My patients, personal friends, and others who know I’m a dentist, often ask, “Is it really possible to get new teeth in a day?” The answer is yes, it is possible. The question is likely due to the amount of marketing from dentists providing this service. This type of service has been around for years and was typically provided only by dental specialists, such as prosthodontists, oral surgeons, and/or periodontists. With recent advances in technology and specialized training, many general dentists—including myself—can offer this service without the need to refer to a specialist. Of course, there may be special circumstances where treatment by an outside specialist is indicated.
When people talk about “teeth in a day” they are referring to a procedure whereby all the remaining teeth are removed, four to six dental implants are placed in the jawbone, then a denture is fastened to those implants with small screws only the dentist can remove. With such a denture attached to implants, patients are able to leave the office and smile with confidence, knowing their denture will not move or come out of the mouth. When four dental implants are used, this procedure is referred to as “All-on-Four”; in other words, all the teeth of one “arch” is supported by a denture connected to four implants, offering the most cost-effective way to support a “fixed” denture to implants. The number of implants used is affected by the quality and quantity of bone present in the jawbone as well as other factors driven by patient desires, prosthetic design, and the patient’s budget for such treatment. Here are questions people commonly have about teeth in a day:
Q: Am I a candidate for teeth in a day?
A: This procedure is done for people who have the majority of their teeth in one or both arches failing; this could be due to gum disease, advanced dental decay, or other problems that make restoring the remaining teeth impractical. This is typically determined on the patient’s first visit to the office when the doctor does a thorough examination to determine the condition of the teeth, gums, bone, and jaw joints. The doctor will discuss all other options available so the patient can decide what’s best for them.
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: If only one arch (all upper or lower teeth) is treated, the procedure can be done in about four hours. If both arches are treated, then the procedure can take the entire day.
Q: Will I be awake for the appointment?
A: Most patients undergo the procedure while awake, using a “local” anesthetic, such as lidocaine. Some patients choose to be asleep for the procedure. In this case, an anesthesiologist is brought into the office to assist the doctor during the procedure. This way the dentist can concentrate on the surgical procedure while the anesthesiologist focuses on keeping the patient asleep and comfortable.
Q: What are the benefits?
A: Replacing damaged, diseased, and poorly functioning teeth with a high-tech implant-supported denture builds confidence and self-esteem. Most patients have a dramatic improvement in their overall health not only because they feel better about their appearance but they also tend to choose healthier foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats that they were not able to chew before. The All-on-Four technique may also be less costly than other types of implant-supported dentures or bridges.
Q: How long will it last?
A: With any medical procedure there can never be guaranteed results, however, I can comment on typical success rates in healthy individuals. A 2011 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association showed a success rate of just over ninety-nine percent with up to ten years of follow up. The success of each individual case depends on many factors, including but not limited to the patient’s oral hygiene habits, the biting force of the individual, the quality of the materials used, and the clinical expertise of the dental clinician.
Q: How do I know if I have good enough bone for implants?
A: During the examination appointment, the doctor will take a three-dimensional X-ray of the patient’s mouth called a “Cone Beam Computerized Tomogram” (CBCT) or “Cone Beam CT.” This allows the doctor to see the thickness and bone quality of the jawbones as well as see important anatomic landmarks used to properly place the dental implants in the jawbone(s).
Q: Will I be in pain after the procedure?
A: Most patients experience little or no discomfort after the procedure. Typically, patients manage any discomfort they may have with over-the-counter pain medications, such as Aleve, Advil, or Tylenol. In some situations, stronger pain medications are prescribed.
Q: How many appointments are required?
A: Although it only requires one appointment to remove the bad teeth and place the new implants and denture, there are typically about five total appointments required over a three-month period. The first appointment is for diagnosis and planning; the second is to remove the remaining teeth and place the “interim” denture; the third is for the final moulding of the jaw and implants so the permanent denture can be made; the fourth is to “try-in” and evaluate the permanent denture, and the fifth is for follow up.