How Do Same Day Dental Implants Work?
Are you considering full-arch implants?
If you’ve been considering full-arch implants to replace your missing teeth, you’ve likely heard of same day dental implants. Going by a number of names, from ‘Teeth-in-a-Day’ to ‘All-on-4,’ these implants promise a full set of beautiful, natural-looking teeth in an extremely short amount of time. But, how do they work? And, more importantly, are they the right solution for you?
What Are Same Day Dental Implants?
We’ve discussed All-on-4 dental implants in prior posts but, in short, these dental implants are an alternative to dentures that permanently affix to your jawbone to provide the most natural, most attractive solution to missing or damaged teeth. As a way to retain your face’s contour and maintain your oral – and bone – health, they’re unparalleled.
Where traditional implants are a single tooth placed over a single implant that’s fixed to your jawbone, All-on-4 – or same day dental implants – are a full-mouth prosthesis that your dentist anchors with four titanium screws. Designed to be a long-lasting solution, they provide an extremely secure fit that better preserves the natural contours of your face.
What Are the Benefits of Same Day Implants?
As we’ve mentioned, same day dental implants are a cost-effective and long-lasting option. Unlike traditional dental implant procedures and tooth replacement options, same day implants work differently, as they replace a full arch – upper or lower – of missing teeth at once. Because of this, they offer significant advantages over traditional dental implants.
And, while these positives alone are often enough to sway patients into choosing them, they’re also more convenient, more comfortable, and better for your oral health, especially if immediate tooth replacement is necessary.
Additional Benefits of Full-Arch Dental Implants
- Perfect fit. Dental implants offer a no-hassle fit. They can’t be rivaled by dentures, which often require regular refittings, uncomfortable adhesives, and daily removal.
- Peace of mind. Fixed to your jawbone with titanium posts, implants mimic your natural teeth. You don’t have to avoid certain foods or worry about them becoming detached.
- Easier to maintain. With dental implants, you’re not required to drastically alter your normal oral hygiene routine: simply brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly.
- Better outcomes. While it may seem more involved than other implant methods, All-on-4 implants deliver better, more natural looking results that can last a lifetime.
Things to Know About One Day Dental Implants
Before you commit to same day dental implants, there are a few key things you should know. And, since these things differ from traditional implants, it’s important for us to detail them here.
Surgical Procedures
First and foremost, same day dental implants are a surgical procedure. Unlike dentures or prosthetic teeth, implant surgery is required to prepare and surgically place your new teeth. Of course, the benefit of this is that dental implants are near-permanent teeth, unlike other options that provide only temporary restoration.
Bone Grafting
In cases where bone structure has been depleted, dental bone grafting may be necessary before you can receive your same day implants. If you’ve suffered long-term tooth loss, gum disease, or other common causes of bone loss, it’s likely that a graft will be necessary.
Healing Process
Every patient is different, and it’s important to have realistic expectations in regards to when you will be fully healed. Most patients, however, will experience some initial discomfort in the week following their implant procedure. After that initial healing period, it is extremely important to follow the regimen your dentist recommends and – more importantly – not skip any of your scheduled dental visits.
Implant Failure
While it’s extremely rare, implant failure can occur. However, studies have shown that under 5% of dental implants fail after six years. But, because the possibility exists, it’s incredibly important to care for your implants during the initial healing period. And, even more crucial, it’s essential to visit your dentist regularly to ensure the implant integrates properly and proper healing has occurred.
What is the Dental Implant Surgery Process?
Aiming to make your implant procedure as easy as possible, West Wind Dental is committed to transparency. We begin your journey with diagnosis and planning. During our initial consultation, we perform a complete examination, including X-rays. We’ll also analyze your current oral hygiene routine, health problems, and any other variables that may complicate the process.
After we have all the information we need, we’ll schedule your tooth extraction. At this time, we’ll remove your teeth to make room for your new dental implants. Once they’ve been removed, our implant dentist will install the four upper and lower implants. Your new teeth will be anchored to these sockets, so they’re carefully angled into the regions of your jawbone with the highest bone density.
Finally, we install your new, custom-made teeth. Designed with your input, these teeth are created to perfectly imitate natural teeth. After you’ve had time to heal, you’ll be free to enjoy all of your favorite foods. You’ll be able to smile without reservation. And, most importantly, you’ll be able to live your life to the fullest without fear or hesitation.
Ready for Your One Day Dental Implants?
At West Wind Dental, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality dental services in Kalamazoo, Portage, and beyond. With years of experience and a full team of caring, compassionate professionals, you can be confident that we’ll work with you to discover the absolute best answer to your dental needs.
Our dentist’s office is committed to providing patients with top-quality implant dentistry, and virtually permanent restoration of their natural smile. If you’re tired of hiding your smile and believe that you’d be a good candidate for same day dental implants, our team is here to help. We’ll examine your dental health, determine if you have sufficient bone density, and develop a treatment plan that is customized to your circumstances.
So, if you’re ready to learn more about our dental implant services, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Andrew Hamilton, DDS, FAGD
Dr. Hamilton is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Michigan Dental Association (MDA), the Kalamazoo Valley District Dental Society (KVDDS), the American Academy of Implant dentistry (AAID), the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics (IAFA) and also attends courses with the Pikos Institute in Northwest Florida. He is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICIO), has achieved fellowship status in the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA) and in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), has graduated from and is an alumnus of the Kois Center program in Seattle, and is on the faculty of the Global Dental Implant Academy (GDIA).
The little spare time left over is spent Steelhead and Salmon fishing and the occasional round of golf.