Full Mouth Dental Implants in Fort Collins, CO

Full Mouth Dental Implants in Fort Collins, CO

Full mouth dental implants replace all of your teeth with a fixed set of replacement teeth anchored to implants in your jawbone. Unlike dentures, they don't come out, and they don't slip while you eat or talk. At Fort Collins Perio, Dr. Livingston places full mouth implants for patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth, or who are about to.

This page covers what the procedure involves, who qualifies, what it costs, and what recovery looks like.

What Are Full Mouth Dental Implants?

Full mouth dental implants use a small number of implant posts, usually four to eight per arch, to support a full set of fixed replacement teeth. The implants act like artificial tooth roots. A custom bridge or denture attaches to them and stays in place permanently.

This is different from a single dental implant, which replaces one missing tooth. It's also different from a removable denture, which sits on top of the gums and needs to come out for cleaning.

You may also see the term "All-on-4" used for a specific full-arch implant technique that uses four implants per arch, angled to make the most of available bone. Fort Collins Perio offers All-on-4 as one option within full mouth implant treatment. If you want detail specific to that technique, see our All-on-4 dental implants information on the homepage.

Am I a Candidate for Full Mouth Dental Implants?

Most adults who have lost most or all of their teeth, or who face losing them soon, are candidates. Your periodontist will check three things during a consultation:

Bone density. Implants need enough jawbone to anchor into. If you've lost bone from years without teeth, bone grafting can rebuild it first. Read more about how that works on our guided bone regeneration page.

Gum health. Active gum disease needs to be treated before implant surgery. As periodontists, this is exactly what Fort Collins Perio specializes in.

Overall health. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can affect healing. Your provider will review your health history at the consultation.

Age alone doesn't rule anyone out. Many full mouth implant patients are in their 60s, 70s, and beyond.

The Full Mouth Dental Implant Process

Full mouth implant treatment happens in stages over several months. Here's the general path:

1. Consultation and imaging. A 3D scan maps your jawbone and plans exact implant placement.
2. Extractions, if needed. Any remaining unhealthy teeth are removed, sometimes on the same day as implant placement.
3. Implant placement. The implant posts are surgically placed into the jawbone.
4. Healing period. Over the next two to six months, the bone fuses to the implants. This is called osseointegration, and it's what makes the final result stable.
5. Final restoration. Once healing is complete, your custom bridge or denture is attached.

Some patients receive a temporary set of teeth the same day as surgery, so you're never without teeth during healing. For a closer look at each stage of implant treatment in general, see our dental implant procedure stages guide.

How Much Do Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost?

Full mouth dental implants typically cost $14,000 to $36,000 per arch nationally, according to ClearChoice's 2026 pricing guide. For a full mouth case covering both the upper and lower arch, CareCredit's 2026 financing data, reported by NewMouth, puts total treatment between $24,000 and $55,000.

Cost depends mostly on two things: how many implants you need, and whether bone grafting is required first. Restoration material matters too. Zirconia costs more than acrylic.

These are general market ranges, not a quote from Fort Collins Perio. For an exact price, schedule a consultation with Dr. Livingston. He can give you a precise number after an exam and imaging.

Most practices offer financing options to spread the cost over time. Ask about payment plans at your consultation.

Full Mouth Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Both replace missing teeth, but they work differently:

Full mouth implants are fixed in place. They don't move when you eat, and they help preserve jawbone because chewing pressure transfers to the bone the way natural teeth do.

Removable dentures sit on the gums and come out for cleaning. They cost less upfront but often need relining or replacement over time, and they don't stop jawbone loss the way implants do.

Your periodontist can walk through both options at a consultation to help you decide what fits your situation and budget.

Recovery and Healing Timeline

The first one to two weeks after surgery involve some soreness and swelling, managed with medication your provider prescribes. Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise should wait.

A soft food diet is recommended for the first several weeks while the surgical sites heal. Full integration of the implants with your jawbone takes two to six months. Your final, permanent restoration is placed once that healing is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover full mouth dental implants?

Dental insurance sometimes covers part of the cost, particularly extractions or bone grafting, but most plans don't fully cover implants themselves. Check with your insurance provider and ask our office about financing options.

How long do full mouth dental implants last?

With proper care, including regular checkups and good oral hygiene, dental implants can last for decades. The implant posts themselves often last a lifetime, though the attached bridge or denture may need replacement after 10 to 20 years of normal wear.

Is the procedure painful?

Surgery is done under anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during placement. Afterward, most patients report soreness similar to a tooth extraction, managed with prescribed medication for the first several days.

How long does the whole process take, start to finish?

From consultation to final restoration, full mouth implant treatment typically takes several months, mainly because of the two to six month healing period needed for the implants to fuse with your jawbone. Same-day temporary teeth mean you're not without a smile during that time.

Ready to Talk About Full Mouth Dental Implants?

If you're missing most or all of your teeth, full mouth dental implants can give you a fixed, permanent solution instead of removable dentures. Dr. Livingston and the team at Fort Collins Perio can review your case and explain your options at a consultation. Contact us to schedule a visit.