What is an All-on-6 implant?

An All-on-6 implant is a full-arch restoration that uses six implants per jaw to support a fixed bridge of prosthetic teeth. The six implants are strategically placed along the jawbone, typically positioned to maximize contact with available bone and avoid nerve structures. This configuration anchors a single prosthetic arch (upper or lower) that replaces a full set of natural teeth in one continuous restoration.

The key difference from All-on-4 systems lies in implant distribution and loading. While All-on-4 uses four implants with two angled at the posterior for extended cantilever support, All-on-6 spreads the load across six anchor points. This added support reduces stress concentration on individual implants, improves long-term bone integration, and may be preferred for patients with greater bone loss or those seeking additional clinical margin for success. The extra implants also allow for a more natural tooth arrangement and better load distribution across the arch.

All-on-6 is especially useful in Columbia, SC practices treating patients with significant missing teeth or complex ridges that benefit from the stability multiple implants provide. The approach requires surgical precision to place implants at proper angles and depths, and candidates should have adequate bone height and density. Like All-on-4, All-on-6 is a same-day or near-immediate loading option, allowing patients to leave with a provisional restoration the day of surgery.