Getting All-on-6 and All-on-8 dental implants abroad is a low-cost option for replacing missing teeth in the entire arch.

The “All-on” implant systems have been quite the rage in the field of implantology in the past few years.

Their main application is where all the teeth in at least one arch are missing. They are a better alternative to the formerly used Removable Complete Dentures.

One of the types in this category is the All-on-6 system. As the name suggests, six implants are placed in the entire upper or lower jawbone.

These will support a complete set of teeth on top of them.

Another option is the All-on-8 implants with eight implants.

Let’s look into the All-on-6 implants first.

Am I a Candidate for All-on-6 implants?

• The basic requirement to get an All-on-6 is that all your teeth in at least one arch should be missing.
• Sometimes a few teeth might be present, but their prognosis is so poor that there is no other option but to extract them. In such cases, all-on-6 could be a good option. This treatment is done after extracting all the teeth.
• Certain medical conditions also hamper your chances of getting All-on-6 dental implants.
• For example, if you have uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, elective surgery will only be done after the written consent of your medical practitioner.
• Other issues, like cancer, ongoing radiotherapy, or some heart conditions, are absolute contraindications.

All-on-4 vs. All-on-6 Dental Implants

Although both are used for the replacement of teeth in an edentulous arch (having no teeth), there are some differences between the two systems.

Given below is a table comparing various characteristics of All-on-4 and All-on-6 implant systems.

All-on-6 Implants Procedure

This procedure usually takes a total of two appointments spread over 3-6 months.

Let’s see the detailed process of this treatment.

1. Scans

• To assess your case, your dentist will need the necessary scans.
• Usually, a CT scan is done to get a 3D imaging of your upper and lower jawbones.
• This helps them to get a clear picture of the amount, the density, and the height and width of bone present.
• Based on this and physical assessment of your mouth, they will come to a suitable treatment plan.

2. Treatment Plan

• The proposed dental plan is then discussed with the patient.
• This is the time during which you can voice all your concerns regarding the materials used, the cost or the procedure itself.
• All your doubts will be answered by the expert. Only after both the patient and the dentist are satisfied with the plan, will the process go any further.

3. Extractions and other Pre-Treatment Concerns

• If you have some existing teeth in your jawbone, which have a poor prognosis, extractions are recommended.
• Teeth which cannot be saved are extracted. Even if they are left alone for now, their extraction will be inevitable soon.
• Other procedures, like scaling, might also be recommended before the procedure.
• Scaling cleans all the plaque deposits on the teeth which remain in the opposing jaw. Many patients don’t see the relevance of this procedure in the whole scenario of getting implants.
• Scaling eliminates bacterial activity from the mouth.
• To prevent the implant from failing, this is a significant consideration. An unhealthy environment in the mouth can make it difficult for the implant to survive.

4. Implant Placement

• Six implants are strategically placed in the jawbone for the maximum load distribution.
• This makes All-on-6 a very successful procedure.
• Due to the presence of six implants, the load is distributed very evenly across the whole arch.
• This prevents the bone from becoming weaker under undue stress.
• Next step is taking an impression of the mouth which will act as a reference for fabricating the final bridge.
• A temporary bridge is placed on these implants until the second appointment.

5. Healing Period

• This is a period of 3-6 months where the bone and gums heal.
• A critical process called osseointegration takes place in the first phase of healing.
• This means that the bone around the implant starts growing and finally integrates with the implant itself.
• A very rigid and robust structure is formed as a result of this.
• This process is very crucial for the success of the procedure. Some habits like smoking or chewing tobacco, or even consuming unhealthy food, can hamper the progress.

6. The Final Appointment

• After the healing period is over, the final abutment and the permanent crown are placed on top of your implant.
• This will mark the completion of your whole procedure.

How Much do All-on-6 Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental procedures has shot up in the past few years. This makes it very difficult for the common man to afford dental treatment.

However, we have a very viable solution for you.

Dental tourism combines dental treatment with a vacation at an exotic location.

The reason that this option is gaining popularity is that in dental tourism destination such as Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, and India, the cost of dental treatment is about 50-80% lower than in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

For reference, here is a table showing the prices of the All-on-6 procedure across various countries in the world:

You get a cost-effective, yet cheap dental treatment in dental tourism destinations.

The reason for this is that in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica and Thailand, the cost of living, in general, is lower than in the US or Australia.

Also, dentists in these countries are not under student debt for dental school.

If you lack dental insurance but need full mouth dental implants, you may explore dental tourism.

All-on-8 Dental Implants

Just like the All-on-6 concept of implants, another type of “All-on” procedure is the All-on-8 system.

It is a very extensive procedure involving full arch implants.

It involves the placement of eight implants in a single arch, to support a full set of teeth.

When to Choose an All-on-8 Over All-on-6?

• When placing an implant system to support a complete arch, one of the main considerations is the distribution of the stresses.
• In some cases, the bone in the upper jaw is softer than that in the lower jaw.
• This means that the number of implants needed in the upper jaw will be more than in the denser lower jaw.
• So, if we are using All-on-6 in the lower jaw, an All-on-8 might be needed in the upper jaw for the same amount of strength.

All on 8 in Case of Severe Bone Loss

• In cases with severe bone loss, there might not be enough bone to place the eight
• In such situations, bone grafting is done to have a more viable bone.
• Healing after bone grafting takes an additional 4-6 months.

Although this technique is more expensive than the All-on-4, its indications are also different. It will hold onto the bone very firmly, preventing the risk of failure of the system.

The procedure of All-on-8 Implants is the same as All-on-6, save the number of implants used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How soon after surgery will I be able to work?

Most of our patients go back to work within a week of surgery. However, we suggest you take at least 5-7 days of complete rest.

This will allow your body to heal and be stronger to take on the workload.

If you have other medical issues, or if there are any complications, do not stress your body by going to work until and unless your surgeon tells you to.

2. Is the All on 8 or 6 procedure painful?

Dental implant procedures are usually done under anesthesia.

Usually, general anesthesia is given in case of All-on-6/8 surgeries. The patient is put to sleep, so there is no chance of any pain.

Even after the surgery, you are given appropriate painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication to deal with the pain and swelling.

Mild pain after surgery is normal. However, in case you experience excruciating pain, feel free to contact your surgeon immediately.

3. Will my speech problems resolve?

Usually, patients wearing dentures have speech problems due to the structure of this prosthesis.

It covers the entire roof of your mouth and tends to rock side to side at times. These will lead to an unclear speech.

However, implant systems only cover the dental arch, i.e., the part of your mouth where your teeth lie.

The roof and floor of your mouth are spared. So, there is no chance of any speech problems.

4. Will the new teeth be whiter than my original teeth?

You will be shown a shade guide before your bridge is made. You can choose which shade of white you want your new teeth to be.

It also depends on the visibility of the teeth in your other arch.

If they are significantly visible to the observer, then a shade far whiter than it will give an unaesthetic appearance.

If you are still concerned about this issue, you can talk it out with your dentist before during the planning stages.

5. Can I smoke after getting dental implants?

Smoking is very harmful to your oral health. It creates an environment which is not at all conducive for your implants.

The process of osseointegration is greatly hindered. And if this process fails, the implant will be a failure.

So, to ensure the success of your implant, you must quit smoking at least for a few weeks after the procedure.

Oher methods like e-cigarettes (using a nicotine-free liquid) can be used instead.

Online discussion forums and support groups might also help such patients.

6. I have diabetes. Can I still get implants?

Diabetics are at very high risk of infections. The increased blood sugar tends to support bacterial growth.

During implant surgery, the patient’s tissues are exposed to the external environment. This makes them even more vulnerable.

To avoid such complications, taking your medications on time is essential.

Even a single missed dose can be fatal for the implants.

Written consent from your medical practitioner is also required if you have any underlying medical conditions, like diabetes.

7. How long are the implants going to last?

Implants are a permanent solution for replacing natural teeth. They can last you a lifetime.

The only point of concern will be your general and oral health.

If you avoid harmful habits like smoking, take proper medication if you’re diabetic or hypertensive, or for any other problems, along with maintaining oral hygiene, your implants will last as long as you do!

8. Will my new teeth look and feel natural?

Absolutely! In terms of strength as well as aesthetics, no other treatment has matched dental implants.

They look very natural and a person looking at you, even while you’re smiling, won’t be able to tell the difference.

They don’t come off as complete dentures do. You can eat and drink whatever you want.

After your natural teeth, dental implants are the next best option.

9. What is the age limit to get implants?

There is no upper limit for getting dental implants. Patients as old as 85-90 years have had successful implant surgeries.

Of course, some medical conditions come with age. However, with proper care, successful treatment even at an old age is possible.

10. Will I need a bone graft?

Bone grafts are used when the available bone is not enough to go ahead with implant treatment.

It fuses with the existing bone over time to form a denser, stronger bone structure, which can support the implant.

This method is mostly used in case of extreme bone resorption or a sinus lift procedure.

Contact us now for more information on high quality yet low cost All on 6 and 8 dental implants abroad.