TEETH-IN-AN-HOUR™ is a revolutionary concept providing patients with fully functioning teeth on dental implants in a single procedure that takes about an hour. This technology was developed with the collaboration between both the restorative doctor and the oral surgeon. 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. The computer-guided implant surgery is done minimally invasive without requiring any flap reflection. This benefits the patient in that there is less postoperative discomfort, less swelling, and less bruising. Patients can often resume their normal activities the next day.
The process begins when a CAT scan is taken of the patient’s jaw bone. This CAT scan allows for the generation of a three-dimensional model of the jaw bone that can then be used with virtual reality software to plan the implant placement without the presence of the patient. The results are a more accurate implant placement and less chair time for the patient.
How Do You Prepare for Teeth in an Hour?
This surgery is usually performed under IV sedation in the office setting. If you are having IV anesthesia the patient must fast (no food/drink/water) for 6 hours prior to surgery. After the surgery the patient will have to avoid chewing solid food for a period of time so stocking your kitchen with soft foods such as soups, pudding, yogurt, eggs, fish, soft pasta and of course ice cream is advisable.
Why is Teeth in an Hour Performed?
Patients who are missing all of their teeth or have a failing dentition are candidates for a full mouth reconstruction such as “teeth in an hour”.
What is the Follow Up and Recovery Like for Teeth in an Hour?
Depending upon the extent of the surgery as well as the preoperative condition of the jaw, this surgery usually causes only mild to moderate postoperative pain and swelling. Chewing solid foods will be restricted for a period of time postoperatively to ensure proper healing. Normal yet careful oral hygiene should be maintained.
Followup at one week postop is common. Depending on the extent of the surgery performed, final healing is usually complete at 3-6 months.
What Are The Potential Risks of Teeth in an Hour?
Like any surgical procedure the risks are pain, swelling, infection and bleeding. Implant failure is also a risk but the incidence is usually around 2%.
Are There Related Treatments to Teeth in an Hour?
The length, cost and expected recovery vary based upon the preoperative condition of the jaw, for example the presence of teeth that require extraction, the presence of infection and inadequate volume of bone will require more involved surgery.