What does “All-on-6 full-arch prosthesis care” mean?
All-on-6 describes supporting a fixed full-arch prosthesis in one jaw with six implants. It does not mean that only six replacement teeth are made. The actual extent and form of the prosthesis follow the treatment plan.
Care differs from that of a removable denture
A fixed prosthesis is not removed by the patient for daily cleaning. Space must be provided to reach beneath it and around the implants. A removable implant overdenture is taken out for cleaning as instructed, so identify the actual design selected.
Check that cleaning beneath the prosthesis is possible
The contours and connections of a full-arch prosthesis should allow cleaning. Learn how to use tools suited to its design, such as floss, interdental cleaners or an oral irrigator, and check that you can manage the care yourself. Dexterity, vision and health also affect the plan. Follow-up assesses hygiene and changes in surrounding tissues, such as swelling or bleeding.
Review and removal depend on clinical need
Routine reviews assess the prosthesis, screw connections, bite and surrounding tissues. A fixed prosthesis does not necessarily need removal at every visit. The clinician assesses removal when cleaning is inadequate or inflammation or mechanical problems require it. Seek care for movement or fracture rather than tightening or detaching components yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All-on-6 a denture I remove and clean every day?
The design described here is a fixed full-arch prosthesis, which you do not remove yourself. It differs from a removable implant overdenture, and you need instruction in cleaning beneath it.
Does the prosthesis have to be removed at every routine review?
Not necessarily. The clinician considers whether hygiene and examination are possible with it in place and whether inflammation or screw or prosthetic problems warrant removal.
Questions about All-on-6 maintenance
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Care after treatment
How will I clean beneath the completed prosthesis?
Explanation and evidenceAsk about its contours, access and cleaning tools, and make sure you can actually reach and maintain the relevant areas.
American College of Prosthodontists · Maintenance of full-arch implant restorations (2023) - Care after treatment
Which changes require additional assessment or removal of the prosthesis?
Explanation and evidenceConfirm when to contact the team and how reviews are arranged for bleeding, swelling, difficulty cleaning, movement or damage.
American College of Prosthodontists · Maintenance of full-arch implant restorations (2023)
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- ITI · Implant number and planning for fixed full-arch prosthesesacademy.iti.org (opens in a new tab)
- American College of Prosthodontists · Maintenance of full-arch implant restorations (2023)prosthodontics.org (opens in a new tab)
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals · Implant prostheses and treatment stagesleedsth.nhs.uk (opens in a new tab)
