your bite, your smile line, your lip support and how much tooth shows when you speak. Then he plans the implant positions to carry that design. Three-dimensional imaging maps the bone, sinuses and nerves.
The surgery visit
Under local anesthesia, the team removes any remaining failing teeth. Where needed, they smooth and shape the bone ridge, a step called alveoloplasty. Experts still debate how much bone to remove, so Dr. Farahnik decides case by case. Next, the implants go in at their planned angles. When they are stable enough, you leave with a fixed temporary bridge. Otherwise, you wear a removable temporary while they heal.
Healing with your temporary teeth
While the implants fuse with the bone, you wear the temporary bridge and eat soft foods. Dr. Farahnik sees you during this period to check healing and adjust the temporary for comfort and speech.
Your final bridge
Once the implants have integrated, Dr. Farahnik takes new records, then designs and tries in the final bridge. You'll have a chance to review the look and fit before the lab completes it and Dr. Farahnik screws it into place.
All-on-X
What is recovery like?
After All-on-X surgery, Dr. Farahnik will give you aftercare instructions for diet, cleaning and pain relief. He will also tell you what soreness and swelling to expect. Speaking may feel different at first while you adjust to the new teeth.
Phone us at (818) 658-9285 for bleeding that pressure doesn't control or swelling that is still growing several days in. Also call for a fever or a temporary bridge that has started to move.
All-on-X
What are the risks and limits of All-on-X?
All-on-X carries the risks of any implant surgery. These include infection, implants that fail to fuse with the bone, gum inflammation over time, and nerve or sinus complications. The bridge itself can chip or wear, particularly acrylic teeth, and may need repair or replacement over the years. Extracting teeth is irreversible.
For a regulator's view, the FDA explains the benefits and risks of dental implants on its consumer site.
Adjusting to a full-arch bridge takes time. Dr. Farahnik will tell you what to expect, such as how food can collect under the bridge and how your speech may change at first. He'll also explain how biting may feel, and he can adjust the bridge if something isn't right.
All-on-X
How should an All-on-X bridge be looked after?
An All-on-X bridge stays healthy with daily cleaning around and under it, regular professional maintenance and protection from grinding.
- Brush the teeth and the gum-line twice daily.
- Clean beneath the bridge every day the way Dr. Farahnik shows you.
- Keep scheduled maintenance visits so Dr. Farahnik can check the implants and bridge.
- Wear a night guard if Dr. Farahnik prescribes one; it protects implants and restorations from grinding forces.
- Don't chew ice, popcorn kernels or hard candy, and use scissors, not your teeth, to open things.
All-on-X
What should I ask before choosing a full-arch treatment?
Full-arch treatment is a large decision, and it is reasonable to compare carefully. These are the questions we'd want answered if we were in your place.
- Who does each part? Ask who removes the teeth, who places the implants and who designs and fits the bridge. At our Encino practice, Dr. Farahnik places the implants and designs the All-on-X bridge. The in-house periodontist and oral surgeons join when a case needs them.
- What will I wear while I heal, and what is the final bridge made of? The temporary and the final are different restorations, and the plan should describe both.
- What is included in the fee? The written plan should itemize extractions, grafting, the temporary, the final bridge and follow-up visits.
- What maintenance will I need? Ask how often the dentist removes and cleans the bridge, and what home care you'll need.
- What happens if an implant doesn't take, or the bridge chips? A clear answer before treatment avoids surprises later.
- Can I see real full-arch cases? Photos should be of actual patients, unretouched, with the procedures listed.
- How will my bite and speech be checked along the way? Ask how the dentist adjusts the temporary for comfort and speech. Also ask how you'll review the look, fit and bite of the final bridge before the lab finishes it.
- What if I live far away? Ask which visits must be in person in Encino and how follow-up works between trips. Also ask who to call if something feels wrong after you're home.
Bring these questions to your consultation.
All-on-X
How can I prepare for an All-on-X consultation?
A little preparation makes your All-on-X consultation in Encino more useful. A full-arch plan depends on your health, your mouth and what you want to change. If you can, bring the following.
- A complete list of the medicines you take and the health conditions you have, even ones that don't seem connected to your teeth. Dr. Farahnik reviews these before planning any surgery.
- Your current denture or partial, if you wear one. He can see how it fits and hear what you like or dislike about it.
- Recent dental X-rays or scans from another office. Ask that office to send them ahead of time.
- Older photos of your smile, which can help Dr. Farahnik design the shape of your new teeth.
- Your priorities and timing: whether chewing, speaking, comfort or appearance matters most. Also note any dates to plan around, such as travel or an event.
A phone call can be a starting point, but a final full-arch plan always needs an in-person exam and imaging in Encino.
Cost & insurance
How much does All-on-X cost?
The fee for All-on-X in Encino depends on one arch or two, the materials of the final bridge and what preparation you need. Dr. Farahnik works with all budgets and price ranges.
Insurance
We accept all PPO insurance plans.
Dr. Farahnik works with all budgets and price ranges.
What affects the cost?
Key factors are the number of implants, extractions and bone shaping, any grafting and imaging. The temporary bridge and the material of the final bridge also count. You'll receive a written treatment plan and fee after your exam.
Financing
Financing is subject to each lender's terms and approval.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about All-on-X in Los Angeles
What does the "X" in All-on-X mean?
It stands for the number of implants supporting the arch, which varies from person to person. Dr. Farahnik chooses the number and angle of the implants based on your bone, your bite and the size of the bridge.
Will I leave with teeth on the day of surgery?
Often, yes. When the implants are stable enough at placement, you can go home with a fixed temporary bridge. If they aren't, you'll wear a temporary removable set while they heal. Either way, you'll have teeth to show.
Can I take an All-on-X bridge out?
No. The bridge screws onto the implants and stays in place day and night. Only Dr. Farahnik removes it, when he needs to clean underneath or check the implants at a maintenance visit.
Is All-on-X the same as dentures?
No. A conventional denture rests on the gums and comes out. An All-on-X bridge attaches to implants that fuse with the jawbone, which makes it stable. Implant teeth can be very similar to natural teeth.
Can I have All-on-X on just my upper or lower jaw?
Yes. Dr. Farahnik plans each arch separately. Some people treat one jaw and keep their natural teeth, a denture or an existing restoration in the other. He then designs the new bridge's bite around what is in the opposite jaw.
What can I eat after All-on-X surgery?
Soft foods at first, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes and soup, while the implants heal under the temporary bridge. Avoid hard and crunchy foods until Dr. Farahnik clears you, then expand gradually once your final bridge is in.
How do I clean an All-on-X bridge?
Brush it twice a day like natural teeth, and clean underneath and around the implants every day the way Dr. Farahnik shows you. Regular maintenance visits help prevent inflammation of the gums and bone around the implants.
The dentist
Who will treat you?
Dr. Faraz Farahnik places the implants and designs the bridge for All-on-X in Encino. He works with the in-house periodontist and oral surgeons when your case calls for it. Meet Dr. Farahnik
- Education
- UCLA, with honors · DDS, USC, 2018
- Practicing
- Practicing dentist since 2018
- Languages
- English · Farsi
Your first step is a conversation.
Faraz Farahnik, DDS · USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Begin
Ready to stop working around your teeth?
If you're managing failing teeth or a denture that never quite fits, book a consultation. You'll learn whether a fixed full arch is realistic for you and what the path looks like.