All on Six implant treatment is a dental rehabilitation method applied in cases of significant tooth loss or complete edentulism, aiming to rejuvenate the structure of the lower and upper jaws. This treatment is based on the principle of placing six titanium implants into the jawbone at specific angles, and mounting specially designed fixed prostheses to these implants. With the All on Six method, the treatment is completed by placing a fixed bridge made of ceramic or porcelain material over the six implants distributed in the jawbone. This method offers both an aesthetic and functional solution, significantly improving patients’ quality of life.
Thanks to All on 6 implant treatment, patients can transform their smiles with six naturally appearing implant teeth. This treatment improves nutritional functions with the strong biting and chewing capability provided by implant-supported teeth, thus resolving existing chewing problems. Teeth shaped with the All on 6 method offer a more compatible aesthetic to the facial structure and are an ideal solution for patients with low bone density. This treatment not only provides patients with a natural smile but also comfort during speech. The All on 6 method, which has been practiced in dentistry for over a decade, continues to be a popular treatment choice among many people.
Who Is Suitable for the All on 6 Implant Technique?
- Individuals who have lost all their teeth or have decided to have all their teeth extracted,
- Those with extensive tooth loss in the mouth,
- Patients who are not suitable for general implant treatments due to low jawbone density,
- Those who do not want to spend time on long treatment processes to achieve a new smile,
- Those looking for a durable, long-lasting, and economical solution,
- Individuals who do not want to use or cannot use complete dentures, longing for an aesthetic and functional smile, are suitable for the All on 6 treatment.
1. Initial Assessment and Consultation
Before starting the treatment, the patient undergoes a detailed oral examination. At this stage, the dentist evaluates the patient’s general health condition, oral health, and specific needs. If necessary, imaging techniques such as panoramic X-rays and 3D dental scans are used to examine the jaw structure and bone density.
2. Treatment Planning
A customized treatment plan is prepared according to the patient’s condition. In this planning stage, the positions and angles where the implants will be placed into the jawbone are determined. The patient’s expectations and aesthetic goals are also addressed at this stage.
3. Surgical Procedure
The All on Six treatment typically begins with a surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. Six titanium implants are placed into the jawbone at the predetermined positions and angles. These implants form a strong foundation to support a fixed prosthesis.
4. Healing and Osseointegration
A healing process is required for the implants to integrate with the jawbone. This process, known as osseointegration, usually takes several months. During this period, it’s important for patients to pay particular attention to oral hygiene and follow the dentist’s recommendations.
5. Placement of Temporary Prostheses
In some cases, temporary prostheses may be fitted during the healing process. This is done to meet the patients’ aesthetic and functional needs and allow them to continue their social lives.
6. Preparation and Application of Permanent Prostheses
Once the implants have fully healed and integrated with the bone, the permanent prostheses are specially prepared. These prostheses are customized according to the patient’s oral structure and aesthetic preferences. The permanent prostheses are then fixed to the implants, providing a functional smile.
7. Final Checks and Follow-Up
After the permanent prostheses are placed, final checks are carried out by the dentist. At this stage, the fit, functionality, and aesthetics of the prosthesis are evaluated. Additionally, the patient is informed about oral care and the maintenance of the prostheses. Regular follow-up appointments are important to ensure the long-term success of the treatment.
Preparations Before All-on-6 Implant Treatment:
Before the All-on-6 dental implant treatment, there is no need for a bone graft even if bone density is low. Before starting the treatment, the dentist thoroughly examines the patient’s oral health and makes the necessary evaluations. During this process, the patient may be given recommendations to follow during the preparation phase for the treatment.
Post-Treatment Care for All-on-6:
- No food or drink should be consumed for the first 2 hours after treatment. It is important to wait for the numbness to wear off.
- If general anesthesia was applied, it is recommended that the patient rest for a day.
- To avoid potential sensitivity in the teeth after treatment, it is advisable to stay away from extremely hot or cold foods for a while.
- On the day of the treatment, patients should avoid brushing their teeth, using mouthwash, and spitting forcefully.
- Antibacterial mouthwashes can be used in the days following the treatment.
- Mild pain in the jaw area may be felt. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., paracetamol) prescribed by the dentist should be used against the risk of infection. Medications should be taken according to the specified dosages and intervals.
- It is important to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption during the treatment process; these substances can contribute to bacterial growth, negatively affecting the success of the treatment and slowing down the healing process.
- During the healing period, patients should avoid hard and crunchy foods. Such foods can damage the jawbone and temporary teeth.
- Mild swelling and bleeding are normal in the first few days after surgery and usually subside within a few days.
- Paying attention to oral and dental health is critical for the long-term success of the treatment. Teeth should be brushed properly at least twice a day for two minutes, and dental floss can be used.
- If bleeding, swelling, or pain persists for a long time, or if an unexpected side effect occurs, a dentist should be consulted immediately.
All-on-6 dental implant treatment requires careful maintenance and follow-up before and after the treatment. Adhering to the dentist’s recommendations during and after the treatment process increases the success of the treatment and helps patients go through a faster recovery period.
Benefits of All on Six Dental Implant Treatment
- Long-Term Use: All on Six offers high quality and durability, allowing for the use of teeth without any problems for many years.
- No Age Limit: It is a suitable treatment method for everyone whose general health condition is appropriate, with no age limit.
- Bone Preservation: By replacing missing teeth in the jaw, it prevents bone loss and maintains jaw health.
- Quick Treatment and Recovery: The treatment process is quick, and patients recover in a short time.
- Immediate Solution: On the day the implants are placed, temporary prostheses are also fitted, preventing patients from being toothless.
- Comfortable Use: Problems such as nausea, movement, or sound production that can be caused by total prostheses do not occur with All on Six.
- Strong Functionality: With six implants, patients have strong biting and chewing capacity.
- Natural Appearance: It provides an aesthetic appearance similar to natural teeth, which increases personal confidence and quality of life.
- Customized Treatment: The treatment is specially planned according to the patient’s needs, and the final shape of the teeth is shown to the patient before the treatment.
- Quality of Speech: Speech problems caused by tooth loss are corrected with All on Six, allowing patients to speak more clearly and understandably.
- Treatment Completed in One Session: Patients gain teeth with full and natural functionality after the treatment, rediscovering the joy of eating and speaking.
- Youthful Effect: The treatment provides patients with a younger and more vibrant appearance.
- Contribution to Oral Health: All on Six positively affects overall oral health and supports dental health.
Along with the benefits listed above, All on Six treatment also makes positive changes in individuals’ social and professional lives, helping them to have a healthier and happier smile.
Possible Disadvantages of All on Six Implant Treatment
- Decrease in Biting and Chewing Power: Compared to full mouth implants, the bridges applied with All on Six are thinner, which may result in a slight reduction in power during biting and chewing.
- Need for Care and Attention: The same-day placement of implants and temporary prostheses offers a quick solution without a waiting period. However, this requires the patient to strictly follow the dentist’s recommendations and perform the necessary care; otherwise, the treatment may fail.
- Importance of Oral Care: Without regular oral and dental care, there is an increased risk of implant loss.
- Implant Integration Issues: Although rare, there may be cases where implants do not fully integrate with the jawbone and do not hold.
- Failure of a Single Implant: The failure of any one of the six implants placed in the jaw area can negatively affect the entire treatment and may require the treatment to be redone.
- Restrictions in Eating and Drinking Habits: There may be some temporary restrictions in eating and drinking habits after the treatment, especially during the healing period.
Despite the potential disadvantages, All on Six implant treatment remains a preferred method due to the solutions it offers and the increase in quality of life. Most of these disadvantages can be easily overcome with proper care and patience.
Differences Between All on Six and Standard Implants:
- Number of Implants: All on Six involves placing six implants in the jawbone, while full mouth implant applications typically use eight implants.
- Treatment Duration: Standard implant treatment generally takes 6-8 months, while the total process for All on Six treatment can be shortened to 3-4 months.
- Number of Sessions: All on Six treatment generally requires fewer sessions and can be completed in an average of 2 sessions.
- Healing Period: In All on Six treatment, patients are not left without teeth during the healing process due to the use of temporary prostheses.
- Cost: The cost of standard implant treatment is generally higher than that of the All on Six method.
Considering the advantages and application conditions of both methods, the most suitable treatment method can be determined by the patient and the dentist.
Differences Between All-on-Four and All-on-Six Treatments:
- Number of Implants: All-on-Six uses six implants, while All-on-Four is performed with four implants.
- Distribution and Support: With All-on-Six, the chewing force is more evenly distributed and the prosthesis is better supported thanks to the six implants.
- Durability: All-on-Six offers a stronger foundation for the prostheses, which can extend the life of the treatment.
- Jaw Health: The additional implants placed with All-on-Six contribute to strengthening the jawbone.
- Prosthesis Integration: While All-on-Four is typically used for partial prostheses, All-on-Six provides full dental restoration with fully integrated prostheses.