In this guide, we compare and contrast All on 4 vs All on 6 implants to help you make an informed decision about your oral health options.
The Basics of “All On” Dental Implants
You should first understand how dental implants work and what the “all-on” implant procedure means.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are designed to provide support and stability for missing or damaged teeth. They have become more popular in recent years because of their advantages over traditional dental treatments.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, which rely on existing teeth for support, implants are small titanium screws secured directly into the jawbone. This is to ensure they remain firmly in place. The roots of dental implants mimic the structure of natural teeth. As a result, they can better integrate with the surrounding tissue.
Dental implants are one of the most effective and reliable long-term solutions for treating common tooth problems. If you’re dealing with missing or damaged teeth, it’s hard to go wrong with dental implants.
Understanding All on 4 and All on 6 Implants
Dentists traditionally placed dental implants by replacing each tooth on its own. This often resulted in 8 or 10 single dental implants for either the top or bottom set of teeth.
All on 4 and All on 6 dental implants are two modern alternatives to this conventional procedure. With All on 4 and All on 6 implants, patients receive a full set of fixed upper or lower teeth. Four or six implants anchor the teeth rather than one for each tooth.
If you only need one or two single dental implants, you will likely not need All on 4 or All on 6 implants. However, if you need a full arch implant, you could be a great candidate for these procedures.
Comparing All on 4 vs All on 6 Implants
Now that you have the background information, let’s explore the key differences between All on 4 and All on 6 dental implants.
Key Differences Between All on 4 vs All on 6 Implants
All on 4 and All on 6 procedures both involve placing several implants in strategic locations to replace an arch or row of missing teeth. However, there are some key differences between them.
Number of Implants
The primary difference between these two types of full arch dental implants is the number of implants placed in the mouth. As a result, each offers different levels of tooth replacement.
Surgical Complexity
The second key factor you should consider when choosing between these two types of implants is surgical complexity. We place All on 4 implants using minimally invasive techniques that require only a small incision and no sutures. In contrast, All on 6 implants can be more complicated. They may require more extensive surgery with an increased risk of complications and need for sutures.
Bone Density Factors
Some patients are better candidates for one type of full arch implant than another. In most cases, this is because they do not have enough bone strength to support six implants.
Pros and Cons of All on 4 Implants
As the name suggests, All on 4 implants involve the placement of four implants to support an entire arch or row of teeth. Dentists place the implants into the patient’s anterior maxilla (an area with greater bone density) of the jawbone at a strategic angle. This is usually around 45° toward the rear of the mouth. As a result, patients enjoy a stronger foundation for artificial teeth. These teeth do not require the same level of bone density as other implant options.
A primary benefit of All on 4 dental implants is their compatibility with certain health issues. Under previous dental implant methods, patients lacking adequate upper jawbone due to conditions like osteoporosis often required bone grafts. The goal was to strengthen the jawbone to support the 8-10 implants. As a result, patients with osteoporosis or other bone quality issues are more likely to be good candidates for All on 4 dental implants.
Additionally, placing All on 4 dental implants is a simple procedure with very little recovery time. It typically takes around two hours to install each arch. Once they are in, you’ll have a functional set of teeth. You will be ready to get back to your life within 24 hours of surgery.
Pros and Cons of All on 6 Implants
All on 6 dental implants involve replacing all of a patient’s upper or lower teeth with a bridge containing six implants. This is the most modern implant we offer at our dental office.
The primary benefit of All on 6 vs All on 4 is the strength of the implants. For patients without bone issues, All on 6 implants typically provide a stronger foundation for a patient’s new teeth than All on 4 dental implants. This is simply due to the number of implants securing the teeth to the mouth.
Like All on 4 implants, All on 6 dental implants typically take two hours per jaw. However, recovery may take a bit longer with All on 6 implants. This is due to the greater complexity of the operation. Soon enough, though, you will be fully acclimated to your new teeth.
How Much Is a Full Arch Dental Implant?
One major factor to consider when comparing All on 4 vs All on 6 implants is cost. Typically, All on 6 implants cost a bit more than All on 4 dental implants. This added cost is typically worth it for those who are good candidates for All on 6 implants, but it is worth thinking about.
See also Dental Implants cost in Los Angeles
How Much Do Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost in Los Angeles?
So, how much do full mouth dental implants cost? At Southland Dental Care in Los Angeles, we offer competitive prices for our full arch dental implants. The cost of All on 4 or All on 6 dental implants typically starts as low as $350 per month. This includes a free consultation and CT scan.
Factors Influencing All on 4 Dental Implants Cost & All on 6 Dental Implants Cost
The cost of All on 4 and All on 6 dental implants will typically be close to the above-mentioned price. The final cost depends on a few factors.
For instance, the cost will increase slightly if you need a bone graft. We perform bone grafts for as low as $250. However, the final price of a bone graft will depend on the procedure’s complexity.
Additionally, we may need to perform a tooth extract before the final implant procedure. The cost of a tooth extract varies greatly, but you can generally expect to pay between $75 and $150. Surgical removals will generally fall at the higher end of this price range.
Other factors could influence the final cost of your All on 4 or All on 6 dental implants in Los Angeles. These include the type of material used in the implant and the number of implants needed.
See also all on 4 dental implants cost
How to Decide Which Option Is Right for You
Ultimately, the choice between these two types of implants will depend on your individual circumstances. While one type of implant will probably be better suited to your needs, you can’t go wrong with either option if you have missing or damaged teeth. Overall, your oral health will be better off with dental implants than without.
Dental Implants Los Angeles
To find out which type of dental implant is right for you, contact Southland Dental Care today for a free consultation. Our experienced dental professionals will guide you through your options for dental implants Los Angeles. From there, we will offer the information you need to make an informed decision.
