If you’re missing many teeth, All-on-6 dental implants could be a great solution. They offer a much stronger and more stable option than traditional dentures. This technique uses six small titanium posts placed in your jawbone. These posts act like tooth roots. They hold a full set of replacement teeth firmly in place. Unlike dentures that can slip, these implants feel secure. They help you eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.
This guide explains the All-on-6 process simply. We cover the first steps, the procedure itself, recovery, and long-term care. Knowing what’s involved helps you feel prepared. It also ensures your new smile lasts.
What Are All-on-6 Dental Implants?
Think of All on six dental implant as a complete arch of teeth supported by six implants. A dentist surgically places these titanium implants into your jawbone. Over several months, your bone grows tightly around them. This creates a super strong anchor for a fixed bridge of teeth. You won’t take this bridge out. It gives you stable, natural-looking teeth that work well.
The name “All-on-6” tells you exactly how many implants are used. It’s different from options like All-on-4. Having six implants instead of four gives extra support. This is especially helpful if your jawbone isn’t as strong as it used to be.
Why Choose All-on-6 Implants?
These implants offer real benefits beyond just a nice smile:
- Rock-Solid Stability: Six implants create a very strong base. Your teeth won’t move when you eat. You can enjoy most foods comfortably.
- Protects Your Jawbone: The implants make your jawbone work, just like natural tooth roots. This helps prevent bone loss and keeps your face shape looking natural. Dentures don’t do this.
- Natural Looks: Your new teeth are custom-made to match your smile. They look and feel like your own teeth.
- Built to Last: With good care, they can last 15 years or more. They are a good investment in your smile.
- Better Comfort and Speech: Because they are fixed, these implants won’t slip. You’ll speak clearly and feel comfortable all day.
The All-on-6 Journey: Step by Step
Knowing what happens can make things easier. Here’s the usual process:
First Chat and Check-Up
It all starts with a talk with your dentist. They’ll examine your mouth thoroughly. You’ll likely need special 3D scans. These scans show your bone shape and density. This careful planning makes sure the implants go in the best spots. Your dentist will also check your overall health and mouth health. Some people need extra steps first, like having teeth removed or a small bone graft.
Making Your Plan
After the check-up, your dentist creates a plan just for you. This explains the surgery, where the implants will go, what your new teeth will look like, and the timeline. You’ll learn what to expect during and after the procedure.
Implant Surgery
This is when the dentist places the six implants. You’ll be numb, or you might choose sedation to relax. The dentist makes small openings in your gums to reach the bone. They then place the implants carefully. Often, a temporary set of teeth is attached straight away. This means you leave the practice with working teeth on the same day. This temporary set protects the area while you heal.
Healing Time
After surgery, you need time to heal, usually 3-6 months. During this time, your bone bonds tightly to the implants. This bonding is crucial for strength. Avoid putting too much pressure on the implants during healing. You’ll have check-ups so your dentist can see how it’s going.
Getting Your Final Teeth
Once the implants are firmly joined to your bone, it’s time for your permanent teeth. The dentist removes the temporary set. Then, they take impressions (moulds) of your mouth. A dental lab uses these to make your custom, final bridge. This bridge is made to fit perfectly, look natural, feel comfortable, and work well. Once it’s attached, you have your full, confident smile back.
Looking After Yourself After Surgery
Good care after surgery helps you heal well. It also keeps your implants healthy long-term. Follow your dentist’s advice closely.
Right After Surgery
Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort is normal. This usually gets worse for the first 2-3 days, then improves. Use pain relief as your dentist suggests. Take it easy and stick to soft foods.
Keeping Clean
Good cleaning stops infection. Don’t brush the surgery area directly for the first few days. Start gently rinsing with warm salt water after about 48 hours. Carefully brush your other teeth. Avoid the implant spots. Slowly start brushing and cleaning around the implants as your dentist advises. Special brushes might be recommended later.
What to Eat
Eat soft, healthy foods while you heal. Things like mashed potatoes, soup, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, and smoothies are good. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods until your dentist says it’s okay.
Taking Medicines
Take any medicines your dentist gives you exactly as told. This usually includes antibiotics to prevent infection. It also includes medicine for swelling and pain. https://darkgray-badger-920397.hostingersite.com/ all your antibiotics, even if you feel better.
Healthy Habits
Smoking makes healing much harder. It also increases the chance of problems. It’s best to quit before surgery and stay smoke-free. Avoid heavy exercise for the first little while.
Be Gentle
Treat your new teeth well. Don’t chew ice, hard lollies, or pens. Never use your teeth to open packets. If you play sports like rugby, wear a mouthguard.
Keeping Your Implants Healthy for Years
To make your implants last, you need to keep looking after them.
Regular Dentist Visits
See your dentist every six months. They will clean your teeth professionally and check everything. They look at how stable the implants are, check your gums, and make sure the teeth bridge is okay. Finding small problems early stops them becoming big ones.
Daily Cleaning at Home
Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft brush. Clean carefully between your teeth and around the implants every day using tools your dentist recommends. They might also suggest a special mouthwash.
Be Gentle
Treat your new teeth well. Don’t chew ice, hard lollies, or pens. Never use your teeth to open packets. If you play sports like rugby, wear a mouthguard.
Possible Risks (They’re Rare)
While most procedures succeed, all surgery carries small risks:
- Infection: Rigorous cleaning greatly reduces this risk
- Implant integration issues: Rarely, an implant may not fuse properly with bone
- Nerve sensations: Temporary tingling or numbness occasionally occurs
- Future adjustments: The bridge may need maintenance over many years
Choosing an experienced implant dentist and following their advice minimises these risks significantly.
All-on-6 vs. All-on-4 Implants
The main difference is how many implants hold the teeth. All-on-6 uses six, All-on-4 uses four. All on six dental implants often mean more support. This extra support can be better if your bone isn’t super strong. However, placing six implants might take a bit longer in surgery. Your dentist will tell you which option is best for your mouth.
Thinking About Cost
Total investment varies by location, case complexity and materials used. Fees typically cover:
- Initial consultation
- Surgery
- Temporary and final teeth
- Follow-up care
While more expensive than basic dentures initially, All-on-6 offers better long-term value through improved function and longevity. Many clinics provide payment plans to help manage costs.
The Bottom Line
All-on-6 implants provide a secure, natural-looking solution for replacing a whole arch of teeth. They offer major advantages over loose dentures. You can eat better. Your jawbone is protected. They are reliable long-term. Success comes from expert placement. It also needs your commitment to looking after them. Patients who follow their dentist’s advice on cleaning, diet, and check-ups usually enjoy their new smile for many, many years. Chat to a qualified implant dentist. See if All-on-6 dental implants are right for you. They can restore your smile and your confidence.

