Introduction
Sometimes our pearly-whites aren’t so pearly white. Throughout our lifetime, we may lose them — they could get ruined, go missing or we experience gum disease or other oral issues. Lucky for us, with advancements in technology, our oral surgeon or dentist has the solution to getting teeth in a day!
Getting teeth in a day is as simple as coming in to see your dentist for a consultation, undergoing the procedure and leaving at the end of the day with a shiny new set of teeth. A great alternative to removable dentures, teeth in a day dental implants are permanent and look and function like natural teeth.
We’ve enlisted the help of a dentist, Dr Samintharaj Kumar, to walk us through everything we need to know about getting teeth in a day, how the magic happens, its costs and other related topics.
How does getting teeth in a day work?
Assuming consultation and the treatment plan have been planned out, the patient comes in on the day of the procedure at 7 in the morning to start the day early. The remaining teeth are removed from the affected jaw(s) are removed and four dental implants will be placed.
The patient is then provided a recovery room for them to rest. The full-arch acrylic bridge is then attached in the afternoon to the four implants and by the end of the day, the patient is sent home with new teeth.
There will be a pre-consultation visit, in addition to a review seven days after the procedure and two weeks thereafter.
You may watch this video by Dr Daniel of Daniel Daniel Dentistry where he gave an excellent explanation of what "teeth in a day" really means.
Also read: The Ultimate Cost Guide for Dental Procedures in Singapore (2021)
How natural can I expect the results to be?
Teeth in a day implants feel quite natural, although of course, you cannot expect them to be exactly the way your own permanent teeth used to be.
During your consultation, when in doubt, you may request for photographs to view the differences in a patient’s teeth before and after to get a better visual understanding of what to expect after the procedure.
Alternatively, if you are more concerned with the sensation of dental implants in your mouth, you can request to speak with patients who have undergone the teeth in a day procedure and they would most likely be willing to talk to you about how natural the teeth feel in their mouth, whether they can chew comfortably and their experience throughout the procedure [1].
What is the success rate of Teeth in a Day dental implants?
With advanced implant technology and continuously improving techniques, the internationally quoted success rate for getting teeth in a day is 98.2% [2].
During my tenure as a dentist, my success rate for these implants have been higher than 98.2%, however, it is important to note a lot of this success is based on your ability to take care of your new implants and keep them clean.
How long do All-on-4 Teeth in a Day implants last?
Teeth in a Day implants, also known as All-on-4 implants, consist of an implant component and a bridge. The implants do not get replaced in the patient’s entire lifetime. However, the bridge may be replaced if it gets damaged. This means that it does not disappear, but tends to look worn out or flattened with time, which would then call for a replacement.
There are two types of bridges available:
Acrylic bridge — is more cost-effective and lasts about 7 years
Ceramic bridge — lasts about 15 - 20 years and each tooth is a separate crown
Although much pricier, taking the ceramic bridge route would probably be the closest option to natural teeth in terms of feel and thickness. It also feels more natural to the tongue and allows you to pronounce or bite better because you can customise the bridge to the opposing jaw.
If cost is not an issue for you, then ceramic teeth are recommended as they are much prettier to look at and also thinner with a better bite.
Also read: All-On-4 Dental Implant In Singapore - A Patient's Journey
Conventional dental implant procedures vs getting Teeth in a Day dental implants
All-on-4 implants are done with a very specific goal in mind — to help people who are missing multiple teeth and therefore need multiple implants done. On the other hand, conventional implants can be done for a single missing tooth.
When you have a full jaw replacement, the all on 4 is known as the go-to for full-arch dental implants as it is more efficient and cost-effective. They are also less-invasive as the patient need not undergo bone grafting. This is an ideal option for patients who do not like long surgeries.
If you plan to have several implants done with conventional implants, the crowns or the bridge would not typically be done on the same day. The patients would usually have to wait for about four months. Patients would also have to undergo bone grafts and would have to wear dentures while waiting for the implants to heal.
On the other hand, for teeth in a day, there is no healing time as you are wearing the bridge during the healing time so it is more time-efficient as well.
How would I know if I am suitable for the Teeth in a Day procedure?
During your consultation with the dentist, he will examine the following to test your suitability for the dental implant treatment: [3]
- Medical history
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Osteoporosis
- Vitamin D or C definiciences
The doctor will also assess any form of potential problems that a patient might face that could contribute to poor healing of the implant.
It is also important to understand the patient’s expectations and to manage these expectations. Oftentimes, the patient expects to have the same teeth they once had when they were younger, however, this is not possible as you would still need strong bone to hold the teeth.
Read also: What do I need to know before getting a dental implant?
What possible complications could arise from teeth in a day dental implants?
The most common side effects experienced are swelling and bruising. However, swelling typically goes away within 48-72 hours, while the bruising should subside within one or two weeks.
Another rare and complex complication would be nerve damage if the implant procedure was not handled properly. Personally, I have not encountered a situation where this has happened, which is why it is very important to find a trusted and experienced oral surgeon or dentist who can ensure that the teeth in a day implants are done safely. Do not to worry as most surgeons are trained and experienced, but always do your research beforehand.
For cases where there is insufficient bone and bone grafts are not an option, patients would have to get zygomatic implants, which are dental implants that anchor in the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) instead of the maxilla (upper jaw). These are much longer implants and come with their own risk as they involve the delicate anatomical structures such as the orbit and are nearer to the eye. Therefore, in cases like these, it is very important to have an experienced surgeon [4].
Read also: 5 Reasons Why Dental Implants Fail
Is there an ideal age for getting teeth in a day?
It really depends on what problems you have and whether the solution for you is to have all your training teeth removed. My youngest patient is 27 years of age.
Read also: Dental Implants for Teenagers
What can I expect during my first consultation for teeth in a day implants?
Bring down x-ray results, medications (both prescription and over the counter medication), or anything that would help your dentist understand you holistically in terms of medical health.
An x-ray or CT scan will be taken to assess how much remaining bone you have in your mouth.
The dentist will talk to you about the whole process and whether you are suitable for the teeth in a day procedure. During cases where the All-on-4 treatment is not for you, you will be offered a different modality of treatment.
Read also: Are there any disadvantages in going directly for an immediate dental implant?
What sensations can I expect during the treatment?
During the treatment, you will not experience any pain and you may choose which type of anaesthesia will be used: [5]
Local anaesthesia - You will be numb, but you will hear all the sounds made during the procedure. The patients who have had All-on-4 implants done under LA recount hearing drilling sounds, doctors and nurses talking and the experience may not be as comfortable for you.
Intravenous (IV) sedation - Most patients are very groggy after the procedure and would not have remembered what happened during the treatment, but will feel very tired.
General anaesthesia - You will turn up at one of our day surgery centres and you will feel nothing during the procedure because you will be asleep.
Undergoing the teeth in a day procedure on local anaesthesia may not be a very comfortable experience for you, especially if you have dental anxiety and get nervous easily. However, it would be a point to note that it would cost more to go under IV sedation.
In my experience, it is usually a 60 - 40 split, where more patients choose to undergo the procedure under a local anaesthetic and others opt for the general anaesthetic.
How long will the procedure take?
The procedure takes about one and a half to two hours and depends on whether you are getting implants for one or both jaws. Sometimes, it may stretch up to three hours for more complicated procedures.
In my experience, I have done the lower jaw within 45 minutes and the upper jaws about 40-45 minutes too. To work on both jaws may sometimes take more time because you have to balance both the bones and the position of certain elements of the implant bridge. However, the procedure would not take more than three hours in total.
How can I prepare for the procedure?
Most preparation is done by the dental surgeon and planning comes from our end. However, I do advise that you come prepared knowing how to take care of your new dental bridges. It is paramount that you know how to clean your new bridges properly to ensure that they are kept in good condition.
Waterpik
You should also purchase a Waterpik, which is a device that shoots out water at high velocity and is the mainstay of keeping your bridge clean. You will still have to brush your teeth twice a day and use the Waterpik every night before bed.
You can then purchase a Waterpik through the clinic or online and learn how to utilise the Waterpik so that you will be accustomed to using it for your new dental implants.
Medical information
As mentioned earlier, be prepared with any form of medical information that would help your doctor understand you better such as, medical conditions you may have, medication you are taking or any relevant x-rays.
Supplements
Some patients also have chronically low vitamin C or vitamin D levels, so you can take supplements for these leading up to the day of the procedure. Your dental surgeon will give you specific instructions on the vitamin supplementation.
Planning
Lastly, try not to plan your procedure around a time when you are not expecting any major social events, like weddings or important functions. This is purely because you will experience some swelling and mild bruising.
What should I not do after the teeth in a day procedure?
To assist in the healing process, it is paramount that you steer clear of hard food for eight weeks.
You should also avoid vigorous exercise for 1-2 weeks because any form of exercise will reduce healing potential post-surgery. However, going on walks and light exercise is fine.
Read also: What are the main considerations in getting braces treatment after dental implants?
Do the All-on-4 teeth in a day implants need any special care?
Are they hard to keep clean?
It’s easy to keep your mouth clean, just use a Waterpik and brush your teeth twice a day. The important thing is to stay committed and disciplined in routinely cleaning your teeth for at least three minutes and it should be fine.
Patients who are not confident in keeping their dental implants clean could perhaps consider dentures instead.
Can you use mouth rinses like Listerine?
You can use a mouth rinse. In fact, your Waterpik comes with a reservoir where you can add in saltwater or mouth rinses.
Alternatively, you can use mouth rinses just before you sleep just to keep your mouth feeling fresher before bed.
Will alcohol affect my teeth in a day implants?
Alcohol will cause degeneration of gum or bone that is healing around the implants, so I strongly advise you to abstain from alcohol for least a week.
This advice may vary, as some doctors would advise you to stay away from alcohol for an extended period of time, however, for me I don’t restrict patients from taking it for more than a week.
Will I experience any lifestyle changes with the new implants?
After undergoing Teeth in a Day implant, most patients end up happy, cheerful and more socially open. They may have been reclusive before their new implants, but after all the healing is done, they’ll find that they can eat better, smile brighter and their social life dramatically improves [6].
What are the costs of getting teeth in a day?
The ballpark range of a standard all-on-4 Teeth in a Day treatment is $23,000 in Singapore, with the complicated cases ranging up to $25,000.
Different types of bridges also vary in cost. Acrylic bridges cost around $7000. Alternatively, for a sturdier and long-lasting option, ceramic bridges cost about $22,000.
As the costs of getting Teeth in a Day implants vary with complexity, the brand of the dental implant, type of pain relief and your dentist’s skill, it is best to consult your doctor and you will be advised on all costs pre-consultation.
The procedure is Medisave claimable [7].
Read also: The Ultimate Cost Guide to Dental Implants in Singapore (2021)
Are there any alternatives to getting teeth in a day?
If it’s down to cost, alternative treatment options, such as Korean branded implants, would be a comparatively more affordable choice to the Swiss implants.
Any common misconceptions you’d like to address?
People assume that once they get their new Teeth in a Day implants, they’re all set and no longer need to worry about dental hygiene too much.
Contrary to this theory, you must actually be committed to keeping your teeth clean. Dental implants are still a foreign object in your mouth and you will have to clean its surfaces to prevent bacteria growth and your implants from failing!
Summary
Hopefully, this article has helped you learn more about getting teeth in a day! There is a vast amount of dental implant surgery options available and sometimes it can be confusing. Therefore, it is paramount that you find an experienced dentist that could help aid you in diagnosing your problem accurately and in finding the best solution for you.
I would love to help you in your dental journey. Here's a list of dental services that we provide at Nuffield Dental.
You may book an appointment with us through this contact form or find your nearest Nuffield Dental clinic through this clinic locator.
About Dr Kumar:
As an undergraduate, Dr Samintharaj Kumar was the first South-East Asian recipient for the David B. Scott Research Fellowship Award from the International Association for Dental Research. In 2001, he obtained his bachelors in Dentistry.
In 2001, he obtained his bachelors in Dentistry. While at medical school he received awards from the British Association of Plastic Surgeons, British Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, The Royal College of Physicians and The Wellcome Trust. He was also awarded the Drummond and Frank Scott Prize. , the British Association of Plastic Surgeons, British Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, The Royal College of Physicians and The Wellcome Trust.
You may also read more about the topic of dental implants here. We have an array of dental implants related articles and questions that will definitely help you.
