Deciding to replace a full arch of teeth is a big step. Once the decision is made, one question tends to come up straight away: what actually happens next? Not knowing what to expect can make any treatment feel more stressful than it needs to be.
The good news is that All-on-X follows a clear path with well-defined stages. Each stage has a purpose, and knowing them in advance can help you plan time off work, meals and support at home. In this guide, we will walk through the journey step by step. You will learn what happens at the first visit, on surgery day, during healing and when your final teeth are fitted. Once you understand the plan, there should be far fewer surprises along the way.
How Does the All-on-X Process Begin?
The All-on-X process begins with a detailed assessment to check your teeth, gums, bone and general health. Anyone exploring All-on-X dental implants in Lower Hutt will usually start here, because this visit shapes every step that follows. It is also the right time to share your goals and any worries.
During this first stage, your dentist examines your mouth and takes X-rays. A 3D scan is often used to measure your jawbone and find the safest places for implants. Photos and digital impressions of your teeth may also be taken to help design your new smile.
Planning Your New Smile
Once the scans are reviewed, your dentist creates a treatment plan. This plan shows how many implants you need, where they will go and whether any teeth must be removed first. Many clinics use digital software to plan implant positions on a 3D model before surgery. This planning helps the surgery run smoothly and predictably.
Getting Ready for Surgery
Before surgery day, you will receive clear instructions. These usually cover medicines, eating and drinking, and arranging someone to take you home. If you smoke, your dentist will likely encourage you to stop well before surgery, because smoking can slow healing.
What Happens on Surgery Day?
On surgery day, any remaining teeth that need to come out are removed and the implants are placed. In many cases, a temporary bridge is also fitted. For many people, all of this happens in one appointment.
Here is what a typical surgery day looks like:
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Comfort first: You receive local anaesthetic, and sedation if it is part of your plan.
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Tooth removal: Any failing teeth in the arch are gently removed.
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Implant placement: The implants are placed into the jawbone, often with the back ones at an angle.
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Temporary bridge: If the implants are stable enough, a temporary set of teeth is attached the same day or within a few days.
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Recovery: You rest at the clinic before going home with your support person.
How Long Does Surgery Take?
Surgery for one arch often takes a few hours, depending on how many teeth need removing and whether bone grafting is required. Treating both the upper and lower jaws on the same day can take longer. Your dentist will give you an estimate during planning. Sedation can help long appointments feel much shorter, which many people find reassuring.
Will You Leave With Teeth?
Many people leave with a temporary fixed bridge on the day of surgery or shortly afterwards. This bridge is lighter than the final one and is made for the healing period. It lets you smile and speak normally, although you will need to stick to soft foods for a while.
What Happens During the Healing Phase?
The healing phase is the time when your jawbone bonds with the implants, which usually takes around three to six months. During this time, you wear your temporary bridge and follow a soft diet to protect the implants while they settle.
In the first week, some swelling, bruising and tenderness are normal. Cold packs, rest and pain relief as directed can help. Most people return to light daily activities within a few days, but hard exercise is usually avoided for a short time.
Follow-up visits are a regular part of this stage. Patients who choose dental implants in Lower Hutt can expect several short check-ups while the bone heals. Your provider of dental implants in Lower Hutt will use these visits to check your gums, bite and healing progress. Asking how many reviews are included in your plan can help you organise time off work in advance.
What Can You Eat While Healing?
During healing, soft foods work well for protecting your implants. Good choices include yoghurt, soups, scrambled eggs, mashed vegetables, pasta and fish. Avoid hard, crunchy or very chewy foods such as nuts, crusty bread and tough meat. Your dentist will tell you when you can slowly return to a normal diet.
When Should You Call Your Dentist?
Some discomfort is expected, but certain signs need a quick call to the clinic. Contact your dentist if you notice bleeding that will not stop, a fever or swelling that gets worse after the third day. You should also call if your temporary bridge feels loose or cracks, or if pain is not eased by your medicine.
How Is the Final Bridge Made and Fitted?
The final bridge is made once your implants have fully healed and bonded with the bone. It is stronger and more detailed than the temporary bridge and is made to last many years with good care.
Your dentist takes new scans or impressions of your healed gums and implants. You will usually try in a test version so you can check the look, fit and bite. Small changes to tooth shape, colour or length can be made at this stage before the final bridge is completed.
