Tooth loss negatively affects not only one's smile but also their self-confidence, speech, and enjoyment of eating. Traditional dentures (removable prostheses) can become uncomfortable over time and may shift during chewing. Furthermore, toothlessness leads to jawbone deterioration and an aged appearance of the face.
All-on-6 treatment offers a permanent solution to these problems by constructing a fixed bridge on six implants placed in the jawbone. This method is as strong and aesthetic as natural teeth; it also protects the jawbone and prevents facial contours from deteriorating.
8 Sections
| Feature | All-on-4 Idea | All-on-6 Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Implants | 4 implants in each arch (2 straight in front and 2 slanted in the rear). | 6 implants per arch put in the best places for the most support. |
| Stability and Support | It is stable enough; however, it depends a lot on the four points of contact. | Due to many contact points, it is more stable and resistant. |
| Stress Distribution | More stress is concentrated in the cortical bone surrounding the fewer implant sites. | Spreads occlusal pressure evenly across a broader region, which lowers the burden on each implant. |
| Cantilever Distance | Usually needs longer distal cantilevers, which can make mechanical failure more likely. | Reduces or gets rid of distal cantilevers, which lowers the chance of screws coming loose or getting too heavy. |
| Suitability for Bone Density | Often used for the mandible, although it may not work as well on the maxilla since the cortical bone is thin. | Highly suggested for maxillae that have shrunk or areas of low-density bone. |
| Survival Rates | Research indicates survival rates of approximately 85% in impaired maxillary patients. | Reported 100% survival rates in comparative maxillary investigations in the near term. |
| Clinical Outcomes | Linked to increased plaque and gingival scores and more bone loss over time. | Associated with enhanced clinical outcomes, such as reduced bone resorption and improved hygiene practices. |
| Cost and Difficulty | It usually costs less and takes less time since it uses fewer implants. | More implants, parts, and complicated lab work make the initial cost higher. |
All-on-6 treatment isn't right for everyone, but it can make a big difference in the quality of life for those who match certain criteria.
The state and demands of tooth loss
- People who have lost all of their teeth (edentulism) or whose teeth are in an unhealthy state that can't be fixed are the best candidates for All-on-6.
- People who say that standard removable dentures (false teeth) move, hit, or make chewing hard are the best candidates for this approach.
- People who have lost teeth and had their faces collapse as a result, and who want to look younger and more attractive while still being able to chew normally, are the ones who will gain the most from this treatment.
Bone volume and quality (Anatomical criteria)
The success of this treatment is closely dependent on the condition of the jawbone where the implants will be placed.
- Sufficient bone quantity: An ideal candidate should have sufficient bone height and width to accommodate the implants (typically at least 10–12 mm in length and 3.6 mm in width).
- Bone density: Patients with suitable bone density, such as the ‘D2’ type (porous cortical and coarse trabecular), have an advantage in terms of implant stability.
- Mild to moderate resorption: In some patients with bone resorption (atrophy), All-on-6 can be applied without the need for additional surgical procedures such as sinus lift, thanks to the angled placement of the implants. However, if bone loss is severe, these patients may not be direct candidates and may first require bone augmentation procedures.
Overall health status (medical criterion)
The candidate's general health must be steady because this is a surgical treatment.
- Systemic control: People with uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune diseases, blood clotting abnormalities, or an active infection are not good candidates.
- History of radiotherapy: If you have had radiation therapy to your head or neck in the recent two years, it may be a reason not to have the procedure because it can slow down the mending of bones.
Habits and following through with them
The length of the treatment depends on what the patient does:
- Smoking: Smokers are seen as "high-risk" candidates because smoking makes it harder for bones and soft tissues to mend, which raises the risk of implant loss.
- Bruxism (tooth grinding): People who grind their teeth a lot can put too much stress on their implants, which can cause them to fail mechanically. This condition needs to be managed before it happens.
- Knowledge of oral hygiene: The best candidates for preventing inflammation surrounding the implant (peri-implantitis) are those who can keep their prosthesis clean and go to the doctor regularly.
Physical and financial factors
- Mouth opening: The candidate must be able to open their mouth at least 50 mm so that the surgical tools can work.
- Commitment and budget: All-on-6 takes more time and money than regular dentures. People who are willing to make this investment and wait for the healing process should start this adventure.
In modern dentistry, All-on-6 therapy works quite well; however, it might not be right for everyone because of their overall health, oral structure, and lifestyle.
- In individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, the process of the implant bonding with the bone (osseointegration) may be adversely affected, and the risk of infection (peri-implantitis) may increase.
- Diseases that suppress or affect the immune system may reduce implant success.
- Severe heart and vascular diseases may increase the risk of surgical intervention.
- Blood disorders such as clotting problems can complicate the surgical process.
- Sufficient quantity and quality of bone structure is essential for implants to be placed. Individuals with severe bone resorption or very weak bone structure may not be suitable candidates.
- Smokers have a much higher risk of implant rejection because soft tissue and bone healing is slowed.
- In individuals with severe teeth grinding habits, excessive load on the implants can cause prosthesis fractures or implant loss.
- Individuals with poor oral hygiene or who are unable to adhere to post-treatment hygiene protocols are at high risk of developing infections.
Getting ready and making a digital strategy: The treatment plan
All-on-6, like any other successful operation, starts with perfect planning. The dentist first checks the patient's overall health and the anatomy of their mouth.
- 3D Imaging: CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) and panoramic X-rays are utilized to look at the jawbone's density and volume in great detail.
- Strategic Positioning: The digital placement of the implants will evenly transmit the chewing pressure to the bone without harming important anatomical structures like nerve channels or sinuses.
- Measurements and models: The patient's intraoral scans and working models are made, and the prosthesis is planned to match perfectly with the face structure and smile line.
Surgical stage:
On the day of the surgery, the patient is frequently given local anesthesia, sedation, or, in rare situations, general anesthesia to make them more comfortable.
- Tooth extractions: If there are teeth in the mouth that are loose, inflammatory, or "hopeless" and can't be preserved, they are taken out during the procedure.
- Implant placement: The jawbone is drilled into at the six predetermined places, and titanium implants are put in. At this point, implants are frequently put in at an angle in the back areas where there isn't much bone to get the most support from the existing bone. This often means that bone grafting isn't necessary.
- Primary stability: The success of implants depends on how well they are attached to the bone at the moment of placement (primary stability).
The idea of "Same Day Teeth": Putting in temporary prosthetics
One of the best things about All-on-6 is that the patient doesn't leave the clinic without teeth. If the implants are put in tightly enough, a temporary fixed prosthesis can be fitted onto them right after the surgery or within a few hours. This temporary prosthesis lets the patient eat soft foods and keeps their looks.
Osseointegration: The time it takes for the body to mend and fuse together
Osseointegration is the process by which the body fuses the implants with the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for the permanent prosthesis. This process typically takes 3-6 months.
The initial hours and days:
Right after the surgery, blood coming into contact with the implant surface makes the body start to coagulate, inflame, and build new tissue.
- Osteoconduction: Platelets in the blood make the surface of the implant ready for new bone cells to move to it.
- Angiogenesis: The inflammatory response turns on proteins (like VEGF) that start the growth of new blood vessels. These vessels bring fresh nutrients and oxygen to the area.
- Cell differentiation: This is when stem cells start to change into osteoblasts, which are cells that make bones.
First 2 Weeks:
During this period, the ‘secondary’ or biological stability phase begins. The primary stability provided when the implant is placed gradually gives way to the bone's own healing process (biological stability). New bone formation in the spaces between the implant threads and remodeling of the existing bone accelerate during this phase.
3rd Month:
This is one of the most critical junctures of osseointegration.
- Maturation: The weak structure formed in the initial stage, known as ‘woven bone,’ begins to be replaced by more organized and resistant ‘lamellar bone’ at this stage.
- Interim assessment: In most All-on-6 protocols, temporary prostheses are removed for the first time at the end of the 3rd month to assess the integration of the implants with the bone.
Months 4–6:
This stage is when the bone has fully matured and the implant has become an integral part of the jawbone.
- Preparation for permanent prosthesis: Once it is certain that the implant has sufficient anchorage (grip) within the bone, healing caps are fitted and measurements for the permanent prosthesis are taken.
- Duration differences: Due to the more porous structure of the upper jaw (maxilla) bone, this process can often take up to 6 months, whereas it may be shorter in the lower jaw.
6th - 8th Month:
In cases where all teeth are restored, such as All-on-6, and bone quantity is limited, ‘full healing’ and final delivery of the prostheses may extend up to 8 months in some cases. This additional time allows the bone to achieve maximum resistance against the full chewing forces that will be placed on the implants.
Final touch: Delivery of permanent prostheses
Once bone healing is complete, the permanent prosthesis stage begins.
- Precise measurement: Healing caps are removed, and open or closed impression techniques are used to determine the exact position of the implants in the mouth.
- Material selection: The final prosthesis is prepared from extremely durable and aesthetic materials such as zirconium, porcelain, or metal-supported acrylic.
- Assembly: The prepared full dental arch is screwed onto the implants and fixed in place. This fixed structure does not move and cannot be removed by the patient; it is cleaned just like natural teeth using interdental brushes and special dental floss.
Making the recovery process after All-on-6 or general dental implant treatment both more comfortable and faster is actually a team effort combining your dentist's techniques with your care at home. Here are some points to consider to support osseointegration, the process by which your body accepts the implants as part of its own bone:
Do not neglect your medication and hygiene protocol.
It is essential to protect the area from infection so that the body's healing energy is devoted solely to tissue repair.
- Regular medication use: Antibiotics prescribed by your dentist prevent infection, while medications containing corticosteroids control any swelling and inflammation that may occur, supporting healing.
- Oral hygiene: To keep the area free of plaque after surgery, chlorhexidine-containing mouthwashes should be used, and as healing progresses, special dental floss and interdental brushes should be used. Remember, a clean environment is the ideal setting for the implant to fuse with the bone.
Nutrition and mechanical protection
The first weeks and months after implants fuse with the bone are their most ‘sensitive’ period.
- Soft diet: Placing excessive load on implants before they have fully fused with the bone can cause microscopic movement, hindering healing. Therefore, eating soft foods, especially during the first 3-6 months, helps the implants to stabilize without shifting.
- Stability: In the All-on-6 method, connecting the implants to each other with a bridge (splinting) distributes the forces applied, making the healing process safer.
Lifestyle habits and systemic health
- Avoid smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow in the mouth and impairs tissue nutrition, prolonging the healing process and even causing implant failure.
- Disease control: If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar stable is vital for bone healing (osseointegration).
What are the benefits of getting All-on-6 treatment in Turkey?
All-on-6 therapy in Turkey is a great deal because it includes a vacation, high-quality care, and low prices. With the cosmopolitan feel of Istanbul or the calm beaches of Antalya, getting a healthy and beautiful smile at a trusted place like Işın Dental Clinic is much closer than you think.
High level of quality and skill
You don't have to give up quality just because the prices are low. On the other hand, dental clinics in Turkey offer services that are up to international standards.
- Dentists with a lot of experience: Turkish dentists are professionals who have had extra training in implantology and have worked on hundreds of successful cases. A lot of dentists have gone to school in Europe or the US and have foreign credentials.
- Advanced technology: Clinics use the most up-to-date tools for treatment planning, like computer-assisted surgery, 3D tomography (CBCT), and digital smile design. This makes ensuring that implants are put in the right places with millimeter-level accuracy.
- Branded implants: Treatments use well-known implant brands like Straumann, Nobel Biocare, and Osstem that have been approved by the FDA or CE. This makes sure that the treatment will last a long time and work.
Dental tourism: a holiday and treatment together
Getting All-on-6 therapy in Turkey is not only good for your health, but it's also a chance to have a great vacation. You can get your treatment done at two main centers in Turkey:
Istanbul: This big city is full of historical and cultural treasures, and you can have a unique city experience while getting treatment in modern hospitals.
Antalya is known for its beautiful scenery and turquoise beaches. It's the perfect place to unwind after treatment and mix your rehabilitation with a vacation.
Packages that include everything: Most clinics have specific packages for people who want to travel for dental care. These packages usually come with airport transfers, a place to stay, transportation to and from the clinic, and translation assistance. This makes sure that you have a good time without feeling out of place.
Picking a clinic and Işın Dental Clinic
To get all of these benefits, you need to pick the correct clinic. There are a lot of choices out there, but places like Işın Dental Clinic, which put patient pleasure and treatment quality first, are very important for successful treatment.
Planning and carrying out the treatment
A two-stage travel plan is usually needed for all-on-6 treatment:
First trip (5–7 days):
During this appointment, the dentist does all the necessary tests and imaging (3D tomography), takes out any residual teeth, and puts in the implants. You can have fixed temporary teeth on the same day or soon after. This makes sure you don't lose your teeth while you're getting treatment.
Recovery Period (3–6 months):
This is how long it takes for the implants to become one with the jawbone (osseointegration). You can stay in your own nation throughout this time.
Second trip (5–7 days):
After you have healed, you go back to Turkey. This visit is when your permanent teeth are measured and your permanent bridge (made of zirconium or porcelain) is put on the implants.
All-on-6 cost comparison (Per arch / Single jaw)
The table below provides estimated average cost ranges for All-on-6 treatment in each country. The final price can vary based on the clinic, the implant brand, and the materials used for your permanent teeth.
| Country | Estimated Cost Range (Per Arch) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | €4,000 – €8,000 | Highly competitive pricing due to lower operational costs and government support for health tourism. Packages are often all-inclusive. |
| Germany | €16,000 – €25,000+ | High costs reflect strict regulatory standards, advanced technology, and higher laboratory and operational fees. |
| United Kingdom (UK) | €17,500 – €35,000+ | Premium pricing is standard. This range reflects the high expertise of specialists and significant overheads. A single arch can start around £15,000. |
| United States (USA) | €23,500 – €40,000+ | The highest costs globally due to implant brand, surgeon fees, and the extensive healthcare infrastructure. The average can range from $25,000 to $40,000+ per arch. |
What is All-On-6?
All-on-6 is a new way to put in dental implants that can help those who have no teeth at all or whose teeth are so bad that they can't be saved (terminal dentition). This procedure is based on the idea that six dental implants should be inserted in a single jaw arch (upper or lower) in a way that supports a full dental bridge or fixed prosthesis.
Does the all-on-6 therapy hurt?
No pain during the process
The All-on-6 procedure is done with good anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain. • Local anesthesia: This is the most typical way. It totally numbs the area where the surgery will take place, so you won't experience any intense pain, but you might sense pressure or vibrations. • Options for sedation: Many clinics additionally offer sedation (such as intravenous sedation) or even general anesthesia for patients who are nervous. This helps you rest or sleep through the process, so you won't feel any pain or worry.
After the procedure: How to deal with pain
It's common to feel some pain as the anesthesia wears off. But this is usually modest and easy to deal with.
- Common feelings: Your gums and face may be sore, swollen, and maybe even bruised. This is a normal part of the healing process after having oral surgery. Most of the time, the swelling is at its worst 2 to 3 days following the treatment and then slowly goes down.
- Managing pain: Medication can simply help with any pain or discomfort. Your dentist may probably suggest or give you over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol to help you feel better in the first few days. Following the doctor's orders for taking medicine is important for a smooth recovery.
Recovery timeline:
The most difficult aspect of getting better only lasts a short period. Most patients can get back to their typical activities in just a few days. It takes around two weeks for the first mending to happen, during which time you will eat only soft foods.
Here is a short explanation of the timeline for pain and recovery:
| Treatment Stage | Pain Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| During Surgery | None | The area is numbed with local anesthetic, and there are choices for sedation to help you relax. |
| First 48 to 72 hours | Mild to moderate | The anesthesia wears off, and swelling and pain start. This is easy to handle with over-the-counter or prescription painkillers. |
| First Week | Mild | Pain and swelling go down after a while. Eat soft foods and take care of your mouth gently. |
| Long-Term Healing (3–6 months) | None | You shouldn't feel any pain. This is the osseointegration phase, when the implants bond with the bone and get ready for the permanent teeth. |
What makes the healing times for the upper and lower jaws different?
The fundamental reason why the upper and lower jaws heal at different rates is because the bones in these two locations are different in density and structure. The lower jaw is "harder and more solid," while the upper jaw is "softer and more limited." This means that the healing process in the upper jaw is considerably more delicate and usually takes longer to finish.
What should I eat after all on 6?
- For the first two weeks after your All-on-6 surgery, keep eating liquids and pureed foods to preserve your gums and new implants as they heal. Protein shakes, smoothies without seeds, warm soups, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and well-cooked oatmeal are all safe choices. During this first healing time, you should stay away from hot drinks, solid foods, raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, and any crunchy or chewy things that could bother the area where you had surgery.
- You can start eating soft meals that don't need much chewing after the first two weeks and up to six weeks. Scrambled eggs, fish flakes, soft spaghetti, ripe bananas, steamed veggies, and soft minced meat are also good choices. You should still stay away from items that are hard, sticky, or crunchy, such as crusty bread, raw vegetables, nuts, and sweets. You can slowly go back to your normal diet after your permanent teeth grow in, which normally happens 3 to 6 months later. However, to safeguard your investment, you should still stay away from very hard things like ice or bones.
How long do all-on-6 last?
All-on-6 implants can last more than 20 years, or even a lifetime, if you take care of them and keep your mouth clean. Titanium implants are meant to be permanent and bond with your jawbone. The prosthetic teeth (bridge) usually last 10 to 15 years before they need to be repaired or replaced because they wear out.
