Teeth in a Day All on 4 - All on 6

Teeth in a day - All on Four - All On Six

Teeth in a day or the concept of having a full set of teeth in one day is not new in Oral Surgery but has become more popular lately among dental practices across the UK.

The very first case of 4 implants and a full arch fixed bridge was first demonstrated in 1977 and since 1990 Oral surgeons around the world have started to place the bridge in the same day they placed the implants.

Teeth in a day is a major advantage for people who have lost their teeth completely or have few teeth left that are not useful anymore causing more harm than good.

As periodontitis affects a good percentage of adults and treatment to cure periodontitis is still a challenge , Teeth in a day has been for the past 20 years a real hope for patients.

Depending on the amount of existing bone patients may require bone graft prior to surgical insertion of implants or at the same time with implant placement. Bone graft is necessary in over 90 % of cases when placing implants due to bone resorption that takes place after a tooth extraction.

Teeth in a day is basically the procedure of placing implants and teeth in the same day so patients can smile without being ashamed of not having teeth. The concept of Teeth in a day could be divided in All on 4 or All on 6 depending on the amount of implants placed on either mandible or maxilla or sometimes both arches.

The procedure is done under local anesthetic, nervous patients can choose sedation which makes the entire surgery more relaxing. Once the patient is numb, oral surgeon will insert the implants after consulting the CT scan (CBCT) showing bone levels where implants need to be placed. Bone graft and membrane are very common as any implant needs a certain amount of bone around for the long term success. Soft tissue grafting is also common so additional surgery can be required after an All on 4 or All on 6 treatment.

Once the implants have been placed, the most common immediate bridge to be fixed on implants is a denture which is modified to fit perfectly and to be screwed on implants. Modern techniques of intra oral scan will offer a more precise and a faster approach of the final fixed bridge on implants. The latest technology offers oral surgeons to place implants guided which means an exact position of implants determined by computer and a previously made temporary bridge which will be screwed on implants.

Another more modern approach which will be soon available is the combination between intraoral scanning and a 3D printed bridge which will allow dentists a good timing and predictable results.

Once the fixed bridge is in place patients will have to eat soft food for the first weeks as healing takes time. Swelling, bruises are common but painkillers and antibiotics will reduce any post surgical side effect.

Final bridge will be placed after 4 - 9 months depending if patient had sinus lift procedure or not. Final prosthesis can be made out of zirconia or titanium frame with ceramic teeth, most bridges having pink gum to recreate a natural look.

Patients treated with Teeth in a Day either through All in 4 or All on 6 need to be aware that implants require a special attention when it comes to oral hygiene. Normal brushing with toothbrush and toothpaste needs to be bonded to a thoroughly mouthwash rinsing and oral irrigator use so plaque, food and bacteria are washed away from the most delicate area which is the jonction between implant abutment and gum ( connective tissue ).

Regular dentist visits for patients with dental implants should happen every 5 months and sometimes an OPG ( panoramic X ray ) may be required to assess any complication which might occur.