Dentists use all-on-6 and all-on-4 dental implants to replace gaps and missing teeth. Implants are medical devices surgically implanted into your jaw if you have previously lost teeth to restore your teeth functionality and improve your facial appearance. All procedures offer permanent and enduring solutions, and their objective is to stimulate your jawbone, which happens naturally due to frequent pressure on your natural teeth, preventing bone loss. Like you, most patients need to learn the difference between the two techniques, making it challenging to decide. In this article, The Lakewood Dentist discusses the differences, their similarities, how to prepare for the procedure, how to take care of your implants, and what can cause implant failure so you can make an informed decision.
An Overview of All-on-Four and All-on-Six Dental Implants
An all-on-four implant is a technique in which a dentist uses four implants to replace the lower or upper set of teeth. The four implants support the new fixed teeth once the healthcare provider places them.
In this technique, your dentist will put four (4) implants in every arch without performing bone grafting. Two implants are vertical and are in the mouth’s front, while the remaining two are at an angle and in your mouth’s back. It is a form of hybrid denture linked to rods, and later, the dentist places either the lower or upper teeth on your rod.
The technique is ideal if the teeth are severely damaged. A patient does not have to replace every tooth simultaneously. Instead, they can have only four (4) implants.
On the other hand, in the all-on-six dental implant, the dentist uses a bridge supported by six (6) dental implants to replace teeth in your lower or upper jaw.
Depending on your bone density for the all-on-six implants, bone grafting might be necessary (the bone in your mouth’s back is not as thick as it is in the front). Your dentist should evaluate your mouth before the procedure and advise you accordingly. The six implants hold a bridge in the lower or upper jaw bone, and a bridge has the artificial teeth in place. The method is ideal for patients who have experienced eating, chewing, or smiling challenges for a long time.
All-on-Six/ All-on-Four Prosthesis Method
Here are the different prosthesis options:
- Hybrid Prosthesis
A hybrid prosthesis replaces missing alveolar height using composite resin for tooth retention. It requires fewer implants, and alveolar ridge morphology is unnecessary because the dentist does not have to place the implant where your teeth are. It is because they use angle modification abutments. In short, an implant-fixed prosthesis is ideal when your dentist needs to replace your teeth instead of your alveolar height.
Hybrid prosthesis feel and look like your natural teeth. They prevent your jaw bone from breaking after losing teeth and keep your bone tissues healthy. With proper care, they are durable and comfortable. Finally, you cannot remove your hybrid prosthesis without a dentist’s assistance because it is screwed to your abutments. Abutments connect dental prostheses to implants in your jawbone.
Dentists recommend hybrid prostheses for patients who have lost bone all over their bones and who have lost all their teeth.
- Implant Bridge
An implant bridge is an alternative to a hybrid prosthesis when a dentist treats an edentulous patient. It consists of a titanium screw that a dentist puts into your jawbone and an abutment that connects the screw to the dental crown that replaces your natural tooth.
The technique involves placing more implants to offer several implant bridges per arch. Having enough alveolar bone weight and height is vital for dental implant placement. Due to uneven prosthetic contours and elongated clinical crowns, significant bone loss can compromise your dental implant prosthesis’s biomechanics and aesthetic aspects.
Which is a Better Option?
Both the all-on-6 and all-on-4 options have benefits and cons. You should consult your dentist if you are considering tooth replacement options. During your dental appointment, the doctor will discuss the advantages of each and examine your oral health to ensure the most appropriate fit.
Pros of the All-on-Four Implants
The technique offers the following exceptional benefits to patients:
- Restores your smile — Patients with severe tooth decay have something to smile about. All-on-4 implants can restore your smile, muscle tone, and facial structure after chronic infection, tooth decay, and bone loss. With this cosmetic dental treatment, your teeth will look, function, and feel natural, improving your self-esteem and confidence.
- Enhanced eating — With superior durability and strength, implants can drastically improve your eating ability. Since the all-on-four implants cover your mouth’s roof, chewing will be effortless, and your mouth’s palate will enjoy different natural flavors.
- Does not require a bone graft — The bone grafting requires more recovery time to improve your jaw bone’s density. Nevertheless, with the advanced technology used to conduct all-on-four implants, your dentist can isolate the most vulnerable regions in your jawbone, lowering or eradicating your need for bone grafting.
- It is a one-day treatment procedure — Unlike conventional dental implants that require up to six months to complete, all-on-four implants deliver results within a convenient time frame. You can receive your new, functioning set of teeth in one day.
- They are durable — The technique comprises two straight anterior dental implants and two implants inclined at a 45-degree angle for a secure and solid link, distributing pressure evenly throughout your jawbone. A robust foundation is created as your jawbone grows and fuses to your implants’ biocompatible material. With proper oral care, the implants can last years.
Pros and Cons of All-on-6 Dental Implants
Here are the advantages:
- Extra stability — Depending on your jawbone, gums, and mouth’s condition, your dentist might determine whether the additional two dental implants in the all-on-six procedure would best serve you. The technique offers more stability and strength than the all-on-four option.
- Improved jaw support — Your additional two dental implants further stimulate your jawbone, offering more protection against bone loss. If you are concerned about bone loss, with this technique, you can rest assured that your teeth will be secure and solid for years.
The procedure’s disadvantages include the following:
- It is more costly —All-on-6 implants are more costly than the all-on-4 option due to additional factors like the two additional implants and bone grafting procedure. Nevertheless, this procedure pays off in the long run, making it a well-worth investment.
- They are difficult to clean — Cleaning around your additional implants can be trickier than with all-on-four implants. The extra contact points make accessing every surface effectively frustrating, increasing the need for more dental visits and deep cleaning.
How to Determine Which Type of Restoration Works Best for You
Your dentist should help determine whether all-on-four or all-on-six dental implants are ideal for oral health. Some factors the doctor will consider when making this decision include the following:
- Your mouth’s shape.
- The size of your mouth.
- Your bite type.
- Whether your jaw bone is stable.
- Your natural teeth angle.
Your budget is another factor your dentist considers when treating you. Most seasoned Lakewood dentists offer flexible payment plans to help patients pay for expensive and extensive treatments.
How to Prepare for Your Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants can restore your smile, prevent further jawbone loss, and improve your ability to speak and chew effectively. However, preparing for your treatment increases the chances of a successful outcome and smooth surgery.
If you are anxious about the procedure, let your dentist know. Experienced Lakewood dentists offer advice and can accommodate you in the most effective way possible.
Also, remember to bring a list of your medical records, medications, and allergies that could be relevant to your procedure during your initial dental appointment.
Go for a Dental Examination
A dental examination helps your dentist determine whether you qualify for dental implants. The doctor will evaluate you by conducting diagnostic imaging, performing visual examinations, and analyzing your medical records.
Your dentist will develop a treatment plan that meets your needs based on your evaluation results. They should take you through the recommended treatment plan and advise you on preparing for the dental treatment.
Here is what to expect after the evaluation:
- If you have a weak immune system, your dentist will recommend antibiotics after and before the surgical procedure.
- The physician will adjust your treatment plan if you are on medication that could affect your surgery or interact with anesthesia.
- The dentist can perform bone grafts or jaw reshaping as part of your treatment if you have suffered from significant bone loss.
Preparing Your Body
If your dentist will administer local anesthesia, you can eat a light meal before your surgery. You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your treatment if you are having an intravenous line (IV). It ensures your stomach is empty.
You should stop smoking. Smoking slows down healing. The medical practitioners at Lakewood Dentist can come in handy if you are a smoker and need help quitting. Some of the tips your non-judgmental and accommodating dentist can suggest include the following:
- Joining a support group — A support group can help you connect with others who are also on a quitting journey. It offers accountability, motivation, and encouragement to quit smoking, even after your implant surgical procedure.
- Using nicotine replacement therapy — The nicotine replacement therapy like gum, lozenges, or patches, can lower withdrawal symptoms and ease your cravings.
- Avoiding triggers — Triggers like interacting with other smokers, alcohol, and stress can make it more challenging to quit smoking. Avoiding your triggers and finding healthy coping mechanisms can increase your likelihood of success.
- Setting your quit date — Setting a date provides a goal and helps you stay motivated. Pick a date that permits enough preparation.
Put on loose-fitting and comfortable clothing. Avoid clothes with buttons and tight collars that can result in discomfort during your procedure. Also, leave jewelry, watches, and valuable assets at home.
Brush your teeth normally, but avoid using mouthwash or toothpaste with a strong flavor.
Prepare for After-Care
It is normal to experience some swelling and soreness after the procedure, and you need to rest and heal. You should give yourself time off by making the following arrangements before the surgery:
- Requesting a loved one to drive you to and from the dental office.
- Stocking up on painkillers and soft foods.
- Getting three days off from social engagements or work.
- Having a one-week light schedule after the surgery.
- Arranging for help around your home or childcare for the first week after treatment.
- Taking a break from exercise.
Pain After Getting Dental Implants
You will likely feel some discomfort and pain following implant surgery, which should not last many days.
The pain can be acute as the anesthesia from the surgery wears off. The pain you feel will likely be near your implant’s surgical area.
Other signs you could experience after your implant procedure include:
- Minor bruising.
- Light bruises.
- Bleeding.
- Jaw pain.
- Swelling on your gums and face.
Your dental surgeon will offer appropriate post-operative instructions to manage and alleviate pain. Your post-op care can include the following:
- Using ice packs to lessen swelling.
- Avoiding hot and hard foods.
- Prescription and pain medication.
- Instructions for caring for the surgical area.
- Resting on the surgery’s day and subsequent days, based on how you feel.
Duration of Pain and Discomfort After Your Dental Procedure
Pain after an implant surgery is supposed to be temporary if the wound heals as it ought to. Your pain could last three to five days following your surgery, but make sure you take pain-relief medication for one or two days.
You can resume your daily routine one day after the implant operation. You could experience bruising, swelling, and a stiff jaw for longer. These signs fade in seven to ten days.
Causes of Throbbing Pain Following Your Implant Surgery
It is unusual to suffer pain for a prolonged period following your surgery. While you could experience sharp pain as the anesthesia fades, it should lessen with pain-relief medications.
You might experience a complication following the procedure that causes more pain. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Opening of incision lines — The incision lines can sometimes open when tissue encompassing the rod opens. You could feel irritation or pain if your incision reopens. Your surgeon can advise you to rinse the mouth several times daily with a Chlorhexidine or an antibiotic to prevent infection. Consider seeking medical attention if your pain persists.
- Incorrectly fitted implant — Pain and discomfort can indicate that your dental implant is not fusing with the jawbone properly. The dental implant will require removal and a reattachment later.
- Infection — An infection develops when bacteria invade the impacted tissue, hindering healing. The surgical wound can open or fail to recover.
You should also consult your dentist if you suffer from any of the post-surgery complications below:
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Fever.
- Severe swelling.
- Prolonged, excessive bleeding after your surgical procedure.
Dental Implant Complications and Failure
While dental implants have a high success rate, some patients experience implant failure. Here is everything you should know about dental implant complications.
Common signs of implant complications to watch for include the following:
- Challenges chewing.
- Increased swelling.
- Severe discomfort or pain.
- Gum recession.
- Dental implant loosening.
- Gum inflammation.
Factors That Affect Your Implant Success
Many factors can impact the success of your implant. They include the following:
- Smoking — It can lead to implant failure by restricting blood flow to your gums and prolonging the recovery process. If you are a smoker, it does not mean that you are not eligible for an implant procedure. You could have better results if you stopped smoking a week before the surgery and two months following a dental implant placement.
- Gum disease — You cannot undergo the surgery if you suffer from gum disease; your gums should be healthy to qualify for an implant placement. Gum disease is an infection that damages the gums and jawbone. If left untreated, it can develop around your dental implant and lead to placement failure. Consult a dentist for gum disease treatment before receiving an implant.
- Medical conditions — Your implant is likely to fail if you are diagnosed with an autoimmune ailment or medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The diagnosis can result in slow recovery, hindering osseointegration (the dental implant fusing with your jawbone).
- Lack of enough jawbone — A successful implant surgery depends on the availability of an adequate jawbone to hold the dental implant. The dentist should not place the implant into your bone without a healthy jaw. Jawbone loss can occur with osteoporosis. The condition happens when your jawbone density diminishes, bones become fragile, and there is a multiplied risk of fractures. Serious gum disease could also lead to the deterioration of mouth bones.
- Poor oral maintenance — How you look after your dental hygiene also impacts the success rate of your implant placement. You are not a suitable candidate for an implant if you have restrictions that impact your range of motion or interfere with your ability to clean your teeth thoroughly.
Early Implant Problems and Failure
Complications or challenges from your surgery can occur immediately following the treatment or years later. Early implant failure can happen within four (4) months of your treatment.
Remember, it is normal to experience discomfort or pain after the procedure that you can manage with painkillers. Even so, if the pain fails to improve within a week, your implants can take up to six (6) months to recover completely.
Here are complications to watch out for:
- Infections at the surgical site — You can develop infections after or during the surgery. You are more likely to develop infections if you are a smoker, practice poor oral health hygiene, and suffer from an autoimmune illness.
- Implant micromovements — They can happen when your implant is unstable, especially after your immediate replacement.
- Inadequate bone support — You are likely to experience early implant failure if your surgeon completed the treatment when you did not have enough bone to support your implant. Your implants cannot fuse with your jaw when you have an inadequate jawbone.
- Allergic reactions — If allergic to titanium alloy (a metal found in some implants), you can develop reactions. Its signs and symptoms include tingling sensations, swelling, and loss of taste. Please remember to inform your dentist of the titanium allergy. They will use implants containing different materials.
Late Implant Challenges and Failure
Your surgical procedure can be successful, only to develop complications years later.
Some dental implants’ long-term challenges and complications include the following:
- Tissue or nerve damage can happen when your dentist places the implants near your nerves. Common damage symptoms include tingling or numbness in your face, gums, lips, or tongue.
- Foreign body rejection happens when your body rejects the implant. Its signs include chills, swelling, and severe pain at your surgical site.
- An injury to the region neighboring the implant can loosen your implant, leading to failure.
- An implant placed in your upper jaw can protrude into the sinus cavity.
Ways to Reduce the Risk of Dental Implant Failure and Complications
There are numerous measures and best practices to engage in to lower the risk of dental implant failure, including the following:
- Lifestyle modifications — Certain lifestyle changes can positively affect the success of your treatment. They include quitting smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Practice proper oral hygiene — Establishing and sticking to proper oral hygiene is vital for natural and false teeth. Ensure you brush twice daily, use dentist-endorsed mouthwash, and floss between meals. You can always carry toothpaste and a travel-size toothbrush if you cannot brush at lunchtime. If you cannot access your floss, drink a lot of water or chew sugarless gum between your meals.
- Eat healthily— Dental implants mimic your natural teeth. Therefore, your diet directly affects whether your implant will fail or not. Avoid eating foods that can overtax your implant, mainly during osseointegration. Avoid ice, candy, nuts, and sticky foods. Do not use your teeth as tools. Consider increasing your calcium intake for strong bones. You can eat and drink calcium-rich foods and drinks like oranges, broccoli, yogurt, cheese, and milk, or take supplements.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Find a Qualified Cosmetic Dentist Near Me
All-on-six and all-on-four implants are innovative dental techniques tailored to replace complete teeth arches. You can enjoy improved tooth functionality and restore your beautiful smile by replacing your entire arch with implant-supported prostheses or bridges. At The Lakewood Dentist, we understand it is easy for these two options to confuse you, especially when planning your care. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and we treat every case uniquely. Dental implants are a significant investment in your life, and we can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health and guide you to the best solution.
Please call us at 562-423-1441 to learn how we can help you. We look forward to hearing from you.