Dental implants offer a variety of tooth replacement options from single tooth replacement to bridges and dentures for multiple teeth. The process of getting dental implants varies depending on a variety of factors, including the type, location, and number of implants. As patients consider the pros and cons of dental implants, one question tends to arise: can dental implants be done in one day? In some cases, yes. Here’s how it works.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. Titanium is a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone to form a solid bond that can last a lifetime. A single dental implant can support a porcelain crown to replace one tooth. Multiple dental implants can support a bridge or dentures.
Dental Implants in a Day
There’s one type of dental implant restoration that can be completed in one day. All-on-4 is a full arch denture that is supported by 4-6 dental implants. The procedure to place the implants and attach the dentures can be done in one day after the necessary preparations are made. All-on-4 dentures are fixed, meaning once they are attached to the implants they can only be removed by your dentist.
How the Process Works
The first step in the process is a consultation to determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for All-on-4 dental implants. You will have an evaluation with impressions and X-ray images to measure your jaw bone density to ensure that it will support 4 implants. If it is determined that you are a candidate for the procedure, you will schedule an appointment to have your implants placed and your dentures attached at a later date. To do this procedure, our office will work hand in hand with your general dentist office.
What if I am Not a Candidate for One Day Dental Implants?
Some patients will not be able to receive implant supported dentures in just one day. If your jaw bone has weakened and you’ve suffered bone loss, you may need a bone graft procedure to prepare the jaw to receive implants. A bone graft involves placing a bone fragment under the gums on top of the existing jaw bone to strengthen it and encourage regeneration. It can take a few months for the jaw to grow thick enough to support an implant. Even if you don’t qualify for one day dental implants, we work with your general dentist to provide temporary restorations that look and function naturally while you wait.
What is the Difference Between All-on-4 and Implant Supported Dentures?
There are a few differences between these two procedures. All-on-4 requires only 4 dental implants, but implant supported dentures typically require 6 implants. All-on-4 dentures are fixed, but implant supported dentures can be fixed or removable. We will discuss the different options at a consultation appointment to see what best fits your lifestyle and expectations.
Holzinger Periodontics Provides Dental Implants in One Day
If you’re looking for dental implants you can get in a single day, Holzinger Periodontics offers this option. After a consultation and evaluation, we can determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for this procedure and make the necessary preparations.
Call 860-347-8457 today to schedule an appointment at our Middletown office or 860-224-0433 for our New Britain location.