All-on-6®

Modern tooth replacement: what All-on-6® is designed to solve

All-on-6® is a full-arch tooth replacement strategy that uses six strategically placed dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis. Rather than relying on removable dentures, this approach restores an entire upper or lower arch with a bridge that feels and functions more like natural teeth. The goal is to provide long-term stability for people who have lost most or all of their teeth, or whose remaining teeth are not salvageable.

Patients often seek All-on-6® because their day-to-day life is affected by missing teeth — difficulty chewing, changes in speech, and the social strain of feeling self-conscious about their smile. The system is engineered to deliver a secure platform for a full set of replacement teeth, eliminating the need for adhesives and the inconvenience of nightly removal that come with traditional dentures.

While the technique is rooted in well-established implant science, its value goes beyond mechanics. By restoring proper bite function and supporting facial structure, All-on-6® can improve nutrition, confidence, and overall quality of life for many patients. The remainder of this page outlines how the treatment works, who benefits most, and what to expect before and after surgery.

How the All-on-6® treatment is planned and performed

The process begins with a thorough clinical evaluation and imaging, typically including digital radiography and a cone beam CT scan. These tools allow the dentist to map bone volume and density, identify vital anatomical landmarks, and plan optimal implant positions. Careful planning reduces surgical surprises and helps ensure that each implant is placed where it can best support the final prosthesis.

Surgery is generally completed in a single visit for each arch. Under local anesthesia — with sedation available for anxious patients — six titanium implants are placed into the jaw according to the preoperative plan. For many patients, a provisional fixed prosthesis can be attached the same day, giving immediate function and an improved aesthetic while the implants integrate with the bone over the following months.

During the healing phase, known as osseointegration, the implants become securely anchored as bone grows around them. Once integration is confirmed, the provisional bridge is replaced with a final prosthesis crafted to the patient’s functional and cosmetic specifications. The final appliance is designed for durability, ease of cleaning, and a natural appearance that complements the face and smile.

Throughout the treatment sequence, the dental team coordinates restorative design, occlusion (bite) adjustments, and patient education to ensure the result is comfortable, reliable, and predictable. Each step is tailored to the individual’s anatomy and goals so the finished restoration performs well for years to come.

Advantages of All-on-6® compared with removable options and single implants

All-on-6® offers a fixed, non-removable solution that provides superior stability compared with conventional dentures. Because the arch is supported by six implants, the load is distributed across multiple anchorage points, which improves chewing efficiency and reduces micromovement that can cause sore spots or looseness with removable prostheses.

Compared with placing individual implants for each missing tooth, an All-on-6® restoration can be a more streamlined option when a full arch replacement is needed. Rather than restoring many separate sites, the team creates a single prosthesis that restores function and aesthetics with fewer components to manage and maintain.

Another practical benefit is day-to-day maintenance. The fixed bridge is maintained with routine oral hygiene — brushing, flossing with appropriate tools, and regular professional cleanings — rather than the soaking and adhesive routines required by removable dentures. This familiarity often helps patients adapt more quickly to their restored bite and speech.

Who typically makes a good candidate and what preparation involves

Good candidates for All-on-6® are adults who have lost most or all teeth in an arch, or whose remaining teeth are non-restorable due to decay, fracture, or periodontal disease. Adequate bone volume and overall oral health are important factors; however, modern planning and implant placement techniques often allow treatment even in cases that previously would have required extensive grafting.

A preoperative appointment typically includes a comprehensive oral exam, radiographic imaging, and a review of medical history. Conditions that affect bone healing — such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy tobacco use — are discussed because they can influence treatment timing and outcomes. In many cases, coordinating with a primary care physician or specialist helps ensure the safest possible surgical experience.

Patients may also need preparatory care such as periodontal therapy to address gum disease or minimally invasive extractions to remove failing teeth. When additional procedures are required, the treatment plan lays out the sequence and expected timeline so patients know what to expect at each stage.

Finally, the restorative preferences of the patient — including material choices, esthetic goals, and expectations for maintenance — are addressed during planning. This shared decision-making process helps produce a result that aligns with both clinical objectives and the patient’s lifestyle.

Recovery, maintenance, and what to expect long term

Recovery after implant placement is variable but generally manageable. In the first few days, patients can expect some swelling and mild discomfort that is controlled with prescribed or over-the-counter medications and supportive care such as cold packs and rest. A soft-food diet is typically recommended during the initial healing period to minimize stress on the implants while tissues recover.

Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing, adjust the provisional prosthesis if necessary, and verify that osseointegration is progressing as planned. Once the final prosthesis is placed, patients are shown how to clean around the implants and how to use specialized aids like interdental brushes or floss threaders to maintain healthy tissues around the restoration.

Long-term success depends on regular professional maintenance and good home care. Routine dental visits allow the team to check for wear, assess the health of surrounding gums and bone, and perform professional hygiene that helps prevent complications. Most patients find that, with proper care, implant-supported bridges offer excellent functional longevity.

Should any concerns arise — for example, changes in bite, discomfort around an implant, or a loose component — prompt evaluation by the dental team is important. Early attention to issues helps preserve the function and longevity of the restoration so patients can continue to enjoy the benefits of a stable, natural-feeling smile.

At Newpoint Family Dental in Unionville, CT, we focus on evidence-based planning and patient-centered care for complex restorations like All-on-6®. If you’d like to learn whether All-on-6® is a suitable option for you, please contact us to discuss the next steps and schedule an evaluation. We’re here to answer questions and help you explore the best path to a healthy, functional smile.