How You Can Get Dental Implants in a Single Day
We’ve all heard the saying “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” This phrase may not apply to one of the greatest advancements in implant dentistry. The concept of “Teeth in a day” really means that all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw can be removed and replaced
with dental implants in one day resulting in a beautiful smile and improvement of the overall health of the individual. It can be a life changing process.
Another common saying “Always read the fine print” DOES apply to the “Teeth-in-a-Day.” concept. While the patient will have teeth removed and replaced in one day, the entire process is not completed in one day. A thorough assessment of the current teeth is vital for the long-term success of any final dental implant supported teeth. Several visits are often needed to get information such as measurements, 3D X-rays, study models, and photographs. Also, significant time is necessary to evaluate the findings, simulate the implant placement, and fabricate the temporary and permanent teeth. For “Teeth-in-a-Day” to be successful many years down the road, the time spent in the prep work is crucial. Above all else, this cannot be rushed, and one should be very cautious if the prep work is completed in haste.
The teeth that are placed in one day are the provisional or temporary teeth. They might be constructed using computer generated graphics or made from traditional impressions of the implants but, either way, these are the temporary teeth. The permanent teeth won’t be constructed until after all the healing from the surgery has taken place. On the day of surgery there is a significant amount of inflammation in the tissue, and it is best to wait until this is resolved before beginning the process of creating the permanent teeth. Also, the implants will take 4-6 months to integrate to the bone before full force from chewing can be used, and it is best to wear the provisional during this phase.
The provisional is made using material that by itself does not have enough strength to withstand the normal forces of chewing and therefore it is ideal for the healing phase of dental implant placement. To have strength and prevent fracturing, the provisional is made of thick acrylic and might feel very bulky in the mouth but remember this is only a temporary set of teeth. At the completion of the healing phase, when the implants are integrated and can have normal chewing forces, the provisional will be replaced with the permanent teeth. It is very common for the provisional to begin to fracture, chip, and wear out as you reach the end of the healing phase.
It is during this provisional phase that it is important to keep note of what you like and dislike about the provisional and/or your natural teeth to help craft the permanent teeth. Every effort is made during the construction of your permanent teeth to get the aesthetic and functional results you desire.
When the time comes to construct the permanent teeth there are several options to choose from and all vary in their longevity and maintenance needs. Listed below are a few options. Each is custom designed and will have a significant amount of materials and laboratory time used in its construction.
- Teeth made from porcelain fused to metal. This option will give the closest match to the feel, aesthetics, and function of your natural teeth. It is the same process that has been
used for many years in making a traditional crown for a natural tooth. Regular cleanings
and checkups are necessary a few times each year to maintain their health and monitor any
parts that need to be replaced. - Teeth made from zirconia. This option will also give a close match to the feel, aesthetics,
and function of your natural teeth. This technology utilizes computer generated graphics to manufacture the teeth. Regular cleanings and checkups are necessary a few times each year to maintain their health and monitor any parts that need to be replaced. - Teeth made from acrylic with a metal (gold or titanium) substructure. This option will match the function and aesthetics of natural teeth but they will be a little more bulky then the two options listed above. This is because the acrylic is not as strong as porcelain or zirconia and therefore will need a titanium or gold substructure for strength in order to have any longevity. In addition, the acrylic wears out more often and teeth need to be replaced because it is not as strong as the porcelain or zirconia.
Teeth-in-a-Day can be a great treatment option for multiple reasons It can be used if one has advanced periodontitis and is facing the loss of multiple teeth. It is a great option for anyone who would like to transition from a denture to something that is fixed and doesn’t move freely in the mouth. A dry mouth will create an environment that can make the teeth more prone to rapid decay. Dental implants are an excellent treatment option in this instance since they are not susceptible to decay. Even if you have multiple teeth that need crowns, root canals, and/or other extensive dental treatment, sometimes it is money well spent to go to implants instead or trying to do heroics on natural teeth.
Teeth-in-a-Day is a concept that has been around for many more years then the advertising might have you believe. If you are considering Teeth-in-a-Day as a treatment option be sure to check on the experience and credentials of your clinician. Specifically check on the experience of each clinician. More then one dentist may be involved and laboratory technicians, dental assistants, and dental hygienists are all part of a successful team. Like all dental procedures your current health will have an impact on the final success of dental implants as well.