FAQ

Naturally, you may have lots of questions. So here you will find the questions we are often asked along with some answers from our experts.

What does Same Day Teeth mean?

This phrase is about a procedure for restoring a patient’s smile when they have lost all the teeth in either their upper or lower jaw (or both), or whose diagnosis is that their teeth need to be removed and consequently will need replacement.

It is a well-documented technique that involves placing four implants plus a full set of replacement teeth on the same day.

Can anyone benefit from the Same Day Teeth technique?

Same Day Teeth is typically recommended for those patients who are missing most or all of their natural teeth, or who have failing teeth due to advanced tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease. You will need to have a consultation to determine your suitability. The good news is most people are – in fact, because this technique uses fewer implants to restore a whole arch of teeth, more people will be suitable. If you do not have enough bone even for this technique then there are procedures for creating more bone.

How long does the process take?

This does depend on you really, but for the majority the procedure of placing dental implants and attaching an arch of teeth in one day is entirely possible. In some instances we may suggest you wait whilst the implants fuse into the bone. This typically takes three months, after which point we can then attach the new teeth.

What do I actually get?

Four to six dental implants. Some Dentists use six implants in the upper jaw, as the bone is softer, or if you have a really strong bite. The ‘teeth’ are high quality prosthetic teeth, embedded in high impact acrylic. Usually the bridge is a hybrid design with a milled titanium beam supporting the gum and teeth. This is screwed to the dental implants and can only be removed by our team.

Can I use them as normal teeth?

Absolutely! There are no restrictions. All you need to do is clean them twice a day and see us regularly for reviews as you would with natural teeth, usually twice a year. When the new teeth are fitted, straight after the implants have been placed, we recommend a soft diet for the first few weeks. This is to allow the implants time to fuse with the bone. After this time, when the permanent teeth are fitted, there are no restrictions on what you can eat and the teeth will function and feel as if they were your own.

If I want to meet the team and discuss my options, what do I do next?

We often find that patients are initially very nervous and apprehensive about treatment so firstly we suggest you attend a consultation with us – it’s free of charge and there’s absolutely no commitment. Here you will be able to discuss your options face to face with our team. You can simply call our clinic to make an appointment or book online. Alternatively, we hold many discovery days where you can come along and chat to us.

Is the procedure painful and how long is the recovery period afterwards?

Patients are always amazed about how comfortable treatment is. All implants are placed under a local anaesthetic so the implant sites are numb and pain-free. You can expect some discomfort and slight swelling after the surgery but this can be managed by everyday painkillers such as Ibuprofen.

Is the procedure expensive, and are there any finance options?

Typically, the procedure cost per arch is £16,500. This includes x rays, CT scans, all diagnostics, implants and the final bridge of teeth. We work with finance companies too who have been great in helping our patients access the funds they need to achieve a smile they’ve always dreamed of. Usually we find “where there’s a will, there’s a way”!

How long does the procedure actually take? Is it really all done in one day?

The procedure of placing the implants and attaching the provisional bridge is completed in as little as three hours. There are a handful of appointments prior to this to allow us to prepare for the day. After surgery you need to attend some review appointments, and after approximately three months, four to five more appointments to allow us to prepare and fit you with a final, long-term bridge.