Losing most or all of your teeth changes more than your smile. It affects how you eat, how clearly you speak, and often how comfortable you feel in social situations. For many patients, the all on six procedure offers a stable, long-term way to replace a full arch of missing teeth without placing an implant for every single tooth.

This treatment is designed to support a full fixed bridge using six dental implants placed strategically in the jaw. It is often considered by patients who currently wear dentures, have failing teeth, or want a more secure alternative to removable solutions. The goal is not simply to replace teeth, but to restore day-to-day confidence, comfort, and function in a way that feels dependable.

What is the all on six procedure?

The all on six procedure is a full-arch implant treatment in which six implants are placed in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, to support a complete set of replacement teeth. Rather than replacing each tooth individually, the implants act as anchors for a fixed prosthesis.

In practical terms, this means you can restore an entire row of teeth with fewer implants than traditional single-tooth treatment would require. The final bridge is custom-made to look natural, support chewing, and improve stability compared with conventional dentures.

For the right patient, this approach can offer a strong balance between support and efficiency. Six implants generally provide more distribution of force than four implants, which can be beneficial in cases where extra stability is preferred. That said, the best option always depends on bone volume, bite force, anatomy, and treatment goals.

Who is a good candidate for all on six?

This treatment is commonly recommended for adults who have multiple missing teeth, advanced dental damage, severe gum problems that have affected the remaining teeth, or dentures that no longer feel secure. It can also suit patients whose natural teeth are still present but are no longer restorable in a predictable way.

A good candidate usually has sufficient jawbone to support six implants, or is suitable for additional treatment if bone support needs to be improved. General health matters as well. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or untreated gum disease may affect healing and implant success, so these need careful assessment.

Age alone is not usually the deciding factor. What matters more is oral health, bone condition, and whether the patient can maintain good hygiene after treatment. A detailed examination, scans, and a personalised treatment plan are essential before confirming suitability.

How the all on six procedure is planned

Successful implant treatment starts long before the implants are placed. Planning is one of the most important parts of the process, especially for patients coming from abroad and wanting clarity before they travel.

At this stage, the clinical team reviews photographs, dental history, and radiographic imaging such as panoramic X-rays or 3D scans. These records help assess bone levels, sinus position, nerve pathways, and bite alignment. They also help determine whether any teeth need to be removed and whether immediate temporary teeth are possible.

Digital planning improves accuracy and helps make the treatment journey more predictable. It also allows the dentist to explain the expected result more clearly, including any limitations. In some cases, patients are suitable for immediate loading, meaning a temporary fixed bridge can be fitted soon after implant placement. In other cases, a healing period is safer before the final restoration is made.

What happens during treatment?

The exact timeline varies, but the all on six procedure usually follows a structured sequence. If damaged or failing teeth are still present, these may be removed first. The six implants are then placed into carefully selected positions in the jawbone.

This is normally done under local anaesthetic, and sedation may be available for patients who feel anxious or are having more extensive treatment. Once the implants are in place, the dentist assesses their primary stability. If the implants are stable enough, a temporary fixed bridge may be attached on the same day or shortly afterwards.

That temporary bridge is not the final prosthesis. It is designed to allow healing while giving the patient fixed teeth during the integration period. After the implants bond with the bone over the following months, the definitive bridge is produced with closer attention to long-term aesthetics, bite, and durability.

Recovery and healing after the all on six procedure

Most patients expect some swelling, tenderness, and bruising in the first few days. This is normal and usually manageable with prescribed or recommended medication, rest, and careful aftercare. A soft-food diet is typically advised during the early healing phase to reduce pressure on the implants.

The first week is usually the most noticeable part of recovery. After that, day-to-day discomfort tends to improve steadily. Even so, healing under the gums continues for much longer. Osseointegration, which is the process of the implant bonding with bone, can take several months.

This is why follow-up matters. The treatment does not end once the implants are placed. Reviews, healing checks, hygiene guidance, and prosthetic adjustments all contribute to the final outcome. For international patients, good coordination before departure and clear aftercare instructions are especially important.

Benefits of choosing six implants for a full arch

For many patients, the biggest advantage is stability. A fixed bridge supported by six implants generally feels more secure than a removable denture. It can improve chewing ability, reduce movement, and provide a more natural feeling in everyday use.

There is also a structural benefit. Because the implants help stimulate the jawbone, they may reduce the rate of bone loss that often follows tooth loss. The bridge is also designed to restore facial support, which can help patients who feel their profile has changed over time.

Another reason patients consider this option is efficiency. Instead of replacing each missing tooth one by one, the whole arch is restored in a planned and coordinated way. For people balancing treatment quality, treatment time, and budget, that can be a practical solution.

Are there any drawbacks or limitations?

As with any implant treatment, there are trade-offs. The all on six procedure is a surgical treatment, so it requires proper assessment, healing time, and a commitment to aftercare. It is not the cheapest way to replace teeth, even though it is often more cost-effective than placing a large number of individual implants.

It also depends heavily on planning and execution. If bite forces are not managed well, if oral hygiene is poor, or if smoking and uncontrolled health conditions interfere with healing, complications become more likely. These may include infection, implant failure, or prosthetic problems.

There are also cases where six implants may not be necessary, and others where they may not be enough without additional support. Some patients are better suited to All-on-4. Others may need bone grafting or advanced options such as zygomatic implants if bone loss is severe. Good clinics will explain this honestly rather than forcing every patient into the same treatment model.

What affects the cost?

Cost depends on more than the implants themselves. The final fee usually reflects diagnostics, extractions if needed, implant brand, the type of temporary and final bridge, materials used, sedation options, and the complexity of the case.

For patients considering treatment in Turkey, price is often part of the decision, but value matters more than headline cost alone. Specialist-led planning, digital imaging, laboratory quality, hygiene protocols, multilingual support, and aftercare all affect the overall experience and long-term result.

A lower quote can sometimes exclude essential parts of treatment, while a higher quote may reflect more advanced materials or a more complex clinical situation. The right question is not only how much the procedure costs, but what is included and how safely the treatment is being delivered.

Why many international patients choose treatment abroad

For UK patients, seeking implant treatment overseas is often driven by a combination of affordability and access. Full-arch rehabilitation can be expensive at home, and waiting times or limited treatment options may add to the frustration.

Clinics that regularly treat international patients tend to build systems around that journey. This includes remote consultation, clear scheduling, airport and accommodation guidance, efficient treatment planning, and post-treatment communication once the patient returns home. When managed properly, this can make complex care feel far more straightforward.

At Dentaglobal, that patient journey is approached with the same level of attention as the clinical treatment itself. For many people, reassurance comes not just from the procedure, but from knowing exactly what happens next.

Questions to ask before you decide

Before going ahead, ask how your suitability is assessed, whether temporary teeth are included, what the final bridge is made from, and what happens if additional procedures are needed. You should also ask about healing times, aftercare, warranty terms, and how follow-up is handled if you live in another country.

A reliable clinic will answer clearly and will not rush you towards treatment without proper records. That level of transparency is often a good indicator of how the rest of the experience will be managed.

The all on six procedure can be life-changing when it is planned well and matched to the right patient. If you are considering it, the best next step is not to look for the fastest offer, but for a treatment team that combines clinical precision, honest guidance, and support that continues after you leave the chair.