If you’ve lost one or more teeth, you might be feeling unsure about your next steps. Missing teeth can impact your confidence, make daily tasks like eating more difficult, and affect your overall oral health. You might have heard about dental implants but feel uncertain about which option is right for you. Don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through the decision-making process so you can get back to smiling with confidence.
When patients ask about dental implants, one of the most common questions we get is, “Can I get my new teeth in just one day?” The answer depends on the type of implant you need and how many teeth are being replaced. Let’s explore the differences between Teeth in a Day and individual dental implants and why one might be a better option for you.
What Is Teeth in a Day?
Teeth in a Day is a specialized procedure that allows you to receive a full set of replacement teeth on the same day we place your dental implants. We normally recommend Teeth in a Day for patients who need to replace an entire arch of teeth (upper, lower, or both).
How Does Teeth in a Day Work?
The process involves placing multiple implants—usually 4 to 8—in strategic locations along the jaw. The implants provide a stable foundation for a temporary set of prosthetic teeth, which we attach immediately after we place the implants. This means you leave the office with a fully functional smile that day.
Individual Dental Implants
When Are Individual Dental Implants Appropriate?
If you need to replace one or just a few teeth, individual dental implants are the better option. We can place single implants in your jaw where you are missing teeth. After a brief healing time, we’ll finish them with natural-looking prosthetics, like crowns or a bridge, based on your needs.
How Do Single Dental Implants Work?
When you get a single implant, we surgically insert a titanium post into your jawbone to act as the tooth’s root. However, this implant post isn’t immediately strong enough to support a crown. It needs time to heal and integrate with the bone—a process known as osseointegration.
Why Do Individual Dental Implants Take Longer?
Because single implants are not connected to any other teeth, each individual post is relatively weak when first placed. If we were to attach a crown right away, it would put pressure on the implant before it’s fully integrated into the bone and significantly increase the risk of implant failure. For this reason, you need a healing period of 3 to 4 months before we can place the permanent crown or bridge.
Why Is Teeth in a Day Different?
The difference with Teeth in a Day comes down to how implants work together. Instead of relying on the strength of one or two individual implants, Teeth in a Day uses multiple implants across the arch. We then attach the implants to a temporary set of teeth, which we can do the same day because, together, the implants provide immediate strength and stability. In other words, with Teeth in a Day, the implants support one another, creating a secure foundation that allows you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence right after surgery.
Watch the video above of Dr. Stryker explaining the difference between Teeth in a Day and individual dental implants.
Finding the Right Option for You
While Teeth in a Day gives you fast results when you need a full arch replacement, it’s not the right solution for everyone. Factors like bone density and oral health play a key role in determining which option is best. Dr. Stryker and the rest of our team will conduct a thorough evaluation to recommend the right treatment for your needs, whether it’s a single dental implant, Teeth in a Day, or another type of restoration.
If you’d like to learn more about dental implants and whether you’re a candidate for Teeth in a Day, contact our office located in North Huntingdon, PA to schedule a consultation today. We’re here to help!
