Many patients are missing multiple teeth in their mouth. In reviewing the treatment options, dental implants are an exceptional tooth replacement option. The All-On-4 and All-On-6 procedures are often a good solution for patients who are missing numerous teeth in the top or bottom jaw. Both treatments are similar and help patients replace their missing teeth. Each treatment, however, has key differences which will be summarized in the article below.
When patients have lost most or all of their teeth in the top or bottom jaw, dentists often recommend the All-On-4 or All-On-6 procedure for treatment. The foundation of these treatments is dental implants which are surgically placed in the patient’s jaw. The implants support dentures containing the prosthetic teeth. The procedures are able to restore the patient’s smile while maintaining the jaw and preventing bone loss.
On average, the procedures take about two to three hours to complete. During the surgery, the dentist or oral surgeon will typically use general anesthesia to ensure the patient remains comfortable. Following the surgical placement of the implants, they will actually fuse to the jaw. This provides an incredibly strong and secure base for the dentures. The term “All On” is used because the denture is attached to four or six implants. With traditional dental implants, an individual implant is used to replace each tooth which is missing. While this is incredibly effective, it is also very expensive. The all-on-4 and all-on-six procedures use fewer implants which helps significantly reduce the cost and treatment time.
In the past, the replacement of an entire arch of teeth required far more implants and often included bone grafting. The treatment could require up to six months of healing time before the patient’s mouth was ready for the dentures. Because fewer implants are used for the “All On” treatment approach, the healing time is expedited. Temporary dentures are installed immediately following the placement of the implants. After 3-4 months, the mouth has typically healed and the permanent dentures can be placed.
A key difference between the All-On-4 and All-On-6 dental implant procedures is simply the number of implants which are used. As indicated by the name of the procedure, four implants are used for the All-On-4 treatment, while six implants are used for the All-On-6 method.
In some cases, the dental professional may recommend use of the All-On-6 procedure because it offers enhanced strength and stability. Another benefit of the All-on-6 treatment is that it can be more comfortable for patients and last longer. It is critical for the teeth to evenly distribute the extreme forces from chewing throughout the jaw. The two additional implants are strategically placed to provide added stability and strength.
In addition to providing more support, the additional implants also strengthen the patient’s jaw. When a tooth falls out or is removed, it can cause bone resorption in the jawbone. Patients who wear dentures often find that the shape of their face and jaw changes over time as the result of bone loss. Patients may look order or have a sunken in appearance. A major benefit of dental implants is their ability to stimulate and preserve the jawbone. The All-On-6 dental implant procedure stimulates the jawbone and enhances its strength.
The All-On-4 and All-On-6 dental implant procedures are both excellent solutions for replacing missing teeth and restoring the function and appearance of a patient’s smile.