Overview 

Dental Implants have become a go-to procedure for tooth replacement these days. While considering dental implants as an option for replacing missing teeth, you are bound to learn about both “all-on-4” and “all on 6 dental implants procedures. 

Removable dentures used to be the only option for the replacement of teeth in the past. However, the oral function can now be restored with fixed teeth, thanks to advanced techniques. Dental implants are now one of the top choices for fixed dental restoration. However, it is important to be aware of the various techniques of dental implants before the choice can be made.

Normally, All-on-4 or All on 6 dental implant treatments are considered beneficial for full mouth rehabilitation and are usually recommended by dentists. 

All-on-4 dental implants use four implants per jaw whereas six dental implants are used in the All-on-6 procedure. However, they both provide fixed teeth or removable dentures (teeth). 

How are these different from the full Mouth Dental Implants?

Dentists in the past would need to put 8 to 10 dental implants per arch to provide enough foundation for the missing teeth that needed to be restored. And these would also require complex procedures like Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift many times prolonging the treatment time.

However, with the advancement of implantology and ‘All on’ procedure, doctors can provide full arch teeth with minimum dental implants reducing the time of the full procedure to 3 to 4 months, with the patient getting temporary teeth in 3 to 4 days. As a smaller number of Implants are involved, these procedures are less painful and do not cause much swelling, making these procedures more economical and practical instead of inserting numerous implants in every socket of the teeth.

Who can benefit from All-on-4 and All on 6 dental Implants?

An effective solution for those with a significant number of missing teeth, both procedures involve the surgical placement of dental implants into the jawbone. These implants provide support to the permanent or removable dentures as well as support the jaw’s bone structure. 

 The time taken for the procedures of both all-on-4 and all-on-6 dental implants is about two to three hours and can be accomplished in one day. Both procedures also involve the use of general anaesthesia. The implants fuse with the jawbone and are an ideal replacement for natural teeth, in both form and function.

Understanding the difference between All on 4 and All on 6 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants 

The procedure of All-on-4 dental implants involves placing four implants per arch, two vertical implants in the front area and two angled implants in the back area. These implants do not require procedures like grafting & sinus liftings and provide a quite stable prosthetic force distribution.

All on 6 dental implants 

In the All on 6 dental implants procedure, A permanent prosthesis that acts as an anchor for a bridge or over-denture is created with the help of six dental implants, which are positioned in the lower or upper jawbone to anchor artificial teeth permanently in place.

All-on-6 dental implants furnish a more steady and stronger base for the artificial teeth. The results are longer-lasting and more comfortable. The additional stability and enhanced distribution of pressure can help to extend the life of the prosthetic arch. 

If you are wondering what is the difference between the all-on-4 or all on 6 dental implants, then read on. 

The most apparent difference between all-on-4 and all on 6 dental implants is the number of implants placed in the mouth. The more the number of implants,  the more strength, and stability is provided for your jawbone. The bone in the jaw is enforced by the implant implanted in it. The teeth perform a natural function of keeping the bones in the jaw stable and in absence of the teeth, the jawbones begin to deteriorate.

This is the reason why people who wear dentures for a long time sometimes appear to have a sunken jaw on taking out their dentures, giving them a much older appearance. Dental implants help to keep the jawbone stimulated, maintaining its strength and preventing this sunken appearance.

Which is a better option for me?

Every person has a different bone quality and mass. So, All on 6 dental implants is not always a better procedure as it cannot be recommended for those who do have enough bone strength to endure the pressure of the two additional implants as compared to an All-on-4 dental implant procedure. 

All on 6 dental implants is a very good option for those with a good amount and quality of bone. Otherwise, All-on-4 is the ideal choice for those who have poorer bone mass or do not want to go for such extensive surgical procedures.

A discussion with our expert dental surgeons at Morgan Hill Dentistry can help you make a decision about the option better suited for you, after an examination of your jawbone and other factors.

 Conclusion

 While both All on Four and All on 6 dental implant treatments are similar, and normally strive to accomplish similar results, they both have some important differences in the procedures that may make your dentist recommend a particular one based on various factors.

Both all-on-4 and all-on-6 implants require much less time for healing as compared to full mouth implants, and the dentist can install the temporary dentures on the same day of the implantation procedure and it takes just about three to six months for the patient to get the permanent dentures.

 Though both methods are great options for permanent, major dental rehabilitation and reconstruction, a dentist can best guide you about the procedure recommended for you. 

At Morgan Hill Dentistry, an emergency dental clinic, we provide quality dental care to all patients ensuring a great dental treatment experience and making sure that you always retain your healthy bite and smile!