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Collaboration for Teeth-In-An-Hour

Teeth-In-An-Hour offers a new way to transform your mouth with a full set of functional, natural-looking teeth secured on a base of dental implants. The procedure, which is performed in a single session, takes only about an hour to complete. The concept for Teeth-In-An-Hour was first introduced by Nobel Biocare and permits the effective collaboration between the implant surgeon and the prosthodontist during the completion of the dental restoration.

How has the Teeth-In-An-Hour concept changed the tooth-replacement process?

In the past, dental implants that were used to support prosthetic teeth needed a prolonged period for healing. In fact, several months were needed between the implants’ placement and the addition of the replacement teeth.

The patient would undergo an assessment to determine whether or not his or her jawbone could support a traditional implant, and if no bone grafting was necessary, the implant surgery could be scheduled. After the implant was surgically placed inside the bone of the jaw, about two to six months were needed for the implant to become secure in the jawbone. During that period, the bone cells would fill in the space between the implant and the bone, leaving the implant stationary and able to support normal bite pressure. The length of this healing period depended on the state of the bone and the exact placement of the dental implant.

Teeth-In-An-Hour significantly reduces the time needed to complete an implant restoration.  Instead of months, the period is reduced to a single hour-long dental appointment. Still, even with the Teeth-In-An-Hour technology, a preparatory phase that lasts a few weeks is required.

How does the Teeth-In-An-Hour procedure work?

The technique used during the Teeth-In-An-Hour process pairs computerized technology with advanced radiographic imaging. Three-dimensional images of the patient’s jawbone help determine the best positioning of the implants. In addition, the images are used to fabricate the permanent prosthetic teeth before the surgery ever takes place.

Due to the exact fit between the implants and their placement site, the healing time required to secure the implants into place is minimized. In fact, the implants are prepared for instant loading and functionality without a waiting period. When you leave the dentist’s office, you leave with a complete dental restoration—not a temporary appliance.

How many teeth can Teeth-In-An-Hour replace?

The Teeth-In-An-Hour process can be used for a single-tooth, multi-teeth or full-palate restoration.

What steps are involved in the Teeth-In-An-Hour dental implant procedure?

  1. Consultation– Before your Teeth-In-An-Hour treatment can be performed, the condition of your jawbone and remaining teeth must be assessed. The dentist will need to determine whether or not your bone can support the Teeth-In-An-Hour treatment.
  2. CT Scans and Digital X-rays– A panoramic digital x-ray of your mouth is usually taken to determine the exact contours of your oral cavity. Also, a CT scan is performed to check the condition of your jawbone.
  3. Computerized Plans– Computer-based plans for the implantation surgery are tested on a 3D model of your jaw.
  4. Lab Makes the Prosthetics– The computerized files of the surgical plan are transferred to a Nobel Biocare laboratory, where the surgical guide and prosthetics are created before being sent back to the dental office.
  5. Implant Installation– The dental implants are surgically drilled into place exactly according to the digitally prepared surgical guide. Due to the precise placement, swelling, sutures and pain are generally avoided.
  6. Fitting the Prosthesis– The prosthetic teeth are fitted immediately following the placement of the dental implants.

What are the benefits of Teeth-In-An-Hour?

There are multiple advantages of the Teeth-In-An-Hour process. They include:

  • One-hour surgical placement
  • Fewer dental appointments
  • Little swelling, discomfort or pain
  • Customized teeth that fit the contours of your mouth exactly
  • No incisions or sutures
  • Natural-looking teeth
  • Immediate functionality

Who makes a good candidate for the Teeth-In-An-Hour procedure?

The best candidate for a Teeth-In-An-Hour restoration is a patient whose jawbone is healthy and dense enough to support the implants. If a bone graft is needed, it must be performed before the Teeth-In-An-Hour process begins. Any teeth that need to be removed should also be extracted before the procedure is started.

Why is the collaboration between the implant surgeon and the restorative care doctor important during a Teeth-In-An-Hour procedure?

The collaboration between the dental surgeon and the prosthodontist is important because it permits the knowledge of both professionals to merge. This results in a safer and more precise implant restoration.