I see a lot of patients who need one or more dental implants, and they often ask me, “Doc, why is this going to take so long?” They’ve seen on TV that you can get same-day dental implants, and they don’t understand why their one or two implants will take six to seven months’ time.
To better understand this scenario, I think it’s important to talk about what exactly you’re getting with same-day dental implants.
How do same-day dental implants work?
Same-day dental implants, or same-day smiles, are essentially four to six implants with a permanent denture. In the dental world, we call this an “all on four” also known as a hybrid denture because the denture is secured by four implants. In this instance, the denture is fixed and cannot be removed by the patient.
This is typically done when the patient is in terminal dentition and their teeth no longer serve them. The dentist removes the teeth and places four to six implants in the same day, as well as a temporary partial denture. This is the smile that the patient leaves with that day. Then, a permanent denture is fabricated while the patient heals.
While this treatment is marketed as a same-day smile, it does take six to eight months for the patient to receive the permanent denture, or hybrid prosthesis.
In need of a dental implant?
Schedule an appointment with our dentist office in Brandon, FL. We’ll be happy to go over your treatment needs and establish a plan that works for you.