A Guide to All-On-4 and All-On-6 Implants

Tooth loss has far-reaching repercussions on your oral health and overall well-being. For example, individuals who have suffered significant tooth loss are likely to experience facial collapse, a shifting bite, bone loss, difficulty chewing and enunciating some words, and low self-esteem. These issues no doubt compromise your oral health and overall well-being. That’s why it’s important to look into tooth replacement options in a timely fashion.

If you’ve experienced extensive tooth loss, your dentist will likely talk to you about All-On-4 and All-On-6 dental implants treatment. This innovative tooth replacement approach allows you to restore your smile within a significantly shorter time and without the need for extensive prerequisite procedures.

Westwood Dental Group is proud to be a leading dental office providing exceptional dental implants in Westwood, MA. If you’re seeking a trusted dentist to guide you on your All-On-4 and All-On-6 dental implants treatment journey, give Westwood Dental Group a call.

Some Basic Facts

A tooth implant is an artificial metal tooth root that supports a dental restoration, e.g., a crown, bridge, or denture.

In the past, patients that experienced tooth loss that wanted implant treatment had to use a tooth implant for every missing tooth. The downside of this approach is the treatment could be lengthy, cumbersome, and painful. Alternatively, patients could go for removable dentures, which don’t offer the stability and security of implants.

Fast forward to today, patients can replace an entire dental arch using only four or six strategically placed implants. This approach is known as All-On-4 and All-On-6 dental implant treatment.

Are You a Good Candidate for All-On-4 and All-On-6 Treatment?

Before undergoing this treatment, your dentist carefully evaluates your dental and overall health to determine your suitability. Some of the factors that the dentist considers include the severity of tooth loss and your overall health.

If you’ve suffered extensive or complete tooth loss, you might be a good candidate for All-On-4 treatment. On the other hand, individuals who still have a good number of healthy teeth remaining might be redirected towards implant-supported bridges or individual implants.

Conventional implants require patients to have a sufficient amount of bone to support the artificial tooth roots. In the case of All-On-4 and All-On-6 treatment, bone loss isn’t a hindrance to treatment, as the implants can be positioned in areas of the mouth where a patient does still have sufficient bone. As a result, even patients with advanced gum disease can benefit from All-On-4 and All-On-6 treatment without undergoing bone grafting procedures.

What to Expect During Treatment

After a comprehensive evaluation to determine your suitability for All-On-4 or All-On-6 treatment, the dentist schedules you for implant surgery. Here’s what to expect:

• The implant surgery lasts about two to three hours.
• Surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
• During surgery, the dentist places four or six posts at previously determined locations of your jaw.
• After inserting the screws or posts into your jawbone, the dentist may also attach a temporary denture to restore your smile instantly.
• After complete healing, the dentist replaces the temporary dentures with a permanent set.

All-On-4 vs. All-On-6

All-On-4 and All-On-6 implants share the same treatment concept. The only difference between the two innovative dental treatments is the number of implants used in restoration. Both treatments are ideal for patients who have lost all of their teeth. The treatment process is patient-friendly and a welcome reprieve for patients who require major dental reconstruction.

Which is Right for You: All-On-4 or All-On-6?

Some dentists prefer All-On-6 implants because six implants are likely to provide sturdier support when compared to four implants. It’s also worth considering that six implants may provide additional strength and stimulation for your jaw compared to only four implants.

However, the best way to find out which treatment is best for you is to schedule a consultation at Westwood Dental Group. This way, the dental team can evaluate you carefully and arrive at an informed clinical opinion.

During your visit, the dentist obtains dental x-rays and relevant information regarding your dental and overall health. Using this information, the dentist helps you decide which is the better treatment for your needs.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you’ve lost teeth and require personalized dental care services to restore your smile, please call Westwood Dental Group to arrange an appointment with our dentist near you. Replacing lost teeth empowers you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence and positively impacts your oral and overall health.