We hear a lot today about “Teeth in a Day.” As a great Chinese philosopher is credited with saying, “ Be careful what you wish for.” This scenario is reserved for those individuals who are unfortunate enough to have lost or are about to lose all of their teeth. These cases require four, six or eight implants in each jaw. If that is the case then, yes, it is possible, with computer planning, to precisely place multiple implants in one visit and then provide teeth, supported by these implants, the same day or one day later.
Likewise, sometimes, a single implant and a temporary crown can be placed at the time of extracting the failing tooth. However, this scenario and the one mentioned above is not without risk. It is essential that nothing pushes on the temporary tooth (teeth) during the first six to eight weeks. This includes food and oral hygiene. You can expect to be eating soup during this period, and home care will consist of using a prescription, antimicrobial rinse (no bushing and flossing).
Also, placing four to eight implants in one jaw at a time or replacing a failing tooth with an implant and a crown at the time of extracting the tooth requires that enough bone is present to anchor the implant or implants. Often, teeth are failing because of long-standing, untreated periodontal disease which decreases the amount of bone that remains around the tooth or teeth. In that case, there may not be enough bone present to place implants without first undergoing a procedure or procedures to replace the missing bone.
These decisions will be made together with your surgeon and dentist with the assistance of detailed radiographic studies. In the right circumstances, this can be a wonderful option. However, these cases are certainly “pushing the envelope.” In most cases though, it is better to proceed slowly, so that uneventful healing and a successful implant or implants is the result. This will provide years of comfortable, trouble-free function.