13180 Westpark Dr, Ste 106, Houston, TX 77082
All-on-6 is a full-arch restorative approach that uses six dental implants to support a fixed prosthesis, recreating a complete set of upper or lower teeth. Unlike conventional removable dentures, this solution anchors replacement teeth directly to implants placed in the jaw, giving patients a stable, permanent-feeling restoration. The goal is to restore function and appearance in a way that feels and behaves much more like natural teeth.
The method is grounded in implant dentistry principles but tailored to provide broad support across the dental arch. With six implants, the prosthesis gets enhanced distribution of biting forces, which can improve comfort and longevity compared with restorations supported by fewer implants. For many patients, the result is a comfortable, secure bite and the ability to eat and speak with confidence again.
All-on-6 is not simply a cosmetic upgrade — it is a functional rehabilitation designed to address the structural and day-to-day demands of replacing an entire arch. The process emphasizes stability, ease of care, and a natural-looking outcome, making it a compelling option for adults who want a durable alternative to traditional dentures. At Park West Dental, the focus is on blending predictable clinical techniques with individualized care to achieve reliable results.
The All-on-6 pathway begins with a thorough clinical evaluation and imaging to assess bone quality, jaw anatomy, and overall oral health. Advanced diagnostic tools, including 3D imaging when appropriate, help determine optimal implant positions and whether any preparatory procedures are necessary. The planning phase is critical — precise placement helps ensure even load distribution and maximizes the chance of successful integration.
On the day of implant placement, six implants are strategically positioned along the arch to support a full-arch prosthesis. Depending on the individual case, a temporary set of teeth is often attached at the time of surgery, allowing immediate function while the implants integrate with the bone. This immediate provisional can provide aesthetic and functional benefits during the healing period.
After several months of healing and osseointegration, the temporary prosthesis is exchanged for a definitive restoration. The final bridge or fixed denture is crafted to match the patient’s facial proportions, bite, and aesthetic goals. Materials and design are chosen to balance strength, comfort, and a natural appearance that complements the patient’s smile.
One of the most tangible benefits of All-on-6 is stability. Because the prosthesis is secured to implants, the slipping, clicking, and movement associated with removable dentures are minimized or eliminated. That translates into greater confidence while speaking or eating and fewer adjustments or relines compared with removable options.
All-on-6 restorations also simplify daily oral care. The prosthesis is cared for much like natural teeth — regular brushing, flossing under and around the prosthesis, and routine dental checkups help maintain health and longevity. There’s no need for adhesives or nightly removal, which many patients find liberating and less intrusive to their daily routine.
Functionally, the broader implant support helps distribute chewing forces more evenly across the jaw. This can make it easier to enjoy a varied diet and reduces the risk of prosthesis-related sore spots. In addition, implant-supported restorations can help preserve jawbone by transmitting functional forces to the bone, which supports long-term oral health.
Potential candidates for All-on-6 typically include adults who are missing most or all teeth in an arch, or those whose remaining teeth are not salvageable. A comprehensive evaluation helps determine candidacy by looking at systemic health, oral hygiene habits, bone volume, and any ongoing conditions that might affect healing. Good general health and realistic expectations are important factors for a successful outcome.
Bone quantity and quality are key considerations, but the All-on-6 approach can sometimes reduce the need for extensive bone grafting because the use of six implants allows for strategic placement in denser areas of the jaw. When grafting is necessary, it can be planned as part of the overall treatment sequence to create a stable foundation for implants.
Every treatment plan is personalized. The clinical team will review medical history, perform a dental exam, and discuss goals, potential limitations, and the timeline. Clear communication about maintenance requirements and follow-up visits ensures patients understand what to expect at each stage and helps set the stage for long-term success.
Following implant placement, patients can expect an initial healing period with typical postoperative instructions to promote comfort and reduce infection risk. Follow-up visits confirm proper healing, prosthesis fit, and function. When a temporary restoration is used, it allows patients to maintain appearance and chew while the implants integrate.
Long-term care focuses on daily hygiene and regular professional maintenance. Routine cleanings and dental exams allow the clinical team to monitor tissue health, occlusion (bite), and the condition of the prosthesis. Early detection of any issues — such as wear, looseness, or changes in the surrounding gum tissue — enables timely interventions that preserve function and esthetics.
With proper care, implant-supported full-arch restorations can provide many years of reliable service. Patients should maintain consistent oral hygiene habits, attend scheduled checkups, and follow the practice’s recommendations for home care and any specialized cleaning techniques. Ongoing partnership with your dental team is the best way to protect the investment in both oral health and quality of life.
In summary, All-on-6 offers a fixed, implant-supported solution for patients seeking a dependable replacement for an entire dental arch. The approach combines stable implant support, streamlined daily care, and a restorative outcome designed to restore both function and confidence. If you’d like to learn whether All-on-6 is the right option for you, please contact us for more information.
All-on-6 is an implant-supported full-arch restoration that uses six strategically placed dental implants to anchor a permanent prosthetic arch. This approach replaces an entire upper or lower set of teeth with a fixed bridge that patients do not remove for cleaning. Unlike traditional removable dentures, the prosthesis in an All-on-6 treatment is designed to feel and function much like natural teeth.
The method provides improved chewing stability, clearer speech, and greater confidence because the arch is firmly attached to implants rather than relying on suction or adhesives. Patients typically care for their new teeth with routine oral hygiene and periodic professional maintenance similar to natural dentition. Temporary teeth can often be placed at the time of implant surgery, with a definitive prosthesis delivered after osseointegration.
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and are removable, while All-on-6 delivers a fixed, implant-supported arch that remains in place day and night. Because the prosthesis is anchored to bone-integrated implants, All-on-6 generally offers greater bite force and stability than conventional removable options. Speech and chewing tend to be more natural with a secured implant bridge, and patients avoid the need for denture adhesives. The feel and function are engineered to more closely mimic natural teeth.
Maintenance differs: removable dentures require daily removal and soaking while All-on-6 is cleaned in the mouth using brushing and interdental aids with professional recalls for hygiene visits. Repairs to implant-supported prostheses focus on the prosthetic components and implant health rather than re-lining or replacing a removable denture. Both options require regular dental oversight to monitor oral health and prosthesis fit.
Good candidates for All-on-6 are adults who have lost most or all teeth in one arch or both and who desire a fixed, long-term replacement. Candidates should have adequate overall health and controlled medical conditions because implant surgery is a minor surgical procedure. Sufficient jawbone volume is helpful for implant placement, although treatment planning can sometimes adapt to reduced bone through implant angulation or adjunctive procedures. Smoking and uncontrolled systemic diseases may affect candidacy and are discussed during evaluation.
A comprehensive consultation includes a clinical exam, dental imaging such as CBCT, and a review of medical history to determine the appropriateness of All-on-6. This assessment allows the dental team to plan implant positions, evaluate the need for extractions or grafts, and outline a predictable timeline. Shared decision making during this visit helps set realistic expectations about outcomes and maintenance.
The All-on-6 workflow begins with a diagnostic phase that includes impressions, digital scans, and three-dimensional imaging to map the jaw anatomy. On the day of surgery, remaining failing teeth may be removed, and six implants are placed in predetermined positions to support an immediate provisional prosthesis when indicated. The provisional bridge restores function and esthetics right away while the implants integrate with bone. Local anesthesia, sedation, or a combination can be used to keep patients comfortable during the procedure.
Over the following months the implants undergo osseointegration, during which patients follow a modified diet and attend follow-up visits to monitor healing. Once the team confirms implant stability and soft tissue health, impressions are taken for a definitive prosthesis fabricated to meet functional and esthetic goals. Final delivery includes occlusal adjustments and patient education on cleaning and long-term maintenance.
Immediate recovery from implant surgery typically involves mild to moderate soreness, swelling, and minor bleeding that peak within the first 48 to 72 hours. Pain is commonly managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications and careful home care, including cold compresses and a soft-food diet. Most patients resume normal light activities within a few days but are advised to avoid strenuous exertion while initial healing occurs.
The critical biological healing phase, osseointegration, can take several months as bone fuses to the implant surfaces and establishes a stable foundation. During this interval patients attend periodic checkups so the clinician can assess implant stability and soft tissue health. Once integration is confirmed the provisional prosthesis is replaced with a definitive restoration designed for long-term function.
Daily home care for All-on-6 includes twice-daily brushing with a nonabrasive toothpaste and cleaning beneath the prosthetic arch using floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser. Cleaning the interfaces around the implant abutments is essential to prevent plaque accumulation and inflammation. Antimicrobial rinses may be recommended in specific cases to support soft tissue health.
Regular professional maintenance visits are critical and typically include detailed cleaning of the prosthesis, implant inspection, and evaluation of occlusion and component wear. Patients should report any looseness, discomfort, or changes in bite promptly so the team can address issues before they compromise implant health. Your restorative team at Park West Dental will provide a maintenance schedule tailored to your situation and recommend the appropriate recall interval.
Potential risks associated with All-on-6 are similar to other implant surgeries and can include infection, implant failure, nerve irritation, sinus complications in the upper jaw, and prosthetic concerns such as screw loosening. Meticulous surgical planning, sterile technique, and proper patient selection help reduce these risks. Early recognition and management of complications are key to successful outcomes.
Lifestyle factors like smoking and uncontrolled systemic conditions can increase complication rates and affect healing. Follow-up care, good oral hygiene, and adherence to post-operative instructions further minimize adverse events. Your dental team will review potential risks during the consultation and answer questions specific to your health situation.
All-on-6 implants are designed for long-term function, and with proper care many patients retain their implants for decades. The implant fixtures themselves can be very durable as they integrate with bone, while the prosthetic teeth may require periodic maintenance or component replacement over time. Material selection and occlusal design influence how often prosthetic maintenance is needed.
Regular dental visits, careful hygiene, and management of risk factors help maximize the lifespan of both the implants and the prosthesis. When repairs or adjustments are needed, they are typically manageable and less invasive than replacing the entire reconstruction. Your restorative team will provide a maintenance schedule tailored to your clinical situation.
In many cases All-on-6 reduces the need for bone grafting because the distribution of six implants can make use of available bone and allow favorable implant angulation. The additional implants also distribute occlusal forces more evenly, which can be advantageous in compromised bone situations. Nevertheless, patients with severe bone loss in critical areas may still require grafting to create a stable foundation.
Advanced imaging during the planning phase determines bone volume and quality and guides the decision about grafting or alternative implant strategies. When necessary, grafting and staged approaches are integrated into the treatment plan to achieve predictable results. Your clinician will explain the most appropriate approach based on your anatomy and goals.
To get started with an All-on-6 consultation at Park West Dental in Houston, schedule an appointment so the team can review your medical history and perform a full oral examination. Diagnostic imaging such as panoramic radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography may be obtained to evaluate bone structure and anatomical landmarks. This information forms the basis of a personalized treatment plan that outlines the recommended sequence of care.
The consultation includes discussion of anesthesia and sedation options, a realistic timeline for provisional and final restorations, and the roles of any specialists who may be involved. Our goal is to create a clear, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient so they can make an informed decision about care. If you are interested in scheduling an evaluation, the front desk can assist with appointment options and imaging arrangements.
