All-on-4 & All-on-6 Dental Implants in Mira Mesa, San Diego
Missing most or all of your teeth changes how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants give you a full arch of fixed teeth supported by just four or six implants — no removable dentures, no gaps. At Scripps West Dental, Dr. Choi and Dr. Sigafoos handle the surgical placement right here in our Mira Mesa office, and Dr. Tasto completes your final restoration. One team, start to finish.
What Are All-on-4 and All-on-6 Implants?
Traditional dentures sit on your gums and can slip, limit what you eat, and wear down your jaw bone over time. All-on-4 and All-on-6 are different. Instead of resting on your gums, the teeth are anchored directly into your jaw with four or six titanium implant posts. The result is a fixed, non-removable arch of teeth that functions like the real thing.
Both options restore a full upper or lower arch — or both — in a single surgical procedure. You leave with a temporary set of teeth the same day. Once healing is complete, your permanent teeth are fitted.
The difference between the two comes down to how many implants are used and how much support your jaw needs. We determine which option is right for you at your consultation, based on your bone structure, arch size, and overall oral health.
All-on-4 vs All-on-6: Which Is Right for You?
Both are strong solutions. The right choice depends on your jaw structure and how much support your arch needs. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| All-on-4 | All-on-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of implants | 4 per arch | 6 per arch |
| Best for | Most patients with adequate bone density | Patients needing extra support or with larger arch |
| Bone grafting | Rarely needed | May be needed in some cases |
| Stability | Strong, fixed result | Additional support for complex cases |
| Timeline | 4–6 months consultation to final teeth | 4–6 months consultation to final teeth |
Most patients are good candidates for All-on-4. All-on-6 is typically recommended when the upper arch needs extra support, or when a patient’s bone density or arch width makes six implants the more stable option. Dr. Choi and Dr. Sigafoos will assess your X-rays and CT scan at your consultation and give you a clear recommendation.
What Our Patients Say
The Team Behind Your Implants
Dr. James Choi, DDS — Implant Surgery
Dr. Choi completed his DDS at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco and has focused much of his continuing education on implant placement. He has volunteered placing implants for underserved populations, which means he has handled a wide range of cases, not just straightforward ones. He handles the surgical side of your All-on-4 or All-on-6 procedure.
Dr. Gary M. Sigafoos, DDS — Periodontist
Dr. Sigafoos is a periodontist with over 25 years of experience in North San Diego. Full-arch implant work often requires careful attention to bone density, gum health, and how the implants are loaded. That is his specialty. He handles periodontal prep, bone grafting when needed, and implant placement for cases that require his level of expertise.
Dr. James P. Tasto, DDS — Lead Dentist & Restoration
Dr. Tasto has been recognised in San Diego Magazine’s Top Dentists list every year from 2007 to 2023. Once your implants have healed and integrated, he designs and fits your permanent arch — matching the shape, shade, and bite to look and feel completely natural.
How Dental Implants Work at Scripps West Dental
Getting an implant is not a one-day thing — and that is a good thing. The timeline exists because your body needs time to do its job. Here is what the process looks like from your first visit to your finished smile:
Why Patients Choose Us for All-on-4 and All-on-6
There are several dental offices in the 92126 area. Here is what is genuinely different about coming to Scripps West Dental for implants:
Surgeon and restoring dentist in the same building
Most practices refer you to an oral surgeon for placement and send you back to your regular dentist for the final teeth. We do both in-house. Dr. Choi or Dr. Sigafoos places the implants, and Dr. Tasto handles your restoration. Your treatment is coordinated between the same team, in the same office, from day one.
A periodontist on staff
All-on-4 and All-on-6 outcomes depend heavily on gum and bone health. Dr. Sigafoos, our in-house periodontist, handles cases that need more complex prep — bone assessment, periodontal treatment, or grafting. You do not need a separate referral.
You keep the same team throughout
Full-arch implant treatment takes several months. Going back to the same office, seeing familiar faces, and not having to re-explain your case every time makes a real difference. Patients who have been with us for 10 to 15 years know what kind of care to expect.
Honest consultation, not a sales pitch
We will tell you upfront whether you are a good candidate, what the process actually involves, and what it will cost. If All-on-4 or All-on-6 is not right for your situation, we will tell you that too and go over alternatives. Dr. Tasto has been named a Top Dentist in San Diego Magazine every year from 2007 to 2023 — that comes from treating people well, not from pushing procedures.
Serving Mira Mesa and the Surrounding Communities
Our office is at 9420 Mira Mesa Blvd, Suite D — easy to reach from across North San Diego. We regularly see patients coming in from Scripps Ranch, University City, Sorrento Valley, Rancho Peñasquitos, Carmel Valley, and Kearny Mesa. If you are in any of these neighbourhoods and looking for All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants closer to home, we are a short drive away and accepting new patients.
Whether you found us searching for full-arch implants in Mira Mesa or you are a long-term patient from Scripps Ranch making a big decision about your teeth, the process starts the same way — with a conversation. Come in, we will look at where things stand and give you a straight picture of your options.
Cost and Financing for All-on-4 and All-on-6
Full-arch implant treatment is a significant investment. Here is what you need to know to plan for it:
What does it cost in San Diego?
In the San Diego area, All-on-4 treatment typically ranges from $14,000 to $35,000 per arch. All-on-6 runs slightly higher depending on the complexity of the case. Full-mouth restoration (both arches) ranges from $35,000 to $70,000 across the market. Your exact cost depends on whether extractions are needed, the type of final restoration you choose, and other case-specific factors. We give you a full itemised estimate at your consultation before any treatment begins.
‘Cost varies by case. Your exact cost will be confirmed at your consultation.’
Does insurance cover All-on-4 or All-on-6?
Most dental insurance plans offer limited or no coverage for full-arch implant treatment. Some plans may cover portions of extractions or the final restoration. We recommend calling your insurance provider before your appointment to understand what codes are covered under your specific plan.
Financing options
We offer financing to help spread the cost into manageable monthly payments. Ask Jasmin or Mina at the front desk about what is currently available. They can walk you through the options at your consultation or over the phone.
Is it worth the investment?
Traditional dentures need relining, remaking, or replacing every 5 to 10 years, and they do not prevent jaw bone loss. All-on-4 and All-on-6 implants, with proper care, can last 20 or more years. They also protect your jaw bone and maintain your facial structure in a way that removable dentures cannot. For most patients who are living with failing teeth or poorly fitting dentures, the improvement in comfort, confidence, and daily function is hard to overstate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6?
All-on-4 uses four implants to support a full arch. All-on-6 uses six. Both produce a fixed, non-removable result. The choice comes down to your bone density, arch size, and how much support your jaw needs. All-on-6 is often recommended for the upper arch or for patients who need more stability. We determine which is right for you at your consultation.
Am I a candidate for All-on-4 or All-on-6?
Good candidates are patients who are missing most or all of their teeth on one or both arches, or who have teeth that are failing and need to be removed. You need enough jaw bone to support the implants. If you have significant bone loss, we will assess whether bone grafting is needed — though the angled placement used in All-on-4 and All-on-6 often allows us to work with less bone than traditional implant techniques require.
Will I have teeth the same day?
Yes. A temporary arch is placed on the day of your surgery. You leave with a full set of teeth, not a gap. The permanent arch is fitted later, once your implants have fully integrated with your jaw bone.
Does the procedure hurt?
The surgery is done under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some soreness, swelling, and mild bruising in the days after is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients find it more comfortable than they expected.
How long does the full process take?
From your first consultation to your final permanent teeth, the process typically takes 4 to 6 months. Most of that time is healing — the surgery itself is done in one visit. If extractions or bone grafting are needed, the timeline may extend slightly.
How do I care for All-on-4 or All-on-6 teeth?
The same way you would care for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing (using a floss threader or water flosser around the implants), and routine check-ups. There are no adhesives, no soaking overnight, and no taking them out.
How long do they last?
The implant posts can last a lifetime with proper care. The final arch — the visible teeth — can last 15 to 25 years or more depending on the material and how well they are maintained.
What if I have been told I don’t have enough bone?
That is a conversation worth having in person. The angled implant technique used in All-on-4 and All-on-6 often allows placement where traditional implants would not work. If bone grafting is needed, Dr. Sigafoos, our in-house periodontist, can handle that here.