For a pain-free bite and beautifully confident smile

All-on-6 dental implants last up to 20 years if well cared for. If your implants are old and you think they are in need of renewal, please contact your dentist to discuss your treatment options. These can range from new implants and bridges to snap on overdentures or regular dentures.

The difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants is simply how many implants are used to secure the bridge. All-on-4 uses four implants to secure a full set of teeth to your jaw. On the other hand, All-on-6 uses six implants. This is usually recommended if you have low bone density and need more implants to support your new teeth.

Yes, the treatment is still viable if you have bone loss. Prior to your dental implants being fitted, you may need a bone graft. Alternatively, ask your dentist about zygomatic or pterygoid implants. These bypass the jawbone and anchor to other areas around your mouth.

You cannot get All-on-6 dental implants if you have gum disease. Patients with gum disease will need to be treated before they can have dental implants. An appointment with a dental hygienist helps to remove plaque and bacteria around your teeth and gum line.

To prepare for your All-on-6 dental implants you should have already had a consultation and oral health check to identify any underlying issues that may affect the viability of your All-on-6 treatment, such as gum disease and bone loss. Ahead of the actual appointment, it is important to stay well hydrated and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Why? This helps to prevent further bone loss, encourages improved healing and minimises the risk of complications.

We provide a wide range of All-on-6 dental implant finance options to help spread the cost of your procedure over time. Contact us today to discuss dental implant finance in more detail.

When replacing a full mouth of teeth, it is not necessary to replace each tooth individually. All-on-6 attaches up to 14 teeth using just six implants, rather than 14 single ones. This reduces your overall spending and the amount of surgery required, while also speeding up your recovery time.

The All-on-6 surgery lasts up to four hours. Another three hours is spent prepping you for the procedure and creating your temporary teeth. If you include the initial consultation and recovery time, the entire process typically takes between three and four months.

To identify if you are eligible for All-on-6 dental implants, your local Yorkshire Dental Suite dentist will examine your medical history and take photographs, X-rays and scans. They may also carry out blood tests and CT scans to get a well-rounded view of your bone density and oral health.

Major issues that affect your eligibility for All-on-6 implants include:

• Uncontrolled diabetes affects the healing process and increases risk of infection, seek advice from your dentist and doctor
• Autoimmune disorders e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and lupus increases risk of implant rejection, seek advice from your dentist and doctor
• Heart conditions; local anaesthesia or sedation can put you at risk, seek advice from both your dentist and cardiologist
• Bone disorders e.g. osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta increases the risk of implant failure, seek advice from your dentist and doctor

Minor issues that require treatment to make you eligible for All-on-6 implants include:

• Smoking affects bone density and is a significant cause of gum disease, which can prevent implants from being a success
• Gum disease; gums need to be healthy before implant surgery can be started
• Low bone density: discuss bone grafts, pterygoid and zygomatic implants with your dentist

Thanks to sedation, your All-on-6 dental implant treatment will not hurt. Yorkshire Dental Suite provides a variety of sedation options to help you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

To clean All-on-6 dental implants, follow a typical dental hygiene routine:

1. During meals drink plenty of water and swill food debris from your teeth
2. Brush twice a day, ideally after meal times
3. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
4. Use a good quality fluoride toothpaste
5. Clean the bridge, removing debris from around each tooth
6. Pay particular care to the gumline, brushing along the edge of the bridge to remove debris and bacteria
7. Floss between teeth (consider a water-flosser)
8. Rinse with a good quality antiseptic mouthwash

All-on-6 implants is usually only available with a private clinic. You can get dental implants on the NHS - however, eligibility is very rare and waiting times are much longer. There are some factors that might make you eligible, for example, if your face or teeth has been damaged in an accident or impacted by health conditions such as mouth cancer. Patients who cannot wear dentures also have a chance of getting the procedure on the NHS.

We could say that the downside of having All-on-6 dental implants is having to fend off the compliments you will get when people notice your perfect new teeth. There are some issues you should be aware of:

• High cost: All-on-6 implants are one of the most expensive dental treatments, however, the benefits are worth the high price tag
• Non-reversible; once you have implants you cannot get your natural teeth back
• Recovery time: it can take up to four months for your gums to stop being sore and fully heal
• Maintenance: to prevent gum disease and other issues, you will need to stop smoking and thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day
• Cannot be whitened unlike natural teeth, dental implants cannot be whitened using over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments - contact your hygienist if your teeth have started to become dull
• Fragility; like natural teeth, implants are not indestructible - you will need to avoid hard foods
• Failure; dental implants can fail, becoming loose

Speak to your dentist if any of these issues are a concern.