All-on-X Dental Implants in Istanbul: Fixed Full-Arch Teeth on 4, 6 or 8 Implants

What does the "X" in All-on-X mean?

The "X" in All-on-X is a variable: it stands for the number of implants that carry one complete arch of teeth, so All-on-4 uses four implants, All-on-6 uses six and All-on-8 uses eight.

A dental implant is a small screw-shaped post, usually titanium, that the surgeon places in the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Cleveland Clinic describes a full-arch restoration as multiple implants, usually four to six, supporting a full arch of teeth. Some patients with good bone along the whole arch are planned for more.

So "all on x" is not a brand but a way of describing one rigid bridge, fixed by the clinic, on a planned number of anchors. Below is the family, plus the options for people missing fewer teeth.

For the wider picture, start with our main dental implants in Turkey page or the Istanbul overview of dental implants in Istanbul. Fixed bridges on implants are explained on implant-supported prostheses.

All-on-4 vs All-on-6 vs All-on-8: how do they compare?

All-on-4, All-on-6 and All-on-8 differ mainly in the number of implants under the bridge: more implants need more available bone along the arch, while fewer implants usually rely on tilted back implants to make the most of the bone that remains.

All-on-4 is the most studied member of the family; there is less pooled research on six- and eight-implant versions, so the choice rests on your anatomy and clinical judgment, not a ranking.

If you are comparing options for a whole mouth, our full-mouth rehabilitation page explains how implants, crowns and bite correction fit together, and full and partial removable dentures covers the non-fixed route.

Who is a good candidate for All-on-X?

A good candidate for All-on-X is an adult who has lost all the teeth in one or both jaws, or whose remaining teeth cannot be saved, and whose general health allows minor oral surgery once gum disease and infections are treated.

Cleveland Clinic notes that implants are usually placed from age 18, after the jaws have finished growing, and that enough healthy bone is a key requirement. The American Dental Association's MouthHealthy site points out that health matters more than age, and that chronic conditions such as diabetes or leukaemia may interfere with healing.

Smoking and vaping slow healing, according to Cleveland Clinic; see smoking and dental implants.

Can you have All-on-X with bone loss?

Often yes: the All-on-X approach to bone loss is to angle the back implants into denser bone, which in many cases avoids grafting, although the final decision depends on the CBCT scan.

A 2017 systematic review by Soto-Penaloza and colleagues described All-on-4 as a predictable option for atrophic jaws in patients who want to avoid regenerative surgery. A 2021 review by Gaonkar and colleagues found no significant difference in survival or bone loss between straight and tilted implants. For very severe upper-jaw atrophy, zygomatic implants are sometimes discussed; a 2023 systematic review by Polido and colleagues names extreme maxillary atrophy as their main indication. See dental implants without a bone graft and what are zygomatic implants.

How does All-on-X treatment work, step by step?

All-on-X treatment follows six main steps: an online assessment, an exam with CBCT and digital planning, extractions and implant surgery, a temporary fixed bridge, a healing phase, and finally the definitive bridge.

1. Online assessment: you send smile photos, any recent X-rays and a short medical and medication history.
2. Exam and CBCT in Istanbul: the dentist checks bone, gums and bite, then plans the implant positions digitally and decides between 4, 6, 8 or another number.
3. Surgery: under local anaesthesia, hopeless teeth are removed and the implants are placed following the digital plan.
4. Temporary fixed bridge: when the implants are stable enough, a provisional bridge is fixed within days. A Cochrane review defines immediate loading as loading within the first week.
5. Healing: the bone bonds to the implants; Cleveland Clinic gives a range of three to nine months.
6. Final bridge: new digital impressions are taken, the bridge is tried in and then screwed into place.

The 2013 Cochrane review by Esposito and colleagues found no convincing, clinically important difference in failure rates between immediate, early and delayed loading. Same-week teeth are therefore an option, not a promise. Our digital implant planning and placement page shows how the plan is built.

How long does All-on-X take in Istanbul?

All-on-X in Istanbul usually takes two trips: the first for surgery and the temporary bridge, the second for the final bridge after a few months of healing. The durations below are an indicative clinic plan and are confirmed after your exam.

For a day-by-day view, read how many days you need in Istanbul for dental implants.

What is the final All-on-X bridge made of: acrylic or zirconia?

The final All-on-X bridge is most often either an acrylic (or composite) hybrid on a metal framework or zirconia on a framework; the choice depends on the opposing teeth, bite force, aesthetics and the patient's preference.

In that meta-analysis, implant survival, framework fractures, aesthetics and speech did not differ significantly between the two types. If you grind your teeth, mention it early: a night guard may be advised. See also fixed prosthodontics and our prosthodontics department.

Watch: dental implants in Istanbul, step by step

In this one-minute video, Dr. Abdurrahman Öztürk walks through the implant journey at the clinic: examination, digital planning, implant placement and the final teeth.

All-on-X guides from our blog

These in-depth guides cover each member of the family.

More All-on-4 reading: All-on-4 in Turkey: a comprehensive guide and All-on-4 dental implants in Istanbul. You can also browse our implant before-and-after gallery.

How do you care for All-on-X teeth?

Caring for All-on-X teeth means brushing the bridge twice a day, cleaning underneath it daily with a water flosser, superfloss or interdental brushes, not smoking, and attending regular professional check-ups of the gums around each implant.

• Brush with a soft brush morning and night, paying attention to where the bridge meets the gum.
• Rinse or thread under the bridge every day to remove trapped food.
• Attend maintenance visits; the clinic may remove the bridge for a professional clean when needed.

Cleveland Clinic notes the prosthetic teeth may need replacing over time. Our implant maintenance and aftercare page has a full routine.

What are the risks of All-on-X?

The main risks of All-on-X are an implant failing to integrate (most often in the first year), inflammation around implants called peri-implantitis, fractures of the temporary or final bridge, and the general risks of oral surgery.

In the Gaonkar review, most implant failures happened within the first 12 months and were linked to failed integration and infection. Learn more about peri-implantitis treatment. Cleveland Clinic advises contacting your dentist promptly if you notice:

• a loose implant or bridge;
• bleeding or swollen gums;
• pus around an implant;
• fever or swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Why choose Dr. Abdurrahman Öztürk's clinic for All-on-X?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Abdurrahman Öztürk, dentist and clinic medical lead. This page has been checked for medical accuracy.

Every All-on-X case starts with a 3D CBCT scan and digital planning, and the number of implants follows your bone and bite, not a package name.

• Doctor-led planning: Dr. Abdurrahman Öztürk reviews your scan and explains realistic options.
• 3D CBCT and digital planning: implant positions are planned on a 3D model before surgery.
• Central location: the clinic is in Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu, a few minutes' walk from Taksim Square.

Before travelling, the NHS treatment-abroad checklist advises checking qualifications, not rushing decisions and agreeing follow-up care in advance.

Clinic location: Gümüşsuyu Mah., Mete Cad., Beyoğlu, Istanbul — near Taksim Square.

Our sister clinic shows how AI supports full-arch planning in AI-guided full mouth dental implants. Partner sites also cover All-on-6 in Istanbul, All-on-8 in Istanbul and a side-by-side guide to All-on-4 vs All-on-6 vs All-on-8.