Have you heard about an exciting smile-restoration treatment called teeth-in-a-day? Here we answer all your most burning questions about this convenient and transformative treatment.
Can Teeth Implants Be Done in One Day?
The term “Teeth-in-a-Day” derives from the fact that you can get a new set of teeth implanted in a single day without having to return to the dentist’s chair for further surgery at any other point. With that said, most patients can’t walk into our office on a Monday morning with no prior preparation and go home with a full set of new teeth by the evening. That’s not how All-On-4® implants work.
Your Teeth-in-a-Day journey begins with a consultation with a dental implant specialist. Following the initial discussion, the specialist will arrange an X-ray to check if Teeth-in-a-Day is the right procedure for you. You don’t have to do anything during this process, but it can take up to two weeks to get confirmation.
Depending on the condition of your existing teeth, you may require extractions. Dentists like to perform these six weeks in advance of All-on-Four implants to give your gum time to heal. However, we might agree to remove teeth on the same day, depending on your jawbone condition.
Thus, “Teeth-in-a-Day” refers to how long the patient has to sit in the chair. Once the preparatory work is done, you can get your new set of teeth fitted in a single session—no further follow-up sessions for additional surgery or implants.
After All-On-4® surgery, we will organize follow-ups to check that your new implants are fusing correctly with your jawbone. You’ll need to eat a soft food diet for the first six to eight weeks. But other than that, you’re free to enjoy your new smile.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are suitable for a broad array of patients. Practically anyone with missing teeth or existing tooth replacement options can benefit. All-On-4® is particularly suited for those worried about their dentures falling out or patients with confidence issues when smiling because of missing teeth. It is also useful for anyone worrying about jawbone shrinkage in the future because of a lack of biting pressure. All-On-4® helps restore regular chewing forces from the teeth to the jawbone, keeping it healthy and thick.
How Does It Work?
Teeth-in-a-Day relies on All-On-4® implants, a special technique that provides all of the advantages of regular implants, minus the need for separate posts for each crown.
All-On-4® works by completely replacing all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw (or both) with an implant that uses four to six posts. During the first appointment, we will remove any remaining teeth and then place the posts that will support your new set of teeth. Because it takes time for the implanted posts to fuse with the bone, you may receive a temporary set of fixed dentures. Then, once the fusing process is complete, you’ll return for another short session with us to fit your final replacement teeth.
What to Expect During Surgery
In contrast to traditional dental implant processes, Teeth-in-a-day provides you with implants and mounting in a single visit.
The placement procedure usually takes a couple of hours. On the day, you will most likely receive a sedative to help you relax. You will also get a local anesthetic in the areas receiving the posts. Once the medication takes effect, you’ll receive the implants. Usually, the All-On-4® method involves placing the jawbone posts at an off-center angle, reducing or eliminating the need for bone grafts.
Once the implants are in place, we will place the temporary/permanent set of crowns, bridges, or dentures, depending on your particular circumstances, completing the surgery.
What to Expect After Surgery
The first thing you will notice afterward is your fantastic new set of teeth – perhaps even better than the originals!
After that initial elation, you will need to focus on your recovery.
Most patients experience some discomfort that may last for a few days as the anesthetic wears off. This pain should not be severe. If it is, you should contact us for a check-up.
You’ll also need to allow time for osseointegration to occur – where the implant posts fuse with your jawbone. This process takes between three to six months.
In light of this, you’ll need to adjust your diet during the recovery period, eating only soft foods for the first six to eight weeks and avoiding anything particularly hard, crunchy, or chewy for the full healing period. By following sensible eating habits, you will maximize the chance that the procedure will be successful.
What You Can Eat and What to Avoid
What you can eat changes depending on the length of time elapsed since surgery.
- The first two weeks. During the first two weeks, you should base your diet primarily on liquids. Stick with frozen yogurt, milk, broths, creamed soups, custard, ice cream, tea, coffee, and protein shakes. Avoid sticky toffee, stringy meat, or anything hard, like nuts.
- Between two and eight weeks. Choose a primarily soft food diet. Suitable foods include eggs, cheese, mashed potato, soft tofu, quinoa, oatmeal, and soft bread. Avoid chips, raw fruits and vegetables (unless pureed), and hard candies.
- After eight weeks. Because All-On-4® takes three to six months to heal completely, you should avoid very hard or sticky foods for the remainder of your recovery time. Focus on getting a healthy variety of soft foods to enhance the healing process.
How All-On-4® Will Improve Quality of Life
All-On-4® improves your quality of life by accurately mimicking both the form and function of regular teeth. When you choose Teeth-in-a-Day, you’re effectively making your mouth more youthful. You automatically become more confident bearing your teeth around other people, allowing you to smile again. You’ll look healthier, younger, and happier – all of which can make a massive difference in how you feel.
If you are interested in learning more about All-On-4® teeth-in-a-day, please contact us to schedule an appointment. We will answer your questions and help you make an informed decision if it is right for you.
