Dental ImplantWhen it comes to your health, it’s best to consider long term solutions. Even when the best solution may be more complex or cost more, it is always better to get a durable solution that will last for decades…or perhaps for the rest of your life.

Dental work can be deceptive. A seemingly simple solution that only lasts a short time, may be less expensive, but may end up costing more in the long run.

For people who have lost all or almost all of their teeth on one or both of their jaws, one of the best solutions is called simply an “All-on-6.” This solution consists of replacing the missing teeth with artificial teeth that are strongly supported by six dental implants. This solution replaces wobbly bridges or ill-fitting dentures.

The procedure starts with the removal of any remaining teeth (or parts) that may still be present. In almost all cases, if any teeth are still present, they are generally in such bad shape that they can’t be saved anymore and must be pulled out. Then, the dental implants are inserted into the jawbone. Sometimes, abutments are placed on top of the implants during this surgery. In certain patients, the abutments are placed during a subsequent surgery.

Typically the patient returns to the dentist after the implants have fused with the jawbone. This process is called “osseo-integration” and it’s what gives the implants their strength and stability. It normally takes several weeks, depending on the speed of healing, among other factors.

Once the dentist has decided that osseo-integration has been achieved, (frequently through testing), a natural-looking dental-arch structure with the artificial teeth (similar to a denture) is placed on top of the abutments and secured.

This is a multi-step process, that, once completed, will provide you with a strong, healthy mouth full of teeth for many years…and perhaps for the rest of your life. An All-on-6 solution is as stable and strong as natural teeth. Moreover, it looks and feels exactly like natural teeth. This means that after a small period of adjustment, you will completely forget that you ever had this dental work. You’ll brush your teeth normally and go to the dentist only once or twice a year. And most importantly, you’ll be able to eat what you want, speak without problems, and smile in public with confidence for the rest of your life.

If you are interested in an All-on-Six solution in Costa Rica, fill out the “Find a Dentist” form on this page.  One of our patient advocates will reply to your needs.