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All-on-6®

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Added stability for full-arch implant teeth

All-on-6® replaces an entire upper or lower arch of teeth with a single fixed prosthesis supported by six strategically placed dental implants. Designed as a stable, long-term alternative to removable dentures, the six-implant approach maximizes bone support and distributes chewing forces evenly, giving you a restoration that behaves much like natural teeth, with no adhesives and no nightly removal.

Who benefits from All-on-6

This approach suits people who have lost most or all teeth in an arch, or whose failing teeth are better replaced than repaired. Because six implants provide extra anchorage, it can be an excellent option for patients with moderate bone volume who want a durable, stable outcome. Most patients regain a broader range of foods, clearer speech, and a more natural bite force than a denture allows.

Candidacy is confirmed through a careful evaluation of overall health, bone quality, infection control, and habits such as smoking. Preparatory steps like extractions or bone grafting are sometimes part of the plan, and realistic expectations plus a commitment to daily hygiene are important for long-term success.

Digital planning and guided surgery

Success starts before surgery. A cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan provides a three-dimensional view of the jawbone, sinuses, and nerves, while intraoral scans and virtual prosthetic design show how the final teeth will look and function. Implant positions are planned to support the final restoration, not the other way around, which means shorter surgical times and a more reliable fit.

Surgical guides are designed from that virtual plan and 3D printed in-house, translating the planning directly into surgery so implants are placed at the intended angles and depths. Everything from any needed bone grafting through implant placement and final prosthetic delivery happens in one office with one team, and sedation options are discussed during planning so your comfort is covered.

Recovery and everyday function

Early recovery typically involves a brief period of swelling and soreness managed with medication and rest. Many patients receive a provisional prosthesis right away to restore appearance and basic function while the implants integrate with the bone over several months. Once healing is confirmed, the final restoration is delivered.

Compared with removable dentures, implant-anchored teeth offer better chewing stability and far less movement while eating and speaking.

Keeping your new smile healthy

A fixed full-arch restoration still needs daily care and professional oversight:

  • Clean around the implant connections every day using the tools your team recommends
  • Keep regular maintenance visits so tissue health and prosthetic fit can be monitored
  • Address risk factors such as gum disease promptly

With thorough digital planning, precise guided surgery, and coordinated in-office care, All-on-6® can restore comfort, function, and confidence for years to come. A consultation is the best way to find out whether it is the right path for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is All-on-6®?

All-on-6® is a full-arch tooth replacement protocol that secures a complete prosthetic arch using six dental implants placed in the jaw. The implants serve as anchors for a fixed bridge, restoring chewing function, speech and facial support in a way that mimics natural teeth. Because the prosthesis is permanently attached, patients do not remove it daily as they would with conventional dentures.

The technique is designed to replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth with a stable restoration that can be maintained with routine oral hygiene. Implant-supported bridges reduce the need for denture adhesives and the maintenance associated with removable prostheses. Over time, properly integrated implants help preserve jawbone health by transmitting normal chewing forces to the bone.
Traditional removable dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction, adhesives or clasps for retention, which can allow for shifting and reduced chewing efficiency. All-on-6® replaces the denture with a fixed prosthesis anchored to six implants, delivering greater stability and a more natural bite force. Because the restoration is secured to the bone, patients typically experience improved comfort and confidence while eating and speaking.

All-on-6® also tends to reduce some of the long-term oral changes associated with removable dentures, such as accelerated bone resorption in the jaw. The implant-supported approach helps maintain facial structure and provides a more consistent fit than a removable appliance. Maintenance is focused on daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits rather than frequent relines or adhesive adjustments.
Good candidates for All-on-6® are adults who are missing most or all teeth in an arch or who have teeth that cannot be saved and require replacement. Adequate overall health, controlled chronic conditions and sufficient jawbone quality are important factors in candidacy, and your dentist will evaluate these during a comprehensive exam. Diagnostic imaging, such as cone beam CT scans, is commonly used to assess bone volume and plan implant placement precisely.

Some patients who lack sufficient bone in certain areas may still be candidates because the six-implant design allows strategic placement in denser bone. Smoking, uncontrolled systemic illness or certain medications can affect healing and will be discussed during evaluation. A personalized consultation at the office of Kary Dental can determine if All-on-6® is an appropriate option based on your oral and medical history.
The All-on-6® process begins with a clinical exam, diagnostic imaging and a treatment plan that maps implant positions and prosthetic design. On the day of surgery, six implants are placed in the jaw according to the plan, and in many cases a temporary prosthesis is attached the same day to restore function and aesthetics while implants heal. The temporary prosthesis protects the surgical sites and allows patients to eat a modified diet during the initial healing period.

Over the following months the implants undergo osseointegration, during which bone bonds to the implant surfaces to create stable foundations. Once integration is complete, the temporary is replaced with a final custom prosthesis fabricated for fit, function and appearance. The team at Kary Dental uses modern digital planning and restorative workflows to coordinate implant placement and final prosthetic construction for predictable results.
Initial recovery from implant surgery typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks, during which swelling, mild discomfort and dietary adjustments are common as the soft tissues heal. Many patients receive a temporary prosthesis immediately and can return to light activities within a day or two, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for a short period. Your dentist will provide specific postoperative instructions for pain control, oral hygiene and diet to support healing.

Full osseointegration of the implants usually takes several months and determines when the final restoration can be attached. During this period, regular follow-up visits monitor healing and ensure the temporary prosthesis functions well. Long-term recovery also includes learning to care for the implant-supported bridge and attending routine dental exams to preserve oral health and restoration integrity.
Caring for an All-on-6® restoration combines daily oral hygiene with professional maintenance to protect the implants and surrounding tissues. Brushing twice daily, flossing or using interdental brushes around implant abutments and cleaning under the prosthesis as recommended are essential steps to prevent plaque buildup and peri-implant inflammation. Using an antimicrobial rinse and following any device-specific cleaning tools suggested by your dentist can further support tissue health.

Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are important to monitor implant integrity and gum health, and your dentist will schedule maintenance visits at appropriate intervals. If you notice any changes such as persistent soreness, swelling or mobility, contact the practice promptly for evaluation. With consistent home care and professional oversight, implant-supported restorations can perform well for many years.
As with any surgical procedure, All-on-6® carries risks including infection, postoperative bleeding, swelling and temporary numbness or altered sensation in adjacent nerves. Implant failure is a possibility if osseointegration does not occur, and peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues around implants, can develop if plaque control is inadequate. Careful planning, sterile technique and adherence to postoperative care reduce many of these risks.

Long-term complications may include prosthetic wear, loosening of screws or fractures of components, all of which can typically be managed with restorative adjustments or repairs. Patients with certain medical conditions or habits that impair healing have a higher risk profile and should discuss these factors during treatment planning. Your dentist will review all potential risks and provide guidance to minimize complications before proceeding.
Dental implants are made from durable materials designed for long-term function, and many patients experience decades of service when implants and prostheses are well-maintained. The longevity of an All-on-6® restoration depends on factors such as oral hygiene, regular professional care, overall health and the quality of the restorative materials used. Individual components, such as prosthetic teeth or retention screws, may require maintenance or replacement over time even when implants remain stable.

Routine follow-up care allows your dental team to monitor for wear and address minor issues before they become major problems, helping extend the life of the restoration. With consistent care and timely management of complications, implant-supported arches can provide dependable function and appearance for many years. Discussing material choices and maintenance schedules with your dentist helps set realistic expectations for longevity.