All-on-6 Implants
If you are missing all of your teeth on the upper or lower jaw, there are several ways to get those teeth replaced so that you have a full arch of teeth that are perfect for chewing, talking, and smiling.
Many people want to have dentures fixed in place so that there is no slipping, no falling out, and no problem with them fitting properly. For many people, all-on-6 implants are the solution.
The Benefits of the All-on-6 Implant
The all-on-6 solution to tooth loss requires six implants on which dentures are attached to prevent slipping and falling out. They don’t have to be re-lined as traditional dentures do, and they don’t have to be affixed every day.
The all-on-6 implant technique is more often used on the upper jaw, as the bone in that jaw is weaker than in the lower jaw. It is possible for four implants to support one of these prostheses, but the upper jaw has a higher failure rate for implants. This makes it a good idea to get an all-on-6 in case any of the implants don’t take well. This would still leave enough implants to support the dentures. The all-on-6 provides a strong set of anchors that patients can count on to support their new teeth.
Bone grafts are not usually necessary for all-on-6 implants. With conventional implants, this is usually needed to have enough bone to hold onto the implants. For patients who have lost some bone density in their jaw, this is a great solution for replacing the full arch of teeth.
What’s It Like To Get All-on-6 Implants?
It takes a few visits to the office in either Bluff City or Kingsport to get your all-on-6 installed and ready for use. You will generally have digital X-rays taken and may need a CT scan of the area so that the dentist can evaluate your mouth and its unique structure before the implants are placed. Our dentist will assess how much bone loss you have and take impressions so that a new smile can be created for you.
There are usually a few short office visits to make the temporary denture, often three visits two weeks apart. This process can take two to three months to ensure everything is correct. After this, you can get your implants implanted into the jaw. If there are teeth left on that arch, those are removed as the six implants are fixed to the bone.
The temporary denture is then placed so that you don’t have to go without teeth while you’re waiting for the final version of the denture to be made. Once it has been made, you will have a great-looking set of teeth that are strong and anchored well.
Smile Restoration Solutions at the Center for Family & Implant Dentistry.
If you need to replace all of the teeth on either the top or bottom arch, an all-on-6 implant system may be the best one for you. Call us at the Center for Family & Implant Dentistry to schedule a consultation, or discuss this solution with Dr. MacConnell at your next dental appointment.
