Full Arch Dental Implants in Dubai — All-on-4, All-on-6 & All-on-8

Full arch implant treatment replaces an entire row of missing teeth — upper, lower, or both — using a fixed number of precisely positioned implants as a permanent foundation. Depending on bone volume, bite force requirements, and the patient's clinical picture, this may be achieved with four implants (All-on-4), six implants (All-on-6), or eight implants (All-on-8) per arch. All three approaches share the same core advantage over conventional full-arch implant treatment: fewer implants than one-per-tooth, frequently no bone grafting required, and a full set of fixed teeth delivered in a single day.

At Vilafortuny, full arch implant treatment is planned using 3D CBCT imaging and carried out by our specialist implant team at our clinic on Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 3. The number of implants used — four, six, or eight — is determined individually for each patient based on bone density, arch length, and bite forces. There is no standard package, because no two patients present the same anatomy or clinical picture.

4–8 implants used to support a full arch, chosen based on individual anatomy
1 Day leave with functioning teeth the same day as surgery
Since 2006 implant care trusted by patients across Dubai and the UAE
All-on-4, All-on-6, or All-on-8 — Choosing the Right Approach

Conventional implant solutions for full arch replacement require one implant per missing tooth — often eight or more per arch with no flexibility in positioning. All-on-4, All-on-6, and All-on-8 techniques solve this by strategically positioning a smaller, fixed number of implants — some placed vertically, others at an angle — to distribute load across the available bone and frequently eliminate the need for bone grafting.

The angled posterior implants used in all three approaches engage denser bone further back in the jaw — bone that remains even when the immediate extraction sites have resorbed. The choice between four, six, or eight implants depends on how much bone is available, how it is distributed, and the bite forces the final prosthesis will need to withstand.

All-on-4

4 implants per arch. The most conservative approach, suited to patients with good bone density and a straightforward anatomical picture. Minimises surgical sites while fully supporting a fixed prosthesis.

All-on-6

6 implants per arch. Distributes bite force across additional support points — often recommended where bone density is more moderate, or where the final prosthesis needs to withstand higher chewing forces.

All-on-8

8 implants per arch. Used where maximum support and load distribution is clinically indicated — for example, very long arches, higher-risk bite patterns, or as a safeguard against future implant loss.

Conventional Full-Arch Implants (for comparison)

One implant per missing tooth. Bone grafting frequently required. Multiple surgeries over 12–18 months, with higher cost and a longer overall treatment timeline.

How the number is decided

The right number of implants for your case is determined from your 3D CBCT scan — not chosen in advance. Your surgeon will recommend four, six, or eight implants based on your bone volume, density, and the bite forces your prosthesis will need to support, and will explain the reasoning behind that recommendation before treatment begins.

How the Procedure Works

Full arch implant treatment at Vilafortuny follows a structured, clearly communicated process — from the first scan to the final restoration — regardless of whether four, six, or eight implants are used. Every stage is explained before it begins.

01
Consultation & 3D Imaging

A comprehensive clinical assessment combined with a 3D CBCT scan gives your implant surgeon a precise map of your bone volume, nerve pathways, and sinus anatomy. This is the foundation of accurate implant planning — including the decision on whether four, six, or eight implants are most appropriate for your case.

02
Treatment Planning

Your surgeon reviews the imaging, designs the implant positions digitally, confirms the number of implants required, and discusses the full treatment plan with you — including the surgical process, anaesthesia, recovery expectations, and the appearance of your temporary and final prosthesis.

03
Surgical Day — Implant Placement

Any remaining teeth are extracted if required, the planned number of implants — four, six, or eight — are placed in their predetermined positions, and a temporary fixed prosthesis is attached the same day. You leave the clinic with a complete set of teeth.

04
Healing & Osseointegration

Over the following three to six months, the implants fuse with the surrounding bone — a process called osseointegration. The temporary prosthesis remains in place throughout. Regular check-ups monitor healing and allow for adjustments.

05
Final Restoration

Once osseointegration is confirmed, the permanent prosthesis — custom-designed to your facial proportions, bite, and aesthetic preferences, and supported by your individual implant configuration — is secured to the implants. Fixed, permanent, and indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Results
  • A complete, fixed arch of teeth — permanently attached and not removable, whether supported by four, six, or eight implants
  • Full restoration of chewing function, allowing a normal, unrestricted diet
  • Natural speech — without the movement or bulk associated with dentures
  • Active stimulation of the jawbone, preventing bone loss and facial changes
  • A prosthesis custom-designed to your facial proportions and aesthetic goals
  • Long-term durability — with proper care, full arch implants are designed to last a lifetime, regardless of the number of implants placed
Indications
  • Missing most or all teeth in one or both arches
  • Patients facing full-arch extractions due to advanced decay, gum disease, or trauma
  • Long-term denture wearers experiencing discomfort, instability, or bone loss
  • Patients who have been told they require bone grafting for conventional implants — All-on-4, All-on-6, or All-on-8 may be possible without it, depending on bone volume
  • Patients seeking a permanent, fixed alternative to removable prosthetics
  • Patients with higher bite force requirements or longer arches, where additional implants (All-on-6 or All-on-8) provide added support

Contraindications

  • Active, uncontrolled systemic conditions — diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or coagulation issues must be stable before surgery
  • Current smokers — smoking significantly impairs healing and implant integration. Cessation is required before treatment
  • Active gum disease or oral infection — must be fully treated before implant placement
  • Patients taking bisphosphonates or undergoing cancer treatment should discuss their situation with the clinical team before proceeding
  • Insufficient bone that cannot accommodate any implant configuration — rare, but bone grafting may still be required in some cases regardless of implant number
Before & After Your Procedure

Before Surgery

  • Stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery — ideally four or more. Smoking is the single greatest risk factor for implant failure
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before the procedure
  • Follow your surgeon's fasting instructions if sedation or general anaesthesia is planned
  • Arrange transport home — you will not be able to drive after the procedure
  • Inform your clinical team of all medications, supplements, and any recent changes to your health

After Surgery

  • Follow a soft-food diet for the first several weeks — your implants need time to integrate undisturbed
  • Take prescribed antibiotics and pain relief as directed for the first few days
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least one week following surgery
  • Maintain meticulous oral hygiene around the prosthesis using the tools demonstrated by your hygienist
  • Attend all follow-up appointments — monitoring during osseointegration is essential to long-term success
  • Do not smoke during the healing period — ideally, stop permanently

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for All-on-4 dental implants?

All-on-4 is designed for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth in one or both arches, or who are facing full-arch extractions. Unlike traditional implants, the All-on-4 technique is specifically engineered to work with reduced bone volume — meaning many patients who have been told they need bone grafting elsewhere may still be suitable. The only way to know for certain is a consultation with imaging, which our team will arrange at your first visit.

How long does the implants process take?

The implants are placed and a temporary prosthesis fitted in a single surgical appointment - so you leave with a full set of functional teeth the same day. The permanent, final prosthesis is fitted after osseointegration is confirmed, typically three to six months later. The exact timeline depends on your individual healing and bone response, which your clinician will monitor throughout.

Will it look and feel like real teeth?

Yes - that is the point. The final prosthesis is custom-designed to match natural tooth proportions, colour, and shape. Because it is fixed directly to the implants, it does not move, slip, or require adhesive. Patients consistently report that eating, speaking, and smiling feel entirely natural within weeks of the final restoration being placed.

What is the difference between All-on-4 and traditional dentures?

Traditional dentures rest on the gum and rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place. They can shift during eating and speaking, accelerate bone loss in the jaw over time, and require removal for cleaning. All-on-4 implants are fixed permanently they function, feel, and are cared for exactly like natural teeth, and they actively stimulate the jawbone to prevent the bone loss and facial changes that dentures cannot address.