All-on-6® is a fixed, full-arch tooth replacement option designed for patients who need a complete upper or lower set of teeth restored. Rather than replacing each tooth individually, this approach uses six strategically placed dental implants to anchor an entire prosthetic arch. The result is a stable, non-removable restoration that functions and looks much like natural teeth, providing a reliable foundation for chewing, speaking, and smiling with confidence.
This procedure is intended for adults who are missing most or all of the teeth in a jaw, or for those whose remaining teeth are no longer predictable for long-term function. Because the prosthesis is secured directly to implants, patients avoid the movement and maintenance issues associated with traditional removable dentures. The fixed nature of the restoration also reduces the need for denture adhesives and nightly removal, which many patients find more convenient and comfortable.
When discussing All-on-6® with patients, clinicians focus on long-term function and predictable outcomes. The procedure is planned around each patient’s unique anatomy and goals, and it is coordinated with precise imaging, implant selection, and prosthetic design to deliver a balanced and natural-feeling result. At the practice level, this approach is often integrated into a broader strategy of comprehensive oral rehabilitation.
Successful All-on-6® treatment begins with careful diagnosis and planning. A comprehensive oral exam, digital imaging, and detailed measurements help the clinical team map implant positions that provide optimal support and load distribution for the prosthetic arch. This planning phase also evaluates bone quality and volume, which guides decisions about implant angulation and length so the implants can integrate reliably with the jawbone.
During the surgical phase, six implants are placed in locations chosen to maximize stability and avoid critical anatomical structures. Many patients receive a temporary arch on the same day or shortly after surgery, allowing them to leave the procedure with functional teeth while the implants heal. Over the next several months the implants become biologically integrated with the bone, creating a strong foundation for the final prosthesis.
The prosthetic phase focuses on precision and esthetics. Once implants are fully integrated, the final fixed arch is fabricated to match the patient’s bite, facial proportions, and esthetic preferences. Materials and occlusal design are selected to deliver durable function and a natural appearance. Throughout the process, the clinical team monitors healing and function to ensure the final restoration meets both comfort and performance expectations.
One of the most compelling benefits of All-on-6® is the improvement in day-to-day function. Because the prosthesis is firmly anchored to implants, patients generally experience more efficient chewing compared with removable dentures, which can shift during eating. This stability promotes confidence with a wider variety of foods and helps preserve more normal speech patterns, which can be affected by loose or ill-fitting dentures.
Beyond function, the All-on-6® design addresses practical aspects of oral care. The prosthetic arch is maintained much like natural teeth, with regular brushing and routine office visits for professional maintenance. There is no daily removal and soaking, and patients often report that the streamlined care routine fits more naturally into their lifestyle. The fixed restoration also simplifies ongoing hygiene monitoring by the dental team.
For many patients, the psychological benefits are significant as well. A stable, fixed arch can restore a sense of normalcy and self-assurance in social and professional situations. While outcomes vary by individual, the overall goal of All-on-6® is to create an enduring, life-enhancing solution that supports both oral health and quality of life.
Candidates for All-on-6® are typically adults with multiple failing or missing teeth who seek a fixed full-arch solution. A thorough clinical evaluation identifies whether a patient has adequate bone quantity and quality to support six implants, and modern diagnostic tools make it possible to assess these factors with precision. When bone volume is sufficient, All-on-6® can often be performed without extensive preliminary grafting.
In cases where bone volume or density is limited, the treatment plan may be adjusted to use specialized implant designs or alternative implant orientations that make efficient use of available bone. The goal is to achieve primary stability at the time of placement and to create predictable conditions for osseointegration. When augmentation is necessary, clinicians discuss appropriate grafting options and timelines, but many patients can proceed with All-on-6® using tailored surgical strategies.
Every candidate evaluation balances medical history, oral health status, and personal goals. Factors such as systemic health, smoking, and oral hygiene practices are considered because they influence healing and long-term success. Patients are counseled on realistic expectations and what their individualized treatment pathway will likely involve.
Long-term success with All-on-6® relies on routine maintenance and regular clinical follow-up. After the final prosthesis is placed, patients are scheduled for periodic professional evaluations that include soft tissue assessment, implant stability checks, and adjustments to the prosthesis if needed. Consistent home care—daily brushing and attention to the gumline—complements clinical monitoring and helps prevent complications.
Prosthetic materials and implant components are designed to endure, but occasional maintenance is expected over the years. Wear of the prosthetic teeth or minor adjustments to the occlusion can be managed with predictable chairside or laboratory procedures. The implant fixtures themselves have a strong track record when placed and maintained under appropriate clinical conditions.
A collaborative relationship between patient and dental team supports lasting outcomes. Open communication about any changes in comfort, fit, or function helps the practice address issues early. With regular care and attention to oral health, many patients enjoy years of reliable function from their All-on-6® restoration.
At Mercer Island Dental Associates, we approach full-arch rehabilitation with a commitment to thorough planning and patient-centered care. If you are considering All-on-6® or would like to learn whether it is a suitable option for your situation, please contact us for more information. Our team is available to explain the process and help you determine the best path forward for restoring your smile.
All-on-6® is a full-arch tooth replacement approach that uses six dental implants to support a single fixed prosthetic arch. The design provides a stable, nonremovable restoration that performs and looks more like natural teeth than many removable denture options. This treatment is typically intended for adults who are missing most or all teeth in a jaw or whose remaining teeth are not predictable for long-term function.
The procedure is planned to match each patient’s anatomy, bite and esthetic goals, and it is coordinated with digital imaging and precise implant placement. Because the prosthesis is anchored to implants, patients avoid nightly removal and many of the movement issues tied to traditional dentures. The result can be improved chewing, clearer speech and a restoration that integrates into everyday life more naturally than removable options.
The primary difference between All-on-6® and All-on-4® is the number of implants used to support the prosthetic arch, which affects load distribution and redundancy. With six implants, clinicians can often achieve broader support across the jaw, which may be advantageous in cases with sufficient bone volume or when greater long-term stability is desired. All-on-4® uses four implants and often employs angled posterior implants to maximize support when bone is more limited.
Choice of approach depends on individual anatomy, bone quality, esthetic goals and the restorative plan developed with detailed imaging. The additional implants in an All-on-6® plan can provide more options for implant position and prosthetic design without necessarily requiring additional grafting. Your clinician will explain which approach best meets your functional and anatomic needs based on the diagnostic workup.
Treatment planning begins with a comprehensive oral exam, medical history review and advanced imaging such as cone beam computed tomography to evaluate bone volume and critical anatomy. Digital records and bite analysis help the team determine optimal implant positions, angulation and prosthetic parameters to achieve balanced function and esthetics. This phase also identifies any preparatory needs, such as extraction of nonviable teeth or localized grafting.
The practice often fabricates surgical guides or uses computer-guided protocols to translate the plan into precise implant placement during surgery. Provisional prostheses are typically planned so patients can leave with functional teeth on the day of surgery or shortly afterward. Throughout planning, the care team reviews timelines, healing expectations and follow-up milestones to ensure predictable progression toward the final restoration.
Whether bone grafting is necessary depends on your jawbone quantity and quality as seen on diagnostic imaging and clinical evaluation. Many patients have adequate native bone to place six implants without extensive grafting, while others may benefit from targeted augmentation to optimize implant position and long-term stability. Modern implant designs and angulation strategies can sometimes make efficient use of available bone and reduce the need for large grafts.
When augmentation is recommended, the team will explain the grafting options, expected healing time and how augmentation fits into the overall treatment timeline. Some grafting procedures can be performed at the same appointment as implant placement, while others require a staged approach to allow predictable healing. Your clinician will individualize the plan to balance surgical predictability with the desired restorative outcome.
Surgery for All-on-6® involves placing six implants in preplanned positions while taking care to protect nearby anatomical structures. Many patients receive local anesthesia combined with sedation options to maximize comfort during the procedure, and a provisional arch is often delivered the same day or shortly thereafter so the patient has functional teeth during healing. Common early postoperative effects include swelling, mild discomfort and temporary changes in chewing that generally improve over days to weeks.
Recovery instructions typically include a soft or blended diet for an initial period, short-term use of prescribed or recommended medications, and careful oral hygiene around the surgical sites. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing, remove sutures if present, and confirm implant stability as osseointegration progresses. Clear communication with the dental team helps identify any concerns early and supports a smooth recovery.
Home care for an All-on-6® restoration combines regular cleaning of the prosthetic teeth and diligent attention to the gumline and implant interfaces. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and using recommended interdental cleaning tools helps control plaque around the implants and supporting tissues. Patients may also use antimicrobial rinses and specially designed brushes or floss to maintain hygiene in hard-to-reach areas.
Routine professional maintenance is important and typically includes periodic evaluations, soft tissue care and professional cleanings tailored to implant-supported prostheses. The dental team will provide specific instructions for tools and techniques that suit your prosthesis design and tissue health. Consistent home care and scheduled office visits together reduce the risk of complications and support long-term function.
Longevity is influenced by factors such as oral hygiene, systemic health, smoking status and adherence to follow-up care. Early detection of biologic or mechanical changes through routine checkups helps preserve the restoration and surrounding tissues. With a collaborative approach between patient and dental team, All-on-6® can provide durable, life-enhancing results.
As with any surgical procedure, All-on-6® carries risks that include infection, bleeding, altered sensation if nerves are involved and the possibility of implant failure in a small percentage of cases. Implant-specific concerns such as peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis can occur if plaque control and professional maintenance are inadequate. Mechanical complications such as prosthesis fracture, screw loosening or wear of restorative materials are possible and often manageable with timely care.
Risk is reduced through careful patient selection, thorough preoperative planning, precise surgical technique and consistent postoperative follow-up. Factors like uncontrolled systemic conditions, smoking and poor oral hygiene increase complication risk and are considered during candidacy assessment. Your dental team will discuss individualized risks, signs to watch for and preventive steps to support a successful outcome.
Because the prosthesis is securely anchored to implants, many patients experience improved chewing efficiency and greater confidence eating a wider variety of foods compared with removable dentures. Speech often stabilizes once the provisional and final prostheses are adapted to the bite, and most patients notice clearer articulation as they become accustomed to the fixed restoration. There is an initial adaptation period during which foods are softened and diet is advanced gradually to protect healing tissues and implant stability.
Over time, patients typically resume many normal activities without the maintenance tasks required by removable dentures, such as nightly removal and soaking. Routine hygiene and periodic professional visits replace daily denture maintenance, which many people find more convenient. Your clinician will provide personalized guidance on diet progression and functional expectations during each phase of treatment.
Mercer Island Dental Associates offers a multispecialty approach and uses advanced diagnostic imaging and restorative planning to support predictable full-arch rehabilitation. The practice coordinates surgical and prosthetic care, tailoring each All-on-6® plan to a patient’s anatomy, health status and esthetic goals. This integrated workflow helps streamline treatment phases and maintain continuity of care from planning through final restoration.
The team emphasizes thorough evaluation, clear communication about the clinical pathway and ongoing maintenance protocols to support long-term outcomes. Patients receive individualized instructions for home care and scheduled professional monitoring to detect and manage any changes early. If you are considering All-on-6®, the practice can explain the diagnostic findings and recommended sequence of care for your situation.
