Ask anyone about what makes a perfect smile and they’ll tell you it’s all about having straight, white, healthy teeth. Yet for various reasons, from health to aging to accidents that injure the teeth, having healthy teeth with a perfect smile is a goal many fail to reach. Samuel F. Jirik, DDS, Little Rock, Arkansas’ leading cosmetic dentist, believes that a beautiful smile is possible for every patient. With the advantages of technology, cosmetic dentists have found effective methods to create perfect smiles, such as with Teeth in An Hour.
Can Technology Make Dental Implants Better Than Ever?
Technology is absolutely the key to making dental implants – and all dentistry – better and more comfortable than ever. Dentistry itself is a medical practice that is still growing and developing, which means that the techniques dentists, oral surgeons, and cosmetic dentists use are constantly evolving. The techniques used even 20 years ago are vastly different than the techniques used now. In large part, this is because of how readily computers and other advanced technology are used to examine and treat the teeth.
Teeth in An Hour
Teeth in An Hour is a cosmetic dental surgery technique that places implants in the mouth all in one day. Same-day implants such as this are the new golden standard for cosmetic dentistry for many reasons, and this particular technique is known to be safe, fast, and effective. Same-day dental implants allow cosmetic dentists to place multiple implants at one time, which means that the overall recovery period is much quicker and less painful than with other techniques.
How It Works
Same-day implants have a process that is unique. Everything about same-day implants is heavily reliant on advanced computer technology. In particular, this technique uses a combination of comprehensive CT scans of the teeth and specialized computer programs to create a virtual surgical plan for the dentist to use during surgery. The combination of techniques used for same-day implants is called computer guided implant placement (CGIP).
Computer-Guided Implant Placement
Computer-guided implant placement is the method that guides the dental surgery for same-day implants. CGIP gives cosmetic dentists the ability to construct new implants and reconstruct existing teeth on the computer, which allows the dental implants to be totally customized to your mouth and your smile.
CGIP also assists in the surgical placement of the implants with computer guided assistance so that each implant is placed in the optimal setting each time with no error. Computer guided implant placement makes dental implants accurate and ensures there is very little room for unexpected complications.
Traditional Implants vs Teeth in An Hour
Is there a huge difference between traditional implants and same-day implants? In short answer, yes, the difference between the two is like night and day. The long answer involves explaining why traditional implants are flawed and why same-day implants are favored by cosmetic dentists. To do that, we have to start from the very beginning with outlining what dental implants are and why people get them.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are best thought of as artificial teeth. Implants are typically made with two parts. First, a metal post is put in the jaw to act as an anchor for the artificial tooth. Then, the artificial tooth, which is constructed to look like a real tooth but is typically made with acrylic or other synthetic compounds, is attached.
Dental implants refer to a range of different replacements for the teeth, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic anchors. However, when people talk about dental implants, they are usually talking about artificial teeth that are placed in the mouth for cosmetic reasons.
Why Do People Get Dental Implants?
There are several reasons prospective patients consider dental implants. As a cosmetic surgery, dental implants are an investment that will last a lifetime. For those who are considering dental implants, the reasons to pursue implants instead of other dental treatments can include:
- Preference over dentures
- Replacement of teeth
- Correction for failing teeth
- Better comfort
- Perfect smile
- Stronger teeth
Most people consider dental implants for two reasons. Either teeth are weak and failing, which means that they are developing cavities, have weakened enamel, or are associated with gum disease, or dental implants are acting as a replacement for teeth that have been extracted or are too damaged to be saved. People also choose dental implants over dentures because dentures can slip, making eating painful and even damage the jaw. Regardless of the reason, dental implants are an ideal option for most patients.
How Traditional Implants Are Placed
The process of getting traditional dental implants is rather long and involves an extended series of multiple oral surgeries. Traditional implants require separate dental surgeries to remove failing teeth, place bone grafts if necessary, place metal posts in the jaw, and then finally install the dental implants. This process can take several months to complete, and the recovery from each surgery can take several weeks. Sometimes dentists combine some of these steps into two surgeries, but the extended recovery time is still the same.
Why Same-Day Implants Are Better
Overall, the biggest reason same-day implants are better than traditional implants is that they condense all the steps into one day. For this particular treatment, all the steps involved in getting dental implants can be done in as little as one to two hours at most. Same-day implants are favored by cosmetic dentists because the process is quicker, less painful, and produces more accurate results. In short, same-day dental implants are a kinder treatment for patients.
Benefits of Teeth in An Hour
Of course, there are other reasons why same-day implants are the superior technique. The benefits of same-day dental implants that are most attractive to prospective patients include:
Safer and More Accurate
The use of advanced technology with CGIP means that this technique is safer and more accurate than traditional implants. CGIP gives cosmetic dentists a real-time view of the internal structures of the mouth with a comprehensive CT scan and then allows cosmetic dentists to construct customized teeth for each patient. Moreover, the accuracy ensured by the computer means that each tooth is placed perfectly in the mouth because of the computer guided assistance.
Shorter Surgery
It seems obvious, but it does bear repeating: same-day dental implants are a shorter surgical technique than traditional implant surgery. Same-day implants can be done within one to two hours, with the implant surgery itself taking one hour or less. The shorter surgery is a benefit because it minimizes the use of sedation. Overall, shorter surgery is a better option for most patients on the basis of general health and wellness.
Quicker Recovery
Same-day implants have a quicker recovery. This is due to how minimally invasive the treatment is, as the surgical technique does not typically require any additional posts are grafting to be implanted. The less trauma to the mouth caused by the surgery, the quicker the recovery. The secondary benefit of a quicker recovery is the patient’s ability to return to normal daily activities sooner; usually within 2 weeks of the surgery.
Ideal Implant Placement
As a dental implant, the same-day technique means an ideal placement for artificial teeth, and that means a perfect, healthy, white smile. For many patients, the most persuasive draw for implants is the fact that they can perfect their smile. Being confident in your smile is a key to self-confidence, self-esteem, and a general enjoyment of life.
What Can You Expect from Teeth in An Hour Treatment?
As with any surgery, many patients are curious about the steps involved in treatment. Here are a few things you can expect when you plan to have same-day dental implants:
Consultation
Your first step will be attending a consultation appointment with Samuel F. Jirik, DDS. This consultation will involve an examination of your teeth, a discussion about your expectations for treatment, and a collection of relevant medical information, such as medications you are taking and drug allergies you may have. The consultation may also include a CT scan or x-rays.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Before your dental implant surgery, there are a few steps you will need to follow to ensure that your procedure is safe and successful. Some pre-treatment instructions may include:
- Avoid taking blood-thinning medications
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco
- Buy soft foods for after surgery
- Arrange for transportation
- Take antibiotics if prescribed
Implants
On the day of your surgery, we ask that you arrive with an escort who can take you home. We will complete the necessary steps for the CGIP, which may include additional CT scans. We will administer sedation and local numbing agents, such as Novacaine, to prepare you for surgery. Sometimes, this includes “laughing gas” if the patient requires it. Once you are prepared for the surgery, the implants will be placed with computer-guided assistance.
Post-Treatment Instructions
After your surgery, there are several instructions that you will be asked to follow to help you through the immediate recovery time. The post-treatment instructions are intended to guide you through after care and may include:
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- Do not spit for 24 hours
- Do not use a straw
- Take necessary prescriptions
- Use cold compresses
Recovery and Results
Your recovery from same-day dental implant surgery will take about two to three weeks at most. Most patients can return to work within one to three days but will need to remain on a soft diet until fully recovered. Patients can enjoy immediate results of an improved smile during their recovery time and can enjoy the strength of healthy teeth when fully recovered. We recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment to ensure you are healing after two to three weeks following surgery.
Are You an Ideal Candidate for Teeth in An Hour?
Most patients are good candidates for same-day dental implants. Patients who have healthy jawbones with enough bone to support implants are ideal for this treatment. Ideal patients also include those who are willing to attend the comprehensive examination, who will diligently follow preparation directions, and who have a full range of motion in their jaws. You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Want a perfect smile
- Need to replace teeth
- Want to reconstruct teeth
- Have failing teeth
- Do not want dentures
Technology Makes Treatment Better Than Ever
Having a perfect smile doesn’t have to be a dream that is just out of reach. In the modern era, the advantages of technology have made everything better, including dental implants. If you think that you might be an ideal candidate for Teeth in An Hour, contact the office of Samuel F. Jirik, DDS in Little Rock, AR to schedule your initial consultation. Our skilled staff is ready to help you achieve the perfect smile of your dreams!
