Although removable dentures were applied as the standard treatment for many years, especially in individuals who have lost all of their teeth, today's advances in implant technology offer far more comfortable and natural solutions. One of these solutions is All-on-6 implant treatment.
The All-on-6 implant system is a modern treatment method that enables fixed prostheses to be applied over six implants placed in a fully toothless lower or upper jaw. Thanks to implants that attach firmly to the jawbone, patients can be freed from problems such as slipping, movement, and speaking difficulties caused by removable dentures.
When applied with correct planning, All-on-6 treatment offers highly successful results in terms of improving aesthetic appearance, regaining strong chewing function, and increasing quality of life. However, as with any implant treatment, the patient's general health, jawbone structure, and oral health must be evaluated in detail in All-on-6 applications as well.
So, what exactly is All-on-6 implant? Who is it suitable for? How is the treatment applied and what are its advantages? Here are all the details you are curious about...
What Is All-on-6 Implant?
All-on-6 implant is one of the advanced implant treatment methods developed to support fixed prostheses in fully toothless jaws. In this technique, a total of 6 dental implants are placed in the upper or lower jaw, and the prepared fixed prostheses are applied over these implants.
Distributing the implants evenly across the jawbone increases the durability of the prosthesis and allows chewing forces to be transferred more evenly.
This method is particularly preferred as a long-lasting and reliable treatment option in patients who have sufficient bone volume.
Who Is All-on-6 Implant Suitable For?
All-on-6 treatment may not be suitable for every patient. Before treatment, the jawbone should be assessed through a detailed clinical examination, panoramic X-rays, and, when necessary, three-dimensional dental tomography.
In general, the following individuals may be suitable candidates for All-on-6 implant treatment:
- Individuals who have lost all of their teeth in the lower or upper jaw
- Patients who do not want to use removable dentures
- People who want to have fixed teeth
- Patients whose jawbone is sufficient for implant placement
- Individuals whose general health is suitable for surgery
- People who want to regain their chewing function
The treatment plan should be prepared individually according to each patient's oral structure.
Who May Not Be Suitable for All-on-6 Treatment?
Some systemic diseases or oral problems can directly affect implant treatment.
A detailed evaluation is required in the following situations:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Active gum infections
- Advanced bone loss
- Heavy smoking
- Conditions that affect bone healing
- Patients who have had radiotherapy to the jaw area
- Individuals who cannot maintain oral hygiene
These conditions are not always an obstacle to implant treatment. However, the treatment plan must be arranged individually by a specialist dentist.
How Is All-on-6 Implant Treatment Performed?
The treatment process begins with a detailed examination. Digital imaging methods are used to analyse the jawbone structure and plan the areas where the implants will be placed.
The surgical procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. A total of six implants are placed in the upper or lower jaw. A certain healing period is expected for the implants to fuse with the bone.
In suitable cases, a temporary fixed prosthesis can be applied on the same day. Once healing is complete, personalised permanent fixed prostheses are placed over the implants and the treatment is completed.
What Is the Difference Between All-on-6 and All-on-4?
Although All-on-4 and All-on-6 implant systems work on a similar principle, the main difference is the number of implants used.
In the All-on-4 method, four implants are placed in the jaw, while six implants are used in All-on-6 treatment. Thanks to the two additional implants, the prosthesis is supported over a wider area and chewing forces can be distributed more evenly.
Especially in patients with sufficient bone volume, the All-on-6 system can provide stronger support. However, which method to apply is determined entirely according to the patient's jaw structure and clinical evaluation.
All-on-6 implant treatment offers important advantages in many respects.
Its main advantages include:
- Provides fixed-tooth comfort.
- Can eliminate the need for removable dentures.
- Restores strong chewing function.
- Offers a natural and aesthetic appearance.
- Can improve speaking comfort.
- Helps protect the jawbone.
- Is a long-lasting treatment option.
- Can significantly improve daily quality of life.
With correct planning and regular care, it can be used safely for many years.
After treatment, oral care must be given attention so that the implants can fuse healthily with the bone.
In the first days, the diet plan recommended by the dentist should be followed and hard foods should be avoided.
In addition, the following recommendations should be considered:
- Teeth should be brushed regularly.
- The area around the implants should be cleaned with special care products.
- Dental floss or interdental brushes should be used.
- Smoking should be reduced or stopped as much as possible.
- Regular dental check-ups should not be skipped.
- Professional implant maintenance should not be neglected.
These habits help implants to be used healthily for many years.
How Long Can All-on-6 Implants Be Used?
The lifespan of the All-on-6 implant system is directly related to implant quality, the success of the surgical application, and the patient's attention to oral care.
In patients who attend regular check-ups and pay attention to oral hygiene, implants can be used trouble-free for 20 years or longer, and even for a lifetime under suitable conditions.
Long-term success is based on correct treatment planning and regular maintenance.
All-on-6 implant treatment is one of the most successful fixed-tooth solutions developed for fully toothless patients. Thanks to the strong support provided by six implants, aesthetic appearance, chewing function, and speaking comfort can be significantly improved. However, this treatment may not be suitable for every patient. Before deciding on treatment, jawbone structure, general health, and oral hygiene should be evaluated in detail. Planned by an experienced dentist and maintained with regular care, All-on-6 implant treatment stands out as a reliable and long-lasting solution that offers comfort close to natural teeth for many years.