All-on-6®

All-on-6® is a full-arch tooth replacement method that secures a complete prosthetic arch to six dental implants in either the upper or lower jaw. The fixed restoration is attached to implants that integrate with the jawbone, providing support that feels and functions more like natural teeth than removable appliances. Because the prosthesis is implant retained, it eliminates the need for nightly removal and reduces reliance on adhesives.

The technique distributes biting forces across multiple implants so the arch remains stable during chewing and speaking. Prosthetic design emphasizes hygiene and contours that allow daily home care as well as routine professional maintenance. When planned and executed correctly, All-on-6® reduces common denture complications such as slippage and tissue irritation.

Good candidates typically include people with substantial tooth loss, failing dentition, or those who seek a fixed alternative to removable dentures and have adequate overall health for surgery. Important medical considerations include controlled systemic conditions, noninterfering medications, and a discussion of smoking and factors that affect healing. A comprehensive clinical and radiographic assessment determines whether the jawbone volume and quality are sufficient for implant placement.

Patients who lack sufficient bone in isolated areas may still be candidates because six implants allow clinicians to utilize native bone across multiple regions of the arch. If bone deficiencies are significant, additional procedures such as grafting or sinus augmentation may be considered to create a stable foundation. The final treatment recommendation is individualized based on anatomy, restorative goals, and patient expectations.

Planning begins with a detailed exam, digital scans or impressions, and cone-beam CT imaging to evaluate bone anatomy and occlusion. These records enable precise simulation of implant positions and help the team design a prosthesis that meets esthetic and functional goals before surgery. Digital workflows and surgical guides are commonly used to translate the plan into accurate implant placement.

Surgery is performed with careful attention to atraumatic technique and implant angulation so implants can share loads effectively along the arch. Depending on the case, a provisional arch may be attached at the time of surgery or shortly after to restore function while osseointegration occurs. Ongoing coordination between the surgeon, restorative dentist, and laboratory technician ensures the definitive prosthesis meets expectations for fit, strength, and appearance.

Early recovery typically involves localized swelling, mild-to-moderate discomfort, and temporary dietary modifications to protect surgical sites. These symptoms are generally manageable with prescribed or recommended medications, cold compresses, and rest during the first few days. Patients receive specific instructions about oral hygiene, activity restrictions, and foods to avoid as healing begins.

Osseointegration occurs over a period of weeks to months while patients wear a provisional restoration if provided, and clinicians monitor implant stability during follow-up visits. Once integration is confirmed, the provisional is replaced with the definitive prosthesis that is customized for occlusion and esthetics. Regular checkups during the months after surgery help identify any adjustments needed for comfort or hygiene access.

Daily home care focuses on thorough brushing and interdental cleaning around abutments and under the prosthetic arch using floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser as recommended by the clinician. The prosthesis should be cleaned just like natural teeth, with attention to the tissue interface to prevent plaque accumulation and peri-implant inflammation. Good oral hygiene habits combined with smoking cessation and management of systemic conditions support long-term implant health.

Regular professional maintenance is essential and typically includes periodic examinations, cleanings designed for implant-supported restorations, and assessment of soft-tissue health and prosthetic components. Technicians may perform adjustments or repairs to the prosthesis over time to maintain fit and function. Early detection of any signs of trouble allows timely intervention and helps preserve the restoration.

Functionally, All-on-6® restores biting force and chewing efficiency more effectively than many removable options, allowing patients to eat a broader range of foods with greater comfort. The secured arch stabilizes speech and reduces the movement that can interfere with phonetics. Proper prosthetic design also restores vertical dimension and lip support, which contributes to facial aesthetics.

Esthetically, the definitive prosthesis is customized for tooth shape, size, and shade so it harmonizes with the patient’s facial features and smile line. The result can be a natural-looking restoration that boosts confidence in everyday interactions. Because the restoration is fixed, patients often report a greater sense of normalcy in eating, speaking, and smiling.

All-on-6® provides a fixed, implant-supported solution that offers greater stability than removable dentures, which rely on suction, adhesives, or soft-tissue support. Implant retention reduces slippage and the need for adhesives, improving comfort during eating and speaking. Additionally, implants help preserve jawbone by transmitting functional loads to the bone, whereas removable dentures may accelerate bone resorption in some areas.

Maintenance differs as well: removable dentures require nightly removal and soaking, while All-on-6® restorations are cared for in place with routine brushing and interdental cleaning. Both options require professional oversight, but the implant-supported prosthesis places emphasis on peri-implant tissue health and periodic prosthetic checks. The best choice depends on clinical findings, patient preferences, and long-term goals.

Additional procedures are considered when native bone volume or quality is insufficient to support implant placement in the desired positions. Bone grafting, sinus augmentation, or ridge reconstruction can create the necessary foundation to achieve optimal implant stability and prosthetic outcomes. The need for these procedures is determined during the diagnostic phase using clinical examination and cone-beam CT imaging.

Sometimes strategic implant angulation and the distribution of six fixtures allow clinicians to make use of existing bone and reduce the extent of augmentation required. When grafting is planned, clinicians explain the rationale, timing, and expected healing course so patients understand how additional procedures affect the overall treatment timeline. A tailored approach ensures that any adjunctive surgery supports predictable long-term results.

Dental implants have the potential to last for many years and often for decades when properly placed and maintained, because their success depends on predictable osseointegration and stable peri-implant tissues. Prosthetic components can also endure for many years but may require maintenance, repairs, or replacement of individual parts due to normal wear or changes in occlusion. Longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, systemic health, bruxism, and regular professional care.

Routine follow-up appointments allow clinicians to monitor implant stability and prosthesis condition and to address issues before they compromise the restoration. Early detection of peri-implant inflammation or mechanical wear enables interventions that protect long-term outcomes. With a proactive maintenance plan, patients can maximize the functional life of both implants and the prosthetic arch.

At Nova Dental the approach to All-on-6® is team-based, combining surgical and prosthetic expertise to create an individualized treatment plan that aligns with each patient’s goals. The process begins with comprehensive diagnostics, including digital scans and cone-beam imaging, and proceeds through coordinated surgical placement, provisional restoration when appropriate, and final prosthetic delivery. Clear communication among the surgeon, restorative dentist, and laboratory technician helps ensure that function and esthetics are addressed together.

Care continues after delivery with scheduled follow-up visits at our North Haven and Cromwell offices to monitor healing, implant integration, and prosthesis performance. Patients receive personalized hygiene instructions and professional maintenance recommendations to support long-term success. This collaborative, evidence-based workflow is designed to deliver predictable outcomes and a reliable foundation for oral health.