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All-on-6®

What All-on-6® means for people who need full-arch teeth replacement

All-on-6® is a modern approach to rebuilding an entire upper or lower arch using six dental implants to support a full fixed prosthesis. Unlike removable dentures that sit on the gums, this technique anchors a complete bridge directly to implants placed in strategic locations along the jaw. The result is a stable, permanent restoration that behaves much like natural teeth for eating, speaking, and daily care.

This option is designed for patients who want a reliable, long-term solution for extensive tooth loss. Placement of six implants provides increased support and distribution of biting forces across the jaw, which can be particularly helpful for patients with moderate bone density. The prosthesis is typically fabricated to mimic the look and function of natural teeth while restoring facial contours that can be lost with prolonged tooth absence.

At the practice, we present All-on-6® as a well-established alternative to traditional removable options. The technique blends implant science with prosthetic design so the final restoration is both secure and esthetic. Patients considering this treatment should expect a careful evaluation to determine candidacy, including imaging and a clinical exam to assess bone quality and overall oral health.

Because every mouth is different, the approach is customized. Implant positions are planned to take advantage of existing bone and to avoid anatomical structures, and the prosthetic design is tailored to each patient’s bite, smile line, and functional needs. This emphasis on individualized planning helps produce predictable results and a comfortable fit.

How the All-on-6® system is planned and placed

Successful All-on-6® treatment begins with detailed diagnostics. Cone-beam CT scans and digital impressions allow the dental team to visualize bone anatomy and plan precise implant locations. This preoperative planning helps determine implant length, angle, and placement sites that will best support a full-arch prosthesis while avoiding vital structures like nerves and sinuses.

On the day of surgery, implants are placed in preplanned positions that maximize stability and load distribution. In many cases, immediate provisional teeth can be attached the same day to restore appearance and basic function while the implants integrate with the bone. This provisional prosthesis allows patients to leave the office with a fixed set of teeth rather than a removable denture.

Over the following months, osseointegration — the biological bonding between implant and bone — occurs. During this phase, patients follow instructed care protocols and attend follow-up visits so the team can monitor healing and make any necessary adjustments. Once integration is complete, the temporary prosthesis is replaced with a precisely crafted permanent restoration, designed for durability and comfort.

Why many patients prefer All-on-6® over removable dentures

The most immediate difference is stability. A fixed full-arch prosthesis attached to six implants eliminates the slipping and movement commonly associated with conventional dentures. This stability improves chewing efficiency and makes eating a wider variety of foods more comfortable. It also helps restore confidence when speaking or smiling in social situations.

All-on-6® prostheses are cared for in much the same way as natural teeth — regular brushing, interdental cleaning, and professional maintenance visits. Because the restoration is fixed, there’s no need for denture adhesives or nightly removal for cleaning, which many patients find simpler and more convenient for daily life.

Another important advantage is the preservation of jawbone. Dental implants stimulate the underlying bone, helping to slow the resorption that often follows tooth loss. By maintaining bone volume and facial support, implant-supported restorations contribute to a more youthful facial profile compared with the gradual changes that removable dentures can allow.

The treatment timeline and what patients can expect

Initial consultation and planning typically include a thorough oral exam, imaging, and a discussion of health history and goals. The team will explain the anticipated timeline, outline preoperative instructions, and coordinate any preparatory care, such as the extraction of nonrestorable teeth or treatment for periodontal issues that should be addressed before implant placement.

Surgery is usually completed in a single appointment for each arch, with implants placed according to the digital plan. Many patients receive a provisional set of teeth at the same visit; this provisional restoration provides immediate function and esthetics while the implants undergo integration. The provisional is monitored and adjusted as needed to ensure comfort and proper healing.

After a healing period, typically several months, impressions are taken for the definitive prosthesis. The laboratory then fabricates the final bridge with materials selected for strength and lifelike appearance. Final delivery includes careful occlusal adjustment and patient instruction on hygiene and maintenance to help the restoration perform well for years to come.

Throughout the process, follow-up visits are essential. These appointments allow the team to verify healing, evaluate soft tissue response, and make any necessary refinements. Clear communication and adherence to recommended aftercare help reduce complications and support predictable long-term success.

Long-term care, maintenance, and expected outcomes

Long-term success with All-on-6® depends on routine maintenance and good oral hygiene. Patients should brush and clean around the prosthesis daily, using recommended tools such as interdental brushes or water flossers where appropriate. Regular professional cleanings and periodic examinations are important to monitor the health of the implants and surrounding tissues.

The fixed nature of an All-on-6® restoration makes daily life easier, but it also requires commitment to maintenance. The practice emphasizes preventive care, which includes screening for signs of peri-implant inflammation and managing any contributing factors such as smoking or uncontrolled systemic conditions. Early detection and intervention can preserve implant health and function.

With appropriate care and periodic professional oversight, implant-supported full-arch restorations can offer many years of reliable service. Patients often report improved ability to chew and speak, enhanced comfort, and a return of facial support that contributes to overall well-being. The practice’s team focuses on delivering restorations that balance durability with natural appearance so patients can enjoy both function and confidence.

In summary, All-on-6® provides a fixed, implant-supported solution for replacing a full arch of teeth, combining stability, ease of care, and preservation of jaw structure. The practice’s approach emphasizes careful planning, individualized prosthetic design, and ongoing preventive care to support long-term success. If you would like to learn more about whether All-on-6® is right for you, please contact us for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is All-on-6?

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All-on-6 is a full-arch tooth replacement method that uses six dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis for an entire upper or lower jaw. The approach provides a stable, nonremovable set of replacement teeth that patients care for much like natural teeth. At Value Dental Center, the procedure is presented as an alternative to traditional removable dentures for patients seeking a long-term, secure solution.

The implants are placed in predetermined positions to distribute chewing forces evenly and maximize support for the prosthesis. Because the restoration is fixed in the mouth, patients typically regain greater chewing efficiency and speech stability compared with removable options. The prosthetic teeth can often be designed to closely match natural appearance and function.

How does All-on-6 differ from traditional dentures?

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Traditional dentures are removable appliances that sit on the gums and often rely on adhesives or suction for retention, while All-on-6 is a fixed prosthesis anchored to implants that are integrated with the jawbone. The implant-supported arch eliminates the need to remove the prosthesis daily and reduces movement during eating and speaking. This difference typically results in improved comfort and confidence for patients who have experienced instability with dentures.

Implants also interact with the jawbone in a way that helps preserve bone volume by transmitting normal chewing forces to the bone. Removable dentures do not provide the same level of stimulation and can accelerate bone resorption over time. For many patients, the implant-supported approach offers both functional and long-term anatomical advantages.

Who is a good candidate for All-on-6?

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Good candidates for All-on-6 are patients who are missing most or all teeth in an arch or who have failing teeth that are not suitable for restoration. Candidates should have adequate overall health and oral hygiene habits, and they must be willing to follow post-surgical care instructions and attend follow-up visits. A comprehensive evaluation including medical history, oral exam, and imaging is necessary to determine candidacy.

Certain conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or untreated periodontal disease, can affect healing and implant success and should be addressed before proceeding. If jawbone volume is insufficient in localized areas, the All-on-6 approach may still be possible because the use of six implants can allow for strategic placement to take advantage of available bone. Your implant dentist will explain alternatives and any preparatory steps needed to optimize outcomes.

What does the All-on-6 treatment process involve?

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The process begins with a diagnostic phase that includes a clinical exam, digital imaging, and treatment planning to determine optimal implant positions and prosthetic design. On the day of surgery, six implants are placed in the jaw and a provisional prosthesis is often attached to restore function and appearance while the implants integrate. The immediate provisional protects the surgical sites and lets patients leave the office with a functioning set of teeth.

Over the following months the implants undergo osseointegration, during which bone grows around the implant surfaces to secure them firmly. Once integration is confirmed, the provisional is replaced with a final, precisely fabricated prosthesis tailored for fit, function, and esthetics. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and finalize adjustments to the restoration.

How long does it take to recover after All-on-6 surgery?

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Initial recovery from implant surgery commonly involves a few days to a couple of weeks of soft-tissue healing, during which patients may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort that is manageable with prescribed or recommended medications. Many patients can return to normal daily activities within several days, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for a short period. Eating progresses from soft foods to a regular diet as healing permits and as advised by the dental team.

Complete bone-level integration of the implants typically requires several months, and during this time patients will attend follow-up visits to assess healing and stability. The provisional prosthesis provides function and esthetics while the implants bond with the jawbone, and the final prosthesis is delivered once the team confirms successful integration. Maintaining scheduled appointments and following post-operative care instructions helps promote predictable recovery.

How should I care for and maintain All-on-6 implants?

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Daily oral hygiene is essential to the long-term success of All-on-6 restorations and includes thorough brushing and cleaning at the gumline to remove plaque and debris. Patients may use interdental brushes, floss designed for implants, or a water flosser to clean around the prosthesis and between abutments, and should follow specific instructions provided by their clinician. Good home care reduces the risk of peri-implant inflammation and other complications.

Professional maintenance is also important; patients should keep regular recall visits for professional cleanings and examinations so clinicians can monitor tissue health and implant stability. The dental team will advise on an individualized maintenance schedule and may recommend tools or techniques tailored to the prosthesis design. Promptly reporting any changes such as persistent soreness, mobility, or unusual drainage helps ensure timely management.

What are the potential risks and complications of All-on-6?

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As with any surgical procedure, All-on-6 carries risks such as infection, bleeding, swelling, and temporary discomfort in the days following surgery. Implant-specific complications can include failure of osseointegration, implant mobility, nerve irritation, or sinus involvement in the upper jaw when implants are near sinus cavities. Many of these issues are uncommon when proper planning and surgical technique are employed, but patients should be informed and monitored closely.

Longer-term complications can include peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis, conditions involving inflammation and, in some cases, bone loss around implants. These conditions are often preventable or manageable with strict oral hygiene, routine professional care, and early intervention when symptoms appear. Your implant team will discuss risk reduction strategies and the signs to watch for after treatment.

Can All-on-6 help preserve jawbone and facial structure?

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Yes, dental implants used in the All-on-6 approach can help preserve jawbone by transmitting normal chewing forces into the bone, which stimulates remodeling and helps maintain bone volume. This biomechanical stimulation contrasts with removable dentures, which may allow accelerated bone resorption over time because they do not engage the bone in the same way. Preserving bone supports facial contours and helps maintain a more natural facial appearance.

In cases where bone loss has already occurred, All-on-6 may reduce the need for extensive grafting because the six-implant strategy allows flexibility in implant placement to utilize available bone. However, some patients may still require supplemental grafting or sinus augmentation to achieve optimal implant positioning, and these options will be discussed during the diagnostic phase. A thorough evaluation with 3D imaging helps determine the best plan for bone preservation and implant success.

Will I receive temporary teeth on the same day as implant placement?

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Many patients who undergo All-on-6 receive a provisional or temporary prosthesis on the day of implant placement, provided the implants achieve adequate primary stability during surgery. The immediate provisional restores appearance and basic chewing function while allowing soft tissues to heal and implants to integrate. It is important to understand that the provisional is designed for temporary use and may have dietary limitations to protect the healing implants.

The final, definitive prosthesis is fabricated and delivered once the dental team confirms stable osseointegration, typically after a few months of healing. During the provisional phase patients will receive instructions on diet, oral hygiene, and activity to support healing and protect the restoration. Regular monitoring ensures the transition to the final prosthesis is timed for the best long-term outcome.

How do I schedule a consultation to find out if All-on-6 is right for me?

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To determine whether All-on-6 is an appropriate solution, schedule a consultation with an implant dentist who will perform a clinical exam, review your medical history, and obtain necessary imaging. During the visit the clinician will discuss your goals, explain the diagnostic findings, review alternative treatment options, and outline the recommended treatment sequence. This evaluation provides the information needed to make an informed decision about care.

You can arrange a consultation by contacting our office during business hours or by using the online booking option on our website, and a member of our team will help coordinate imaging and appointments. At your visit we will explain each step of the process and answer questions so you understand what to expect from All-on-6 treatment and ongoing maintenance. Value Dental Center welcomes prospective patients and provides thorough implant evaluations to help people choose the best path forward for their oral health.

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