All on 4 Vs All on 6 dental implants – what should you choose and why?

Dental implants have revolutionized dental care, offering a permanent solution for missing teeth. Statistics show a significant rise in implant procedures globally. While success rates vary depending on individual factors, Studies have shown a success rate of over 95% for the implant restoration process.

To learn more about the value of dental care overall please read: Importance of Dental Care

Dental implants are a game-changer for oral health. They mimic natural teeth, allowing you to chew comfortably and speak clearly. Unlike dentures, dental implants fuse with your jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining a natural facial structure. They also boast long-term durability and enhance your smile’s appearance, all contributing to a significant boost in your confidence and overall well-being.

Made from strong titanium, implants are incredibly durable and can potentially last a lifetime with proper care. Additionally, they help preserve jawbone health by stimulating it, which prevents bone loss and maintains facial structure. Finally, implants provide superior comfort compared to dentures that can slip, and they won’t affect your speech like dentures sometimes can. Overall, dental implants offer a functional, long-term solution for a healthy and confident smile.

Also Check: How much do dental veneers cost in Pakistan?

What are All-on-4 Dental Implants ? 

All-on-4 dental implants is a popular procedure used to replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth with a fixed bridge supported by just four implants . All-on-4 implants are different because the back two implants are placed at an angle, which takes advantage of the denser bone in the jaw towards the back of the mouth and avoids the sinus cavity in the upper jaw and the nerves in the lower jaw. This angulated placement allows for implantation even in patients with some bone loss. Traditionally, dental implants require six to eight implants to support a full arch of teeth.

Also Read: How much does tooth extraction cost in Pakistan?

What are All-on-6 Dental Implants ?

An All-on-6 dental implant is a surgical procedure that replaces a full arch of missing teeth in your upper or lower jaw with a fixed denture permanently anchored by six dental implants. These implants act like artificial tooth roots, surgically placed in your jawbone to provide a strong foundation for the denture. Unlike traditional dentures that can slip or become loose, All-on-6 implants offer a secure and stable solution for patients with significant tooth loss.

All-on-4 vs All-on-6 : Difference

Both All-on-4 and All-on-6 are implant-supported dental restorations used to replace a full arch of teeth. They share some similarities but have key differences that can affect which option is best for you. Here’s a breakdown of their key features:

Feature	All-on-4	All-on-6
Number of Implants	4 per jaw (upper or lower)	6 per jaw (upper or lower)
Implant Placement	2 vertical implants in front, 2 angled implants in back	Typically all vertical implants
Bone Density Requirement	May be suitable for adequate bone density, especially in front	Ideal for patients with good or significant bone loss
Bite Strength	May be sufficient for moderate chewers	Ideal for strong chewers and complex dental needs
Number of Teeth Supported	Full arch, potentially slightly fewer teeth	Full arch, potentially more teeth for natural appearance
Cost	Generally less expensive	May have a slightly higher upfront cost
Procedure Time	Often shorter surgery time	May require slightly longer surgery time
Recovery Time	Requires healing period after implant placement	Requires healing period after implant placement
Benefits	Long-lasting solution, improved oral health, enhanced aesthetics, improved chewing	Long-lasting solution, improved oral health, enhanced aesthetics, improved chewing

Additional Considerations

• Age: 

Age is a factor to consider for dental implants. While there’s no strict upper limit, good overall health is important. Generally, dentists recommend waiting until after jawbone development is complete, around 18 years old. Healthy adults in their 60s, 70s, and even beyond can be excellent candidates for dental implants.

• Health: 

Sufficient jawbone density is crucial for successful implant placement. Certain medical conditions might require additional precautions or make implants less suitable. Healthy gums and good oral hygiene practices are essential for implant success.

Wondering if you’re a good candidate for dental implants? Please read: Best age for dental implants

Choosing the Right Option:

Ultimately, the best option for you depends on your individual needs and jawbone health. A consultation with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon is crucial to determine which procedure is best suited for your situation. They will assess your jawbone density, bite strength, and overall dental health to recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• If you have sufficient bone density and prioritize cost-effectiveness, All-on-4 may be a good choice.
• If you have significant bone loss, require extra strength for your jaw, or have a strong preference for a more permanent-feeling restoration, All-on-6 could be a better option.

Recovery Time

The recovery time for both All-on-4 and All-on-6 implant procedures generally falls within the same range, though there might be slight variations. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Initial Healing (First few days): 

You can expect some swelling, soreness, and discomfort around the implant sites. This is manageable with medication and proper care.

• Soft Diet: 

For the first few weeks, you’ll likely be on a soft food diet to allow the implants and surrounding tissues to heal properly.

• Returning to Work: 

Most patients can return to work within 2-3 days after the surgery.

Overall healing time frame:

• 2-6 months: 

This is the typical range for complete healing and osseointegration (fusion of implants with jawbone).

Some experts suggest that due to fewer implants and potentially less surgical manipulation, All-on-4 recovery might be slightly faster in terms of initial discomfort.

However, it’s important to remember that healing can vary depending on individual factors like:

• Your overall health
• Bone quality
• Complexity of the surgery
• Following post-operative instructions carefully

If you’re considering All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants in Karachi, Pakistan, schedule a consultation with Dr. Saqib Minhas at The Dental Clinic Karachi. We can assess your individual needs, jawbone health, and overall health to recommend the most suitable implant option for a beautiful, healthy smile.

Confused about finding a good dentist ? Please read: How to find a good dentist