All-on-6® Dental Implants in Lakewood, WA
For many people in Lakewood and Tacoma, the decision to replace a full set of teeth is about more than just looks, it is about finding a solution that feels rock-solid. While the All-on-4 method is famous for its efficiency, All-on-6 Dental Implants provide even greater stability by using two extra titanium posts. At the office of Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we often recommend the All-on-6 approach for patients who have a larger jaw or higher biting force. Think of it like a bridge: while four pillars can certainly hold it up, six pillars provide a much more even distribution of weight, making your new smile feel incredibly strong and durable.
The primary benefit of choosing the All-on-6 system is the increased support for your back teeth, where most of your chewing happens. As a Dental Implant Periodontist, Dr. Kevin Kim uses these extra implants to spread out the pressure when you bite down on a steak or a crisp apple. This even distribution helps protect your jawbone and reduces the stress on each individual implant, which can lead to better long-term results. For our neighbors who have adequate bone density or who might be a bit “tougher” on their teeth, the All-on-6 system offers the ultimate peace of mind.
Because this procedure involves more implants, it is vital to have a highly precise plan. Dr. Kim uses CBCT 3D Imaging and Computer-Guided Implant Surgery to map out the exact placement of all six posts. This high-tech approach allows us to find the healthiest bone and avoid sensitive areas like your sinuses. While the surgery may take a little longer than an All-on-4 visit, we still focus on your comfort. We often use Immediate Load (Same-Day) Dental Implants so that you can leave our Lakewood office with a temporary set of teeth that very same day. Once the bone has fully healed, a process called Osseointegration, we swap those out for a final, custom-made bridge that looks and feels just like natural teeth.
Living with an All-on-6 restoration means you never have to worry about the “clicking” or “slipping” that comes with traditional dentures. You can brush your new teeth just like natural ones and enjoy a life free from messy adhesives. To learn more about why more implants can sometimes be the better choice for jaw stability, you can visit the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or see the Mayo Clinic’s research on full-mouth restoration success. Dr. Kevin Kim and the team at Dental Health Associates are dedicated to helping our Lakewood and Tacoma patients find the strongest, most reliable path to a brand-new smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Service
What is the downside to dental implants?
Like any surgery, dental implants carry risks such as infection at the site, injury to surrounding structures (like other teeth or blood vessels), and nerve damage that causes numbness or tingling. Additionally, the process is a significant time commitment, often taking many months for the bone to heal and fuse with the implant.
What is the recovery time for dental implants?
While the initial surgical discomfort like swelling and bruising is temporary, the full recovery and bone healing process (osseointegration) typically takes several months. This waiting period is necessary for the jawbone to grow into and join with the surface of the dental implant to provide a solid base.
What disqualifies someone from getting dental implants?
Potential disqualifiers include having a jawbone that hasn’t reached full growth, active smoking, or health conditions that can affect bone healing. A lack of sufficient jawbone density may also require a bone graft before the procedure can proceed.