When it comes to dental implants, the procedure, recovery, and restoration process vary depending on whether you’re replacing a single tooth or a full arch of teeth with a solution such as All-on-4 / All-on-6. All these treatments are highly successful – the main differences are in timing, number of implants, and how quickly you can enjoy fixed teeth.
Implant Placement and Treatment Timeline
All-on-4 / All-on-6 Protocols
Immediate placement and loading: In many cases, these full-arch protocols allow implants to be placed and a temporary fixed bridge attached within a couple of days. The bridge is usually made from PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), a lightweight but strong acrylic material. Because it’s light and smooth, it feels comfortable and gentle during the healing process.
Number of implants: As the names suggest, All-on-4 uses four implants per arch and All-on-6 uses six. The choice depends on bone quality, available volume, and the desired level of support. Both provide excellent stability; using six implants can offer slightly greater distribution of biting forces for some patients.
Full-arch support: These strategically placed implants support an entire upper or lower arch of fixed teeth, reducing surgical time while maintaining strength and function.
Final restoration: After a healing period of around 9–12 months (depending on bone quality, bone volume, patient health, and implant stability), the temporary teeth are replaced with permanent fixed teeth made from higher-grade PMMA, zirconia, or porcelain. The higher-grade PMMA used for the permanent set is denser and more durable than the lighter version used during healing. Throughout this period, patients already have fixed, functional teeth.
Single Implant Protocol
Delayed loading: After placing a single implant, a healing period of around 4–6 months is usually needed before attaching the permanent crown. In some cases, this may extend to 6–9 months, depending on bone quality, location, or if bone grafting was required.
Sequential procedure: Each missing tooth is treated individually. During healing, a removable temporary solution may be used for appearance, but a fixed crown is not typically attached immediately.
Final restoration: Once integration is complete, a permanent crown is fitted, most commonly made from zirconia for optimal strength and aesthetics.
Healing and Osseointegration
All-on-4 / All-on-6
Angled implant placement often engages more available bone, providing excellent initial stability and allowing immediate loading.
Healing (osseointegration) takes place while you already have fixed replacement teeth, which helps maintain comfort and confidence throughout recovery.
Single Implant
Healing and osseointegration usually take several months before the permanent crown can be fitted.
During this period, a temporary removable tooth may be used for appearance; the final fixed zirconium crown is attached only once the implant is fully integrated.
Treatment Time
All-on-4 and All-on-6
Functional fixed teeth on the same day or within days of surgery
Permanent fixed teeth placed after 9–12 months (depending on individual factors)
Overall treatment time: approximately 9–12 months, with fixed temporary teeth from day one
Single Implant
Usually no fixed crown immediately after surgery (a removable temporary may be used)
Final crown placed after about 4–6 months, or longer if bone or healing factors require it
Overall time: around 4–6 months, up to 9 months in more complex cases
Surgical Complexity and Bone Requirements
All-on-4 / All-on-6
Use fewer implants compared to replacing every tooth individually, and the angled placement often avoids the need for bone grafting, which is one of their key advantages.
Typically completed in a single surgical session, followed by placement of temporary fixed teeth a few days later.
Single Implant
If bone density or volume is limited, bone grafting or a sinus-lift may be required. This increases complexity and adds to overall treatment time.
Each implant is placed individually, so if multiple teeth are missing, additional appointments or surgical sessions may be needed.
Aftercare and Why It Matters
Whichever protocol you choose, aftercare is essential for long-term success. A good aftercare plan includes:
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene
Attending regular professional check-ups and cleanings
Managing overall health and any medical conditions such as diabetes
Avoiding smoking and following all post-treatment instructions
Proper aftercare helps prevent infection, protects the surrounding bone and gums, maintains implant stability, and maximises the lifespan of your new teeth. Our team will provide a detailed aftercare programme and support you every step of the way.
Every patient is unique. A precise treatment plan can only be created after a full clinical assessment, including a 3D CBCT scan and consultation.
Book your FREE consultation today and receive a personalised treatment plan to determine if All-on-4, All-on-6, or single implants best suit your needs.
🦷 Elvira Woodward – Dental Treatment Consultant 📞 Tel: +44 7434 927186 📲 WhatsApp: Click here to message me – https://wa.me/447434927186
🦷 Patrice O’Hara – Dental Treatment Consultant 📞 Tel: +44 7434 927187 📲 WhatsApp: Click here to message me – https://wa.me/447434927187
