Same Day Fixed Teeth with Dental Implants
This can refer to a number of situations in which teeth can be placed upon implants on the day of placing implants. However most of these have been discussed elsewhere and in this section we will focus on the current common understanding of this term. Many variations in naming exist including: same day teeth, fixed implant teeth, one day smile treatment, etc.
What does this technique mean?
Same day fixed teeth is commonly understood to mean replacement of a full set of teeth (i.e., upper or lower is one set) using implants to support a fixed bridge as opposed to a removable denture. The patient leaves the practice with a set of teeth on the same day as the placement of the implants. As this technique is commonly used to treat a falling or terminal dentition in which all the teeth need to be extracted, it is often the case that the teeth are extracted on the same day as the placement of the implants with fixed teeth also being provided on the same day.
A number of branded systems have been developed with some characteristics unique to each brand. Perhaps the most well-known one is the “All on 4” technique of the Nobel Biocare company. However it needs to be stressed that most implant systems have the capability for a same day fixed technique. Another well-known system is the one from the German company Bredent. Their system is called “Fast and Fixed” and uses their SKY implant system but essentially the principles are the same as the All on 4 technique but with one important difference; fast and fixed does not limit itself to only 4 implants. Usually in the upper jaw 6 implants are used and grafting is carried out where necessary. In the lower jaw 4 implants are still generally used.
What are the advantages of this technique?
This technique has been developed to:
- Provide fixed teeth in one day
- Ensure function aesthetics are maintained from day one
- Avoid long treatment plans that can extend to months or years
- Provide all initial extractions, implant surgery and fixed teeth in one day
- Avoid where possible complex grafting such as sinus grafts in the upper jaw and nerve repositioning in the lower jaw or onlay grafting in either
- Reduce the time and cost of the treatment
What are the disadvantages of this technique?
- Most dental implant surgeons cannot do this treatment
- Not all patients are suitable as is actually the case with almost any technique
- Generally speaking the final restoration will be a metal acrylic bridge – these can be regarded as fixed dentures. However bridges in other materials can be made usually at additional cost. This is only a disadvantage if a patient desires natural, single implant crowns
The All on 4 Same Day Dental Implant technique
This is a type of the treatment described above and is a brand of the Nobel Biocare company. This branded technique was devolved in conjunction with an eminent Portuguese dentist Dr. Paolo Malo. It again is designed to achieve the aim of providing fixed teeth in a day.
The all on 4 implant technique is a method to replace a full arch of missing teeth with only 4 dental implants supporting a fixed denture / bridge all in one day. There are no more or no less implants regardless of the anatomy and the patient is made to fit the technique as opposed to the more usual other way round. In this technique the two back implants in the jaw are angled backwards to allow a spread so that the bridge can be spread over a smaller number of implants. Also the need to graft is significantly reduced.
The technique involves implants that are angled at the back to avoid sinus grafting in the upper and nerve repositioning in the lower jaw and by dint of this does have advantages.
However as usual neither this nor ANY other technique is guaranteed to be suitable for all patients.
The SKY Fast and Fixed Technique
In principle as stated above this is similar to the All on 4 technique and the implants are aligned in a similar way to allow the bridge to be screwed into the implants. The upper jaw is bridged with 6 implants as opposed to 4 but the lower jaw is often restored with 4, although 6 implants is not uncommon at all.
Who is suitable for this treatment?
This modality is suitable for patents:
Who have a failing or terminal dentition where decay and/or gum disease has rendered extraction of a full set of upper or lower teeth to be necessary or advisable.
- Patients who are wearing removable dentures and wish to have fixed teeth
- Patients who cannot tolerate the palate on the upper denture that causes them to gag
- Patients who do not have the budget, time or inclination for a conventional full set of fixed teeth involving grafting or complex surgeries
What is the general sequence of the treatment?
1. Initial Consultation
This is often at an enquiry stage when options are discussed, and the patient’s suitability dentally and medically is assessed for implant treatment.
2. A detailed consultation and assessment
This is an essential and very important part of the process when a very detailed and focussed discussion will be had. The assessment includes X Rays, CT Scans, photos, impressions and other records. All this information will then be collated, assessed and a detailed treatment plan formulated. A report will be sent out to the patient with all relevant information including findings, a record of the discussion and a detailed treatment plan including the fees.
3. The day of the surgery
This happens when any laboratory work is has been constructed. The surgery may include extractions, modifications to the jaws and placement of the implants. In some cases it may not be possible to fix the teeth on the same day for clinical reasons. In this case the patient is still provided with a temporary denture until such time as the implants can be placed or until they are strong enough to be loaded. Some time is then taken to fabricate the acrylic bridge during which time the patient may rest. Once the bridge has been constructed it is connected to the implants, the bite and aesthetics are refined and the patient is sent home with fixed teeth.
4. The patient is reviewed after the treatment, which may be the next day or more usually about 2 weeks later when they are checked to see that all is well. Minor modifications can be made at this stage.
5. If the patient has chosen, then the acrylic bridge is replaced by a metal acrylic one, which is stronger and much more durable than the acrylic one. This bridge can be modified before finish to include such changes as the patient may require and that are possible. These second bridges can be made in other materials such as metal fused to porcelain or all ceramic. However, these are much more expensive to provide and much more difficult to service if they need any attention in future years. We generally recommend the metal acrylic bridge in these cases. This phase may involve new impressions a try in prior to fitting of the finished bridge.
6. The review of the final bridge
Your search for teeth whitening London, cosmetic dentist London, dental implants London, or for a qualified dentist London ends here. The London Dental Studio is dedicated to providing total patient care with some of the high qualified and experienced dental surgeons in the UK. Our dentists are supported by in-house professionals in all fields of cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and a full range of routine dental treatments.
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