Are you tired of dealing with missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures? For suitable patients, a full arch of fixed temporary teeth can be fitted on the same day as implant surgery, a treatment often called “teeth in a day”. This article explains how it works, who it may suit and the factors that affect the result.
What Are Teeth in a Day?
Teeth in a day, also referred colloquially to as “teeth in a hour” or “same day teeth” or as “same-day dental implants” or “immediate dental implants”, is a treatment in which a fixed temporary bridge is attached to the implants on the day of surgery. The final bridge is made and fitted once the implants have integrated with the bone, generally three to six months later.
Exploring the All-on-4 Dental Implant Process
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jaw bone to serve as a replacement for a missing tooth root. This post provides a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture, restoring both the function and appearance of natural teeth.
How Are Teeth in a Day Different?
The traditional dental implant process involves multiple visits to the dentist over several months. With teeth in a day, the implants and a fixed temporary bridge are placed in one surgical appointment, so suitable patients do not go without teeth while the implants heal. Follow-up visits are still needed, and the final bridge is fitted later.
What Can I Expect During Surgery?
During the teeth in a day procedure, any diseased teeth are removed, and dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone. Generally, four implants made from titanium are used for each arch in a minimally invasive procedure allowing the surgeon to work with the available bone in your jaw, without the need of bone grafting, in a technique called “all-on-4 dental implants“.
These implants act as a foundation which allows the placement of a fixed set of teeth. Thanks to an in-house 3D intraoral scanner, printer and software technology, a complete digital impression of the patient’s mouth is taken to fully map the teeth and gums. With this data then, a custom made temporary denture, also called temporary bridge, is 3-D printed, painted in the gum area, cured in a light cure box for about one minute and it is ready for the patient immediately.
Possible Benefits of Teeth in a Day
1. Fixed Temporary Teeth From the Day of Surgery
For suitable patients, a fixed temporary bridge is attached on the day of surgery, so there is no period without teeth while waiting for the final bridge. A soft diet is needed while the implants heal.
2. Fewer Surgical Procedures
Because extractions and implant placement are often done in the same operation, and bone grafting can sometimes be avoided, some patients need fewer surgical procedures. Recovery varies from person to person, and your surgeon will explain what to expect in your case.
3. Function and Appearance
Missing teeth can affect eating, speaking and how people feel about their smile. A fixed bridge may help with these, although individual results vary.
Is Teeth-in-a-Day Implant Treatment Right for You?
Here is a short – non exhaustive – list of indications for this surgical procedure.
Are You Missing Teeth?
Teeth in a day may be an option for people who are missing most or all of their teeth in one or both jaws, or whose remaining teeth cannot be saved. A consultation and 3D scan show whether it suits you.
Do You have Adequate Bone Density?
If you have been missing teeth for a long time, your bone density might have regressed over time in the mandible (lower jaw) or maxilla (upper jaw). Your surgeon will be able to verify this through 3D dental x-rays and other software technology. Depending on the available bone density in the upper jaw, the surgeon might recommend the placement zygomatic implants, an advanced technique particularly useful in those with severe bone loss in their upper jaw.
Do You Want Immediate Results?
If you want to avoid the long waiting periods associated with traditional dental implant procedures, teeth in a day may be worth discussing with your surgeon.
Are You Looking for a Convenient Option?
Teeth in a day can mean fewer surgical appointments, although reviews and the final bridge still need several visits.
What Factors Play a Role in the Success of Same-day Dental Implants?
The dental and medical history of the patient is critical for the success of the surgery. Here is a – non exhaustive – list of factors that add risk to the success of the procedure.
- Heavy smoking: Smokers must note they are two and a half times more likely to experience failure than non-smokers. The relative risk of implant failure is significantly higher in patients who smoke 20 cigarettes or more per day compared to nonsmokers. Furthermore, heavy smokers have significantly higher chances of post-surgery infection rates.
- Gum disease: Those who suffer from gum disease will need to have the condition successfully treated prior to proceeding with implants. A good gum health is pivotal for the success rate of any dental placement procedure.
- Diabetes: Patients with diabetes usually have co-morbidities (existing medical conditions) and have, therefore, a higher risk of post-op infection as this condition slows down the body’s ability to fight infections.
- Oral hygiene: It is important the patient understands the importance of good oral hygiene and is able to undertake daily brushing and flossing using correct techniques prior to the placement of implants.
Conclusion
Teeth in a day is one way to replace a full arch of teeth with fixed implant-supported teeth, with a temporary bridge fitted on the day of surgery for suitable patients. Whether it suits you depends on your bone, your general health and your goals. Talk to your dentist, or arrange a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, to find out whether it is right for you.
About Our Surgeons
The Sunshine Coast Oral, Facial, and Implant Specialists (SCOFIS) is a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgery practice in Buderim. Dr Trent Lincoln and Dr Andrew Higgins are registered specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeons who see patients referred by general dentists and doctors as well as patients who contact us directly. They are both:
- Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in oral and maxillofacial surgery, FRACDS (OMS)
- Members of the Australian & New Zealand Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (ANZAOMS)
- Members of the Australian Medical Association (AMA)
- Members of the Australian Dental Association (ADA)
If you are considering a full arch restoration, call our team on 07 5406 0586 or email reception@sunshinecoastofis.com.au to arrange a consultation and discuss your treatment options.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.