All On Four or All On Six

All on Four or Six Full Arch Implants

The all on four or six protocol is a procedure where either four or six dental implants are placed in different positions to support a fixed bridge with pontic teeth to provide a mouth of teeth. The arches are placed either immediately or a short time later.

In some cases, we find that a pataient’s remaining teeth are unsuitable for long term sustainability of their health, smile or function. Alternatively, the cost of saving the patient’s remaining teeth may outweigh the cost of treatment options such as all on four or six. It often avoids more complicated surgeries such as sinus lifting, large grafts or more than six implants. In these situations, it can be in the patient’s best interest to consider tooth removal and placement of dental implants to support a fixed bridge. Having this done restores their ability to chew and to regain confidence in their smile.

Full Arch Dental Implant Procedure

The procedure utilizes the minimum number of implants needed to provide the best result and longevity, by placing them strategically in certain positions or angles. A provisional bridge can then be used either immediately or a short duration after implant placement.

While this simplifies the overall maintenance plan for patients compared to rehabilitating multiple teeth it is a complex procedure. Our dentists have comprehensive training to help tailor an individual patient plan for optimal result. We offer Local Anaesthetic, General Anaesthetic and IV sedation for these procedures.

Planning is the most important aspect of such a complex undertaking and for patient decision making, before treatment commences. Primary mouth scans or impressions along with a CBCT or 3D x ray are used to plan treatment options and ensure the preferred option is the best match for the patient. Once the implant planning is completed often a provisional bridge can be fabricated to be used either immediately or for a healing phase of between 8 – 16 weeks after implant placement.

After this time the final prosthesis or bridge is created in either all porcelain, or a hybrid of metal with overlying acrylic. Both of these options carry advantages and disadvantages and should be discussed with your dentist to select the best option for you.

Maintenance comes in the form of regular cleaning at home as well as through regular checks with our dentists and hygienists. Both prevent any conditions in the mouth from affecting long term stability of the implants and bridge.