All-on-6® is a restorative option that replaces an entire upper or lower arch using six dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis. Unlike removable dentures, this approach creates a stable foundation that is anchored into the jawbone, giving patients a long-term solution that behaves much like natural teeth. The goal is to restore function—chewing, speaking, and smiling—while minimizing the movement and irritation commonly associated with traditional prostheses.
Planning begins with a comprehensive evaluation of oral health, bone structure, and overall medical considerations. Imaging and clinical exams let the dental team determine optimal implant placement and prosthesis design. Because the implants work together across the arch, they distribute bite forces more evenly than a single implant or conventional denture, which helps preserve surrounding bone and soft tissues over time.
For many patients, All-on-6® strikes a balance between surgical efficiency and prosthetic stability. The use of six implants provides additional anchorage compared with fewer implants, which can be particularly helpful in areas with varied bone quality. This combination of planning, implant placement, and well-designed prosthetics is what enables patients to regain a dependable, comfortable bite.
The treatment pathway typically starts with a detailed consultation where imaging, impressions, and medical history are reviewed to create a personalized plan. Your dentist will discuss the sequence of care, including any preparatory steps such as extractions or minor tissue work. Digital planning tools and three-dimensional imaging often play a role, enabling clinicians to visualize implant positions and anticipate restorative needs before surgery.
On the day of implant placement, six implants are positioned strategically along the arch to maximize support and stability. In many cases, a provisional prosthesis can be attached the same day or shortly after, allowing patients to leave with a functional set of teeth while the implants begin the healing and integration process. This immediate provisional stage helps maintain appearance and chewing ability during the early months of healing.
Once the implants have fused securely with the bone—a process known as osseointegration—the temporary prosthesis is replaced with a custom-designed final restoration. The definitive prosthesis is crafted to optimize comfort, aesthetics, and function, taking into account bite relationships and the patient’s individual smile preferences. The result is a fixed arch that looks and feels intentional, not appliance-like.
All-on-6® offers a number of functional and lifestyle benefits compared with removable dentures. Because the prosthesis is secured to implants, patients experience far less movement and improved stability while eating and speaking. The fixed nature of the restoration also removes the need for denture adhesives and relieves many of the daily maintenance tasks associated with removable devices.
Compared with placing a single implant for each missing tooth, the All-on-6® strategy reduces the complexity of full-arch reconstruction by consolidating support into a single, integrated solution. This can shorten treatment timelines and streamline restorative work, while still preserving the look and feel of natural dentition. For many people, it represents a durable compromise between full-arch replacement and more extensive, multi-stage implant protocols.
Additionally, by anchoring multiple implants across the arch, the approach helps maintain bone volume and facial support over time. The distribution of bite forces across six implants reduces stress on any one site, which can contribute to improved longevity of the restoration and healthier surrounding tissues when maintained properly.
Ideal candidates for All-on-6® are adults who are missing most or all teeth in an arch, or who have failing dentures and desire a fixed alternative. A stable general health profile and sufficient bone to support implants are important considerations, but many patients who were once told they were unsuitable for implants can be reassessed with modern imaging and grafting techniques. Each case is evaluated individually—there is no one-size-fits-all rule.
During the diagnostic phase, clinicians review medical history, evaluate oral hygiene, and obtain imaging to measure bone quantity and quality. If necessary, additional procedures such as targeted grafting or soft tissue management can be planned to create the best long-term environment for implants. The aim is to set realistic expectations and provide a clear roadmap from surgery to final restoration.
Recovery expectations vary, but most patients experience manageable discomfort that can be controlled with routine post-operative care and medications as recommended. Healing timelines depend on individual factors, including bone health and adherence to post-surgical instructions. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and participate actively in planning so they understand each stage of treatment and what to expect during recovery.
A fixed implant-supported arch requires a straightforward but consistent care routine to ensure longevity. Daily brushing, using non-abrasive toothpaste, and cleaning around the implant-supported prosthesis are essential. Specialized interdental brushes or water flossers are often recommended to clean under and around the prosthesis where a toothbrush can’t reach. Routine home care supports tissue health and helps prevent complications.
Regular professional visits are equally important. Periodic evaluations allow the dental team to monitor soft tissue health, check the condition of the prosthesis, and perform professional cleanings designed for implant-supported restorations. These visits offer an opportunity to address minor issues early before they become larger concerns and to reinforce home-care techniques tailored to each patient’s anatomy.
At Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry, our approach emphasizes prevention and education so patients can protect their investment in oral health. By combining meticulous home care with scheduled professional maintenance, many people enjoy stable function and a natural-looking smile for years. If concerns arise, early communication with your dental provider ensures that solutions are considered promptly and conservatively.
In summary, All-on-6® is a reliable, fixed option for patients seeking a full-arch restoration that blends stability, comfort, and a natural appearance. The treatment pathway—rooted in careful planning, skilled implant placement, and thoughtful prosthetic design—aims to restore function while simplifying daily life compared with removable alternatives. Contact us to learn more about whether All-on-6® could be a suitable option for your needs and to discuss the next steps in a personalized evaluation.
All-on-6® is a full-arch tooth replacement strategy that uses six dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis across the upper or lower jaw. By anchoring the restoration directly into the jawbone, it provides stability and function similar to natural teeth. This approach eliminates the need for removable dentures and their associated adhesives and daily removal.
Compared with single-tooth implants, All-on-6® consolidates support into an integrated arch, reducing the complexity of reconstructing every missing tooth. When compared with fewer-implant strategies such as All-on-4®, using six implants can improve load distribution and prosthetic stability, especially in areas of variable bone quality. The prosthetic design is intended to restore chewing, speech, and facial support while simplifying maintenance relative to multiple independent implants.
The initial consultation includes a review of your medical history, a clinical oral exam, and imaging such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate bone volume and anatomic structures. These diagnostic tools allow the dental team to plan implant positions virtually and anticipate needs like grafting or extractions. We discuss the treatment sequence, timelines, and any preparatory procedures so patients understand each step.
At the office of Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry, we combine digital planning with patient education to develop a personalized All-on-6® plan. This conversation covers anesthesia options, the possibility of a same-day provisional prosthesis, and post-operative care instructions. Clear expectations help patients prepare practically and emotionally for surgery and recovery.
On the day of surgery, six implants are placed strategically along the dental arch to maximize support and distribute bite forces evenly. Placement typically follows the digital plan and may include extractions or minor bone shaping to create ideal implant sites. Surgery time varies by case complexity but is coordinated to limit time under anesthesia and optimize efficiency.
When conditions permit, a provisional fixed prosthesis can be attached the same day or shortly after implant placement to restore appearance and function while healing proceeds. The implants then undergo osseointegration, a months-long process during which bone fuses to implant surfaces. After stable integration, the provisional is replaced with a custom definitive prosthesis designed for comfort, esthetics, and long-term function.
Good candidates for All-on-6® are adults missing most or all teeth in an arch, or those seeking a fixed alternative to failing dentures. A general medical profile that supports surgery and sufficient bone volume or the ability to receive grafting are important considerations in candidacy. Smoking, uncontrolled systemic conditions, and poor oral hygiene can affect success and are addressed during evaluation.
Diagnostic imaging, periodontal assessment, and a review of medications help clinicians tailor a treatment plan or recommend preparatory procedures such as bone grafts or soft-tissue management. Many patients who were once considered unsuitable can now be treated successfully with modern grafting and implant techniques. Final candidacy is determined after comprehensive assessment and becomes the basis for a shared decision about care.
Immediate loading, where a provisional fixed prosthesis is attached the same day as implant placement, is possible in many All-on-6® cases when primary implant stability is achieved. This approach preserves function and esthetics during the osseointegration period and reduces time spent without teeth. Not all cases qualify for immediate loading; clinical factors like bone quality and occlusal forces influence the decision.
If an immediate provisional is used, patients return for follow-up visits to monitor healing, occlusion, and soft tissues and to make incremental adjustments as needed. Once implants are fully integrated, the provisional is replaced with a final prosthesis that reflects any changes made during the provisional phase. Your implant team will explain the criteria used to decide on immediate versus delayed loading and how it affects your recovery.
All-on-6® offers substantial improvements in stability and chewing efficiency compared with removable dentures because the restoration is fixed to implants rather than resting on soft tissue. Patients typically experience fewer prosthesis-related sores and reduced movement during eating and speaking. Eliminating adhesives and daily removal simplifies routine care and daily comfort.
Compared with placing an implant for each missing tooth, All-on-6® consolidates support into a single integrated prosthesis, which can streamline restorative steps and reduce the number of surgical sites. The even distribution of occlusal forces across multiple implants helps preserve remaining bone and reduce stress on any single component. This integration supports predictable function and can make oral hygiene and maintenance more straightforward when managed correctly.
Daily oral hygiene for All-on-6® includes gentle brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste and careful cleaning around the prosthesis to remove plaque and food debris. Specialized tools such as interdental brushes, floss designed for implant prostheses, or a water flosser are often recommended to clean under and between the prosthetic framework. Avoiding abrasive pastes and hard scrubbing will protect prosthetic surfaces and the implant abutments.
Regular professional checkups are essential to inspect soft tissues, assess implant stability, and provide specialized cleanings designed for implant-supported restorations. Hygiene visits also allow clinicians to identify early signs of complications and reinforce home-care techniques tailored to a patient’s anatomy. Consistent maintenance is a key factor in preserving function and extending the life of the prosthesis.
As with any surgical procedure, All-on-6® carries risks such as infection, bleeding, nerve irritation, or implant failure due to poor integration. Proper surgical technique, thorough preoperative planning, and good postoperative care reduce the likelihood of these events. Certain health conditions and medications can increase risk and are evaluated before surgery.
If complications occur, early recognition and prompt management—such as antibiotics for infection or surgical revision for implant failure—improve outcomes. Long-term success depends on stable oral hygiene, regular professional monitoring, and addressing parafunctional habits like grinding. Your dental team will discuss specific risks and the measures taken to minimize them during the planning phase.
The longevity of an All-on-6® restoration depends on surgical success, prosthetic design, oral hygiene, and regular professional care. Well-maintained implant-supported arches can provide many years of reliable function, though prosthetic components may require periodic maintenance or replacement due to wear. Factors such as bone quality, systemic health, and habits like smoking influence long-term outcomes.
Scheduled recall visits typically include implant-level examinations, torque checks for retained components, and adjustments to occlusion or prosthetic fit as needed. When wear or damage is identified, repairs or remakes of prosthetic elements are planned to restore function without compromising remaining implants. Open communication with your dental team and adherence to recommended maintenance protocols support the best possible lifespan for the restoration.
Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry offers experienced clinical care supported by digital diagnostics such as CBCT and intraoral imaging to plan All-on-6® cases precisely. The practice's approach emphasizes careful planning, patient education, and coordination of surgical and restorative phases to optimize outcomes. Care is delivered in a setting familiar to Newark, Ohio residents, with attention to comfort and safety.
If you are considering full-arch implant solutions, a consultation at our Newark office begins the evaluation process and clarifies whether All-on-6® matches your goals and anatomy. During that visit we will explain clinical findings, potential preparatory treatments, and the timeline toward a final restoration so you can make an informed decision. Contacting the office for an appointment is the first step toward a tailored treatment plan.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to assist you. You can reach us by phone at (740) 344-4549 or by using the convenient contact form below. If you submit the form, a member of our staff will respond within 24–48 hours.
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