This week, Dr. Richards focused on New Teeth Now’s preference of using six implants for full support, coining the term All-on-6. After explaining the buzzword concept of All-on-4® previously, the doctor mentions how some may benefit from four implants supporting an arch, but most of, if not all, of his patients, require additional implants for the strongest treatment possible. As one of the founding oral surgeons at Florida Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, Dr. Richards has experienced many improvements in the dental industry that have sparked even more successful treatment plans for patients in need of help.
So, the question this week is: what is All-on-6 implant?
The doctor begins by reiterating his and Dr. Kirkpatrick’s preference for this technique, saying, “It is primarily an upper jaw technique, but we quite frequently place six implants in the lower jaw when the patient has enough bone.” In many cases, both doctors elect to place as many titanium implants as necessary for the proper foundational support the patient would need to have their implants last.
All-on-6 provides more support
He continues, declaring the advantages of placing six implants to support either the upper or lower arch of teeth. Dr. Richards states it simply, “All-on-Six gives you more support… The forces of biting are transmitting to the jaw bone through the implants.” For example, if you are placing direct pressure on four implants, the pressure is still evenly distributed, but not to the optimal extent for the long-term safety and success of the implants. With the placement of six implants, the force of bite is minimized on each individual implant as the pressure placed is better spaced across the jaw bone. This can lead to a longer life of the restoration, and help alleviate any potential healing problems with the implants.
How long does the All-on-6 procedure take?
When a person has enough bone to accommodate six implants, the patient can still leave the office after a single day procedure with implant-supported teeth to heal in. The oral surgeon must place the implants in their optimal locations in the jawbone to ensure long-term safety and strength. Every patient is different and requires a treatment plan catered to them for the best results.
Is there a cost difference between receiving four implants and All-on-6?
This all sounds like the most beneficial implant-supported teeth solution, but how does placing six implants instead of four affect the cost? With the New Teeth Now single-day procedure, the price does not change depending on the number of implants placed. Dr. Richards puts it simply, saying “We don’t charge by the implant. We charge by the job. And so whether we place four implants or six, the cost is the same. And we feel that having All-on-six implants is better than four.”
