Teeth, “In-A-Day”

TEETH, “IN-A-DAY” is a concept providing patients with fully functioning teeth on dental implants in a series of procedures that can be completed in one day. This concept requires collaboration between both the restorative doctor and the surgeon, and careful pre-operative planning involving patient-specific CT scan guided treatment planning. This merging of knowledge and experience achieves not only increased safety, but also a more precise implant placement. In addition, the fabrication of a final prosthesis is completed prior to the surgery. In some cases computer-guided implant surgery can be done without any large incisions or soft tissue flap reflection. This benefits the patient because there is less postoperative discomfort, less swelling and less bruising. Patients can often resume their normal activities within a day or two of the surgery.

The process starts when a CAT scan (CT) is taken of the patient’s jaws. This CAT scan allows for the generation of a three-dimensional model of the jaws that can then be used with virtual reality software to plan the implant placement without the presence of the patient. The results are more accurate implant placement, and less chair time for the patient at the surgery office.

This procedure was designed with the completely edentulous (missing all teeth) patient in mind, and usually begins with a temporary prosthesis that will be replaced after several months of healing with a more permanent design.

Patients should be wary of treatment centers that promise unrealistic outcome for such a series of procedures, and of those who offer misleading information regarding the actual time and cost associated with such sophisticated treatment. If you think you may be a candidate for such a treatment please contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Heggland.