(All-on-4, All-on-6, Straumann, Nobel, Megagen, Medentika, Osstem)

When patients search for “dental implant failure,” “All-on-4 problems,” “Straumann vs Nobel vs Megagen,” “Osstem implant success rate” they are usually worried about one main question:

“How can I be sure my dental implants will last for many years?”

In this article, we will explain in clear language what implant failure means, which factors increase or decrease this risk, and what we do step by step to keep the failure rate as low as possible. Along the way, we will also talk about popular implant concepts like All-on-4, All-on-6 and well-known implant brands such as Straumann, Nobel, Megagen, Medentika, and Osstem.

1. What is dental implant failure?

A dental implant is a small titanium “root” placed into the jawbone. After surgery, the bone grows around the implant and creates a strong connection. This process is called osseointegration.

Implant failure means that this connection never forms properly or is lost later. The implant becomes unstable, painful, or infected and may need to be removed.

Typical signs and symptoms of a failing implant include:

Persistent or increasing pain around the implant

Mobility (the implant or crown feels loose)

Swelling, redness or pus around the gum

X-ray showing progressive bone loss around the implant neck

Our goal as a clinic is to make sure that every stage – from planning to surgery to prosthetic design and long-term maintenance – is optimized to keep the risk of dental implant failure as low as possible.

2. Success starts before surgery: diagnosis and planning

The real secret of a high dental implant success rate is proper planning before we ever touch the bone.

2.1 Clinical and radiographic evaluation

Before placing any implant, we perform a detailed examination:

Full clinical examination of the mouth, bite and soft tissues

Panoramic X-ray for general overview

CBCT (3D cone beam CT) to evaluate:

Bone height and width

Bone density

Location of critical structures (nerves, sinus, nasal cavity)

For complex cases like full-arch restorations (All-on-4, All-on-6), CBCT-based planning is essential. It allows us to:

Choose the ideal implant length, diameter and position

Avoid anatomical structures like the sinus and nerve

Decide whether we need additional procedures like sinus lift or bone grafting

Simulate the final prosthetic result before surgery

By using digital planning tools together with high-quality implants such as Straumann, Nobel, Megagen, Medentika, or Osstem, we significantly reduce the risk of technical and biological complications.

3. The role of implant brands: Straumann, Nobel, Megagen, Medentika, Osstem

Many patients ask:

“Which implant brand is the best? Straumann? Nobel? Megagen? Medentika? Osstem?”

The honest answer is that no brand can guarantee 100% success, but some systems have:

Strong scientific background

Long-term clinical studies

Advanced surface technology

Stable connections and high precision

These features contribute to a lower risk of implant failure when used correctly.

3.1 Straumann

Known worldwide as a premium implant brand

Advanced surface technologies designed to speed up osseointegration

Strong scientific documentation and long-term follow-up studies

3.2 Nobel Biocare (Nobel)

Pioneer of the All-on-4 concept

Full system covering implants, multi-unit abutments, guided surgery and prosthetic components

Widely used in full-arch cases where immediate function is planned

3.3 Megagen

Especially popular with the AnyRidge line, which offers:

Aggressive thread design for high primary stability

Good performance in soft bone

Frequently used in immediate loading and All-on-4 / All-on-6 cases

3.4 Medentika

Known for compatible components and cost–effective implant systems

SLA-type surface with reliable integration properties

Often chosen for multiple implant cases where quality and affordability must be balanced

3.5 Osstem

One of the most widely used implant systems globally

Broad product range suitable for different bone qualities

Good clinical performance with competitive pricing, making full-arch treatments more accessible

Important:

A high-quality implant system like Straumann, Nobel, Megagen, Medentika or Osstem is an important part of success, but the surgeon’s knowledge, planning, surgical technique and prosthetic design are just as critical.

4. All-on-4 and All-on-6: how we reduce failure risk in full-arch cases

For patients who have no teeth or need all their teeth removed, concepts like All-on-4 and All-on-6 allow us to restore an entire jaw with a fixed bridge supported by 4 or 6 implants.

4.1 Correct case selection

All-on-4 and All-on-6 are not “one size fits all” solutions. Before recommending these treatments, we evaluate:

General health (diabetes, osteoporosis, immune problems, etc.)

Smoking habits

Bone quality and volume

Bite forces and habits (clenching or grinding)

In borderline or extremely resorbed cases, we may consider other options such as zygomatic implants or staged bone grafting to avoid an unacceptable risk of implant failure.

4.2 Correct implant distribution and angulation

In a classical All-on-4:

Two front implants are placed vertically

Two posterior implants are tilted (30–45 degrees) to avoid sinuses or nerves and to create a larger prosthetic support polygon

In All-on-6, we add two more implants to distribute forces even more safely.

Key goals:

Minimize cantilever length

Spread the chewing forces across all implants

Keep forces as axial as possible

This careful distribution significantly lowers the stress on each implant and therefore lowers the risk of mechanical or biological failure over time.

4.3 Immediate loading done safely

Many full-arch patients receive fixed temporary teeth on the same day. This is called immediate loading. It is attractive for comfort and aesthetics, but it must be done under strict conditions:

Each implant should reach sufficient primary stability (often ≥ 35 Ncm torque)

The temporary prosthesis must be designed to reduce excessive loading (no heavy chewing on the first weeks)

The bite must be carefully adjusted to avoid early overloading

By respecting these principles, we can offer immediate teeth while still keeping a very low risk of failure.

5. Surgical protocol: gentle, sterile and precise

Even with perfect planning and strong brands, poor surgical technique can cause implant failure. We follow strict protocols to protect the bone and soft tissues.

5.1 Atraumatic drilling and temperature control

We use sharp drills, appropriate speeds and abundant sterile irrigation

The goal is to prevent the bone from overheating (over 47°C can damage bone cells)

We carefully control insertion torque to achieve stability without crushing the bone

5.2 Sterility and infection control

Infection is a major cause of early implant failure. To prevent this:

We respect all surgical sterilization protocols

When indicated, we use prophylactic antibiotics

We give clear post-operative instructions to the patient about mouthwash, medication and smoking restrictions

5.3 Soft tissue management

Healthy gums around an implant are as important as healthy bone.

We design flaps and sutures to achieve good soft tissue closure around the neck of the implant

When necessary, we use techniques or grafts to increase the band of keratinized gingiva

This creates a better biological seal and lowers the risk of peri-implantitis later

6. Prosthetic planning: where long-term success is won or lost

An implant can integrate perfectly, but if the crown or bridge design is wrong, complications are almost guaranteed.

6.1 Occlusion and load distribution

We adjust the bite carefully to avoid high spots on implant crowns

For patients who grind or clench, we often recommend a night guard

In All-on-4 and All-on-6, we control the length of cantilevers and design the occlusion to spread the forces evenly

Too much force on a single implant can lead to:

Screw loosening

Fracture of the prosthesis

Progressive bone loss and eventual implant failure

6.2 Material and connection choice

We work with different materials such as:

Zirconia bridges

Metal–ceramic restorations

Hybrid (metal + acrylic) prostheses

For full-arch cases, we usually prefer screw-retained restorations because:

They can be removed for professional cleaning and maintenance

There is no risk of excess cement being trapped under the gum (which can cause peri-implantitis)

The combination of correct implant–abutment connection (e.g. conical connections from major brands like Straumann, Nobel, Megagen, Medentika, Osstem) and a well-designed prosthesis is essential for long-term stability.

7. Systemic health, smoking and medication

The general health of the patient has a direct effect on implant success.

We always review:

Diabetes: poorly controlled diabetes increases infection risk and slows healing

Osteoporosis and bisphosphonate therapy

Autoimmune diseases and long-term steroid use

Past radiotherapy to the jaw area

Smoking is another major factor. Heavy smokers have a higher rate of implant failure and bone loss. For this reason, we strongly encourage patients to stop or reduce smoking before and after surgery.

8. The patient’s role: hygiene and maintenance

Even the best planning, the best surgeon and the best implant brand cannot replace good daily oral hygiene.

8.1 Daily home care

We teach every implant patient how to clean their implants and bridges:

Brushing at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush

Use of interdental brushes or superfloss under bridges and around implants

In some cases, additional mouth rinses for a limited period

This is especially important for full-arch All-on-4 and All-on-6 prostheses, where food can accumulate under the bridge if not cleaned properly.

8.2 Regular check-ups

Long-term success depends on regular professional maintenance:

Clinical check-ups every 3–12 months (depending on the case)

Professional cleaning of implants and prostheses

Periodic X-rays to monitor bone levels around the implants

These visits allow us to detect early problems such as small areas of inflammation, minor screw loosening or beginning bone loss before they become serious failures.

9. Frequently asked questions about implant failure

“What is the success rate of dental implants?”

For healthy patients treated with proper planning and protocol, modern dental implants from brands like Straumann, Nobel, Megagen, Medentika and Osstem can reach very high long-term success rates. However, exact percentages depend on:

Patient health and habits

Jaw (upper vs lower) and bone quality

Type of restoration (single crown vs full arch)

Surgeon’s experience and follow-up

“Can All-on-4 or All-on-6 fail?”

Yes, any treatment can fail if it is poorly planned or badly executed, or if the patient does not follow instructions. However, with:

Careful case selection

High primary stability

Correct prosthetic design

Good hygiene and regular check-ups

All-on-4 and All-on-6 can provide very predictable and long-lasting results.

10. Summary: how we keep implant failure risk as low as possible

To minimize the risk of dental implant failure, we combine:

Thorough diagnosis and digital planning (including CBCT)

Careful selection of treatment concept (single implant, bridge, All-on-4, All-on-6, etc.)

Use of high-quality implant systems such as Straumann, Nobel, Megagen, Medentika and Osstem

Gentle, sterile and precise surgical technique

Scientifically based prosthetic design and occlusal adjustment

Close attention to systemic health and risk factors like smoking or diabetes

Detailed patient education about home care

Regular professional maintenance and monitoring

When all these elements work together, the probability of implant failure becomes extremely low, and patients can enjoy strong, stable and aesthetic teeth for many years—whether it is a single crown, a small bridge or a full-arch All-on-4 / All-on-6 smile makeover.