Patient case · Full arch implants
Six Implants and Fixed Upper Teeth in One Morning: David’s Full Arch Case
David is 61 and lives five minutes away in Stocksbridge. He came to us with broken, worn and missing upper teeth and a severe gag reflex. This is his treatment from start to finish, told by David and by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, who treated him.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, Principal Dentist · GDC 301711 · David’s treating dentist · October 2026
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not replace an examination or treatment by a dentist.
Before and after
- Upper jawFull arch
- 6 implantsPlaced with a surgical guide
- About 1 hourSurgical stage
- Same dayFixed bridge fitted by lunchtime
David’s story
David is semi-retired and used to be a swimming coach. His teeth had been failing for a long time. In his twenties he broke one on a slice of toast in the works canteen, and over the years more of them wore down, broke or were lost. By the time he came to see Dr Ibraheem, he was running out of teeth.
“It’s just got to that point where I’ve got to do something about it or have no teeth.”
David
Dentists had never been easy for him. At 13 or 14, a dentist told him he didn’t need an injection and drilled anyway, and he has had a severe gag reflex ever since. He wanted fixed teeth, not a denture, and he wanted it done close to home.
“I’ve been to ones before in the city centre, which were fine, but it’s the travelling, and then you’ve got your partner just waiting there. It’s local, I’m only five, ten minutes away, so win-win for everybody.”
David
The plan
Dr Ibraheem planned a full upper arch: take out the remaining upper teeth, place six implants and fit a fixed bridge on the same day. That sequence is often called All-on-6, and how the implants share the biting load is explained on our implant biomechanics page. His lower front teeth had already been rebuilt because they were worn too, so the new upper teeth would bite against a sound lower arch.
Because of his gag reflex, David chose sedation. Before surgery, an initial scan was taken and a small marker placed on his palate, so the lab would know exactly where his new bite should sit once the upper teeth were gone.
Wondering whether a full arch could work for you? A consultation and 3D scan will tell you.
The day of surgery
- Before 9amDavid is sedated and comfortable. Initial scan taken.
- 9amSurgery starts. The upper teeth come out, apart from two that are kept to hold the surgical guide.
- NextThe guide sets the position of six implants. Each one reached 60 Ncm of torque, which means it is firmly held in the bone.
- About 10amAll six implants are in. Bone grafting, stitches and digital scans of the implant positions follow.
- Late morningThe lab makes his fixed bridge from the scans that same morning.
- By lunchtimeThe bridge is fitted and adjusted to his bite.
Seeing his new teeth
When the bridge was in, David sat up and looked in the mirror for the first time. His wife, who had come with him, put it more simply than we could:
“He’s never smiled for ages because he didn’t want to show his teeth.”
David’s wife
Wondering whether a full arch could work for you? A consultation and 3D scan will tell you.
Healing and what comes next
The bridge David went home with is a fixed provisional. For the next few months the implants fuse with the bone, so even small movements matter: he is on a soft diet, keeps from biting into hard food, rinses with salt water from the day after surgery and cleans around the bridge with a water flosser on its lowest setting. His first review is about six weeks after surgery.
Once healing is complete he will have his definitive bridge. On the lower jaw, two crowns are planned on the right in six months, with one small procedure on the left. We will add David’s review to this page when his final teeth are fitted.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Were the teeth David went home with his final teeth?
No. On the day he had a fixed provisional bridge: it is screwed to the implants and doesn’t come out, but it is designed for the healing months. Once the implants have fused with the bone, he will have his definitive bridge made and fitted.
How long did the surgery take?
Surgery started just before 9am and the surgical stage was finished just before 10am. Digital scans went to the lab straight afterwards, and his fixed bridge was fitted by lunchtime. Every case is planned individually, so your timings may differ.
Why did David have sedation?
David has a severe gag reflex that goes back to a bad experience as a teenager, so he chose sedation. He was relaxed throughout. After sedation you can’t drive or use machinery for 24 hours, and someone needs to take you home and stay with you.
What did David have to do afterwards?
A soft diet and no biting or chewing on the new teeth while the implants heal, salt-water rinses from the next day, and a water flosser on its lowest setting around the bridge. His first review is about six weeks after surgery. If a provisional bridge chips, we have a replacement made, usually within a few days.
Would my treatment be the same as David’s?
Not necessarily. The number of implants, whether you need a bone graft, and whether teeth can be fitted on the same day all depend on your bone and your bite. We take a 3D scan at your consultation and plan from that. Current prices are on our fees page.
Ready when you are
Thinking about a full arch?
Book a consultation with Dr Ibraheem Ijaz. We’ll take a 3D scan, talk through your options and tell you honestly whether a full arch suits you.