Dental implants are the top tooth replacement option in dentistry. With this technology your entire tooth and root system can be replaced with a naturally looking and functioning prosthetic. A single dental implant can support one artificial tooth and multiple implants can support a bridge or a full set of dentures.
If you’re considering dental implants, you may be wondering how you’ll be able to fit the procedure into your busy lifestyle. How long does it take? Can dental implants be done in one day? Here’s what you can expect so you can plan your schedule accordingly.
How Traditional Dental Implants Work
Dental implants require minimally invasive oral surgery. A dental implant is a post made of titanium that is surgically placed in the jaw bone to replace the natural tooth root that has been lost. Titanium is a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone in your jaw through a process called osseointegration. In a typical dental implant procedure, the prosthetic tooth replacement is not attached until osseointegration has fully taken effect, which can take a few months.
A single dental implant can replace one missing tooth with an artificial crown attached. Two dental implants can support a bridge. A full set of implant supported dentures can be secured with 4-6 dental implants.
Can the Dental Implant Procedure Be Done in a Day?
There are some instances where implants can be placed and the prosthetic can be attached on the same day. Some patients may be candidates for this procedure and some may not. A brief evaluation can determine whether or not you can get dental implants in one day. Your dentist will assess your oral health and jaw bone condition to ensure that one day dental implants are possible for you.
Types of One Day Dental Implants
There are two types of dental implants that have the potential to be placed in one day:
- Same Day Dental Implants. A same day dental implant refers to a single implant placed in the jaw with one artificial tooth attached. In most cases the artificial tooth will be a temporary crown that will remain in place until the permanent crown has been created. The temporary crown may be in place for 6 to 16 weeks. This offers you a natural look while you wait for your permanent restoration.
- Teeth in a Day. Also called All-on-4, Teeth in a Day is a procedure used to replace all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, sometimes both. The procedure involves placing 4 or more dental implants in the jaw to support a full denture. The temporary dentures can be attached to the implants on the same day they are placed. A new set of permanent dentures will be attached later once the tissue has healed at the sites where the dental implants were placed.
Do I Need a Consultation?
Before you can get dental implants in one day, you’ll need a thorough exam and consultation. We will discuss the procedure with you and evaluate the current condition of your mouth and jaw to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. Then we will schedule the procedure for a later date where you will receive your implants and new teeth.
How Do I Get Started?
If you’re interested in getting same day dental implants or teeth in a day, Progressive Periodontics & Implant Dentistry provides all types of dental implants. After your initial evaluation and consultation, we can make a recommendation for the best tooth replacement option for you.
Contact us today at one of our two convenient locations to schedule your appointment.