All-on-6® Dental Implants in New York

All-on-6® is a full-arch tooth replacement technique that secures a fixed prosthesis to six strategically placed dental implants in the upper or lower jaw. Unlike removable dentures, the All-on-6 approach provides a permanent restoration that is designed to function and look much like natural teeth. The prosthesis is supported by implants anchored in the jawbone, eliminating the need for denture adhesives and daily removal for cleaning.

The stability of an implant-supported arch typically improves chewing ability and speech compared with conventional dentures. All-on-6 often provides greater support and distribution of biting forces than restorations supported by fewer implants. Because the prosthesis is fixed, patients care for it with routine oral hygiene similar to natural teeth, with occasional professional visits for maintenance.

Good candidates for All-on-6 are patients who have lost most or all of their teeth in a jaw or who have compromised dentition that cannot be predictably restored with individual implants or crowns. Adequate overall health, controlled chronic conditions, and sufficient jawbone volume are important factors that clinicians evaluate during consultation. Many patients who are unable or unwilling to wear removable dentures find All-on-6 a suitable alternative.

Comprehensive evaluation including a clinical exam and imaging helps determine candidacy; smoking, unmanaged systemic disease, or severe bone loss may require additional planning or modification of the treatment approach. If bone quantity is limited in certain areas, the treatment team may consider alternative implant positions or adjunctive procedures to achieve a stable result. The final treatment recommendation is based on individual anatomy, functional needs, and esthetic goals.

Treatment planning for All-on-6 begins with a thorough oral examination and diagnostic imaging to assess bone anatomy, nerve location, and sinus position in the upper jaw. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is commonly used because it provides a three-dimensional view of the jaw and allows precise planning of implant angulation and length. Digital scans and intraoral impressions can be combined with CBCT data to design a prosthesis that meets functional and esthetic objectives.

Computer-guided planning software may be used to simulate implant placement and to fabricate surgical guides that enhance accuracy during surgery. This digital workflow helps the clinical team anticipate challenges and select implant positions that maximize bone support and prosthetic outcomes. A coordinated plan also addresses provisional restoration timing so patients know what to expect at each stage.

The All-on-6 procedure typically involves extracting any remaining nonrestorable teeth, preparing implant sites, and placing six implants per arch in predetermined positions. Depending on the clinical situation, provisional teeth may be attached to the implants immediately or after a brief healing period to protect the implants while osseointegration occurs. The final prosthesis is delivered after the implants have integrated and soft tissues have stabilized, ensuring proper fit and function.

Surgery is performed under local anesthesia with optional sedation for patient comfort, and the duration of the procedure varies with complexity and whether both arches are treated simultaneously. Postoperative instructions and follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and to adjust provisional restorations as needed. A multidisciplinary approach involving restorative planning and surgical execution helps achieve predictable esthetic and functional results.

Initial recovery after All-on-6 generally involves a few days of mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and dietary adjustments while soft tissues begin to heal. Patients are typically advised to follow a soft-food diet for several weeks and to avoid heavy chewing forces on the treated arch until the implants have sufficiently integrated. Pain management, cold compresses, and careful oral hygiene help control symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Follow-up appointments are important during the first few weeks to evaluate healing and to make any necessary adjustments to provisional prostheses. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, but full integration of the implants can take several months before the definitive prosthesis is placed. Clear postoperative instructions and timely clinical reviews support a smoother recovery and long-term success.

In many All-on-6 cases, patients can receive a provisional or temporary prosthesis on the same day as implant placement, a concept often called immediate function. The provisional restoration allows patients to leave the office with a complete arch that restores appearance and basic function while the implants integrate with the bone. These temporary teeth are carefully designed to protect healing implants and to minimize occlusal forces that could jeopardize osseointegration.

The final, definitive prosthesis is fabricated and fitted after the implants have fully integrated, which typically occurs over a period of a few months. During the interim phase, the provisional prosthesis may be adjusted for comfort and hygiene access as soft tissues heal and adapt. Clear communication about expectations for the provisional and final restorations helps patients plan their recovery and care.

Daily oral hygiene is essential for All-on-6 restorations and includes regular brushing of the prosthesis, interdental cleaning beneath and around the bridge, and rinsing as recommended by your dental team. Specialized brushes, floss threaders, or water irrigation devices may be recommended to reach areas where the prosthesis meets the gum. Professional maintenance visits at regular intervals are also important to assess tissue health, clean around implants, and evaluate prosthetic components.

Maintaining overall health and addressing factors such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or poor oral hygiene can affect implant longevity and should be managed in coordination with your dental and medical providers. Any changes such as persistent redness, bleeding, discomfort, or loosening of prosthetic components should prompt an evaluation by the treatment team. Routine monitoring and timely care help preserve both implant function and oral health.

Bone grafting or sinus augmentation may be necessary when existing jawbone volume is insufficient to support implants in ideal positions for an All-on-6 restoration. In such cases, grafting procedures rebuild lost bone to create a stable foundation for implant placement and to improve long-term predictability. The need for grafting is assessed during the diagnostic phase using clinical evaluation and three-dimensional imaging.

When bone deficiency is localized or significant, the treatment plan may stage grafting prior to implant placement or may incorporate simultaneous grafting with implants depending on clinical judgment. Alternative strategies, such as selecting longer implants or angling implants to engage available bone, can sometimes reduce the need for extensive grafting. Your clinician will explain the rationale for any adjunctive procedures and how they contribute to a successful outcome.

Sedation and anesthesia options are offered to enhance patient comfort during All-on-6 surgery, ranging from oral sedatives and nitrous oxide to deeper intravenous (IV) sedation as appropriate. The choice of sedation depends on the complexity of the procedure, patient medical history, anxiety level, and the recommendation of the clinical team. IV sedation can provide profound relaxation and amnesia for longer or more invasive appointments, while local anesthesia manages surgical site sensation.

Before any sedation is administered, a thorough medical review is performed to ensure patient safety and to determine the most appropriate option. Vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure and recovery until the patient is stable. If desired, discuss sedation preferences and any medical concerns during your consultation so the office can plan care that prioritizes comfort and safety.

All-on-6 implants are designed to be a long-term solution, and with proper care they can last many years or decades. Longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene practices, regular professional maintenance, the quality and quantity of jawbone, systemic health, and avoidance of harmful habits like tobacco use. The design and fit of the prosthesis, as well as the skill of the surgical and restorative team, also influence long-term performance.

Regular follow-up visits allow the dental team to detect and address early signs of wear, peri-implant tissue changes, or mechanical issues with prosthetic components. Timely repair or replacement of worn parts and attention to gum health help extend the life of the restoration. Patients who commit to consistent home care and professional monitoring generally achieve the most favorable outcomes.