Oral Surgery

All-on-6 Dental Implants

All-on-6 replaces a full row of missing or failing teeth with a fixed, non-removable bridge held by six implants per arch. It suits patients with enough bone across the jaw for the extra support six implants give the bite.

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At a Glance

Six implants, one bridge

Six implants per arch anchor one continuous fixed bridge — two more support points than All-on-4, spreading biting force across a wider area of the jaw.

Five or more visits

Planning, surgery, a temporary-bridge stage where possible, healing check-ups and a final delivery visit — generally five or more appointments over several months.

Local anaesthesia

Six implants are placed under local anaesthesia. More implant sites can make the surgical and initial healing stage slightly more involved than All-on-4.

A temporary bridge, sometimes

As with All-on-4, a temporary fixed bridge may be attached soon after surgery if enough implant stability is achieved — decided case by case.

What All-on-6 Involves

Like All-on-4, All-on-6 is a full-arch solution: implants anchor one continuous fixed bridge across the jaw instead of replacing each tooth individually. The difference is the number and distribution of implants — six per arch instead of four — which spreads biting load across more support points and can allow a slightly longer bridge span. It tends to suit patients missing most or all of their teeth in an arch who have adequate bone across more of the jaw, not only at the front, and for whom the dentist judges the extra implant support worthwhile.

Bridge Material and Loading

Acrylic-and-metal hybrid

One material option for the final bridge: a metal framework with an acrylic gum-and-tooth layer, with its own trade-offs in strength, appearance and long-term maintenance versus zirconia.

Zirconia framework

A metal-free ceramic alternative for the final bridge, with different trade-offs in strength, appearance and maintenance than the acrylic-and-metal hybrid.

Immediate loading

Some cases proceed with a temporary bridge soon after surgery, sometimes called immediate loading. It depends on implant stability achieved during surgery, not preference.

Delayed loading

Other cases need a longer healing period before any bridge, temporary or final, is placed — the safer route when stability at surgery isn't sufficient.

How All-on-6 Works

Consultation and 3D imaging

A CBCT scan assesses bone volume across the whole arch, since All-on-6 relies on adequate bone at more implant sites than All-on-4.

Extraction and implant placement

Any remaining teeth that can't be saved are removed, sometimes on the same day implants are placed — six implants positioned to distribute bite force evenly across the jaw.

Temporary bridge and healing

Where stability allows, a temporary bridge is attached so the patient isn't left without teeth. The implants then integrate with the bone over several months.

Final bridge fitted

Once healing is confirmed by exam or imaging, a custom, permanent bridge replaces the temporary one and completes treatment for that arch.

Before you decide

Not sure whether this applies to your teeth?

The only way to know is an examination. Ask a question first if you would rather understand the options before booking anything.

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When All-on-6 Isn't the Answer

All-on-6 is major treatment and isn’t right for every patient missing a full arch of teeth. With six implant sites instead of four, adequate bone across a larger area of the jaw matters more, even after considering grafting. Uncontrolled diabetes, active oral infection, heavy smoking and severe, unmanaged bruxism can also rule it out or complicate healing. A full medical and dental history review plus 3D imaging during consultation determines individual suitability.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

All-on-6 vs. All-on-4 — which is better?

Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on your bone volume, bite forces, and overall jaw anatomy as seen on a 3D scan. All-on-4 was designed to work with less bone using angled implants, while All-on-6 is often chosen when more bone is available or extra support is judged worthwhile. This is a clinical decision made during consultation.

How much bone do I need for All-on-6?

More than All-on-4 typically requires, since six implant sites need to be adequately supported rather than four. A CBCT scan during consultation shows exactly how much bone is available across your jaw and whether grafting would be needed at any of the planned sites.

Is All-on-6 more durable than All-on-4?

Spreading bite force across six implants rather than four can, in principle, distribute load more evenly, but durability in practice depends heavily on oral hygiene, bite habits, bone quality, and regular maintenance — not on implant count alone. Your dentist can discuss what’s realistic for your case.

How long does healing take with All-on-6?

Osseointegration timelines are broadly similar to other implant treatments, commonly cited in the range of three to six months, though the additional implant sites in All-on-6 mean your dentist will confirm healing progress individually at each site before the final bridge is fitted.

Can All-on-6 be done if I've already had All-on-4?

Converting from a four-implant to a six-implant arrangement is a case-specific surgical question that depends on the position of the existing implants and available bone. This isn’t something a general answer can responsibly cover — it needs an in-person assessment.

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