Is “Teeth in a Day” Treatment Good for Everyone?
3 Minute Read:
At some point or another, you have likely seen an advertisement for “teeth in a day.” In these advertisements, patients with teeth that are irreversibly damaged by decay (cavities), periodontal (gum) disease, and/or trauma receive a beautiful, healthy, and functioning smile in only one day.
While this sounds like a dream for many men and women who are embarrassed by the look of their teeth or who are unable to eat or speak comfortably due to the functionality of their teeth, this procedure may not provide everything it promises.
What Is Teeth in a Day?
Teeth in a day uses dental implants to support dentures that return functionality and aesthetics in a short amount of time. This can be beneficial for patients who have lost several or all of their teeth or are preparing to remove several teeth.
In this process, implants are placed, and instead of waiting for the standard three to six month healing period required with traditional implants, a temporary set of dentures are immediately connected to the implants for support. Like traditional implants, these implants will still need to heal before the “final” restoration can be completed.
Why Wouldn’t I Want Teeth in a Day?
Many dentists around the country are offering teeth in a day to patients as a top-of-the-line alternative to traditional implants, crowns, or partial dentures. And, a lot of men and women are taking the bait.
The problem with this procedure is that it often removes teeth that could be saved with traditional dental practices like fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, or individual implants. And worse, these restorations only have a lifespan of five to 10 years.
Therefore, a patient who is in their 40s, 50s, and 60s may have to consider additional work more than once in their life, and rehabilitation of their teeth after this procedure is quite difficult, if not impossible.
When this procedure is performed on the wrong patient, it can be permanently disfiguring.
If Teeth in a Day Is Dangerous, Why Do so Many Dentists Offer It?
While this dental treatment can provide stunning results for the right patient, some dentists are abusing this as a catch-all for every patient. And, unfortunately, many dentists are doing this for no other reason than the fact that they can collect a large sum of money in a very short amount of time.
Dr. Salamati advises patients who are considering this procedure or who are being recommended this treatment see a periodontist for a second opinion.
What Are My Other Options?
Education and understanding are necessary when choosing the appropriate treatment for your teeth. Dr. Salamati believes that any tooth that can reasonably be saved should be saved.
Traditional dental treatments include:
- Fillings
- Root canals with crown restorations
- Gum treatments
- Dental bridges
- Dental implants
What if Teeth in a Day Is Right for Me?
While many patients would be better suited for a more traditional, alternative option, there are those rare candidates who would benefit from this procedure.
Dr. Salamati sees many men and women who are interested in this procedure. While he does offer it for the right candidate, he considers it to be a last resort when all other methods are not suitable to treat the patient.
Dr. Salamati will always put your well-being and oral health at the top of his priorities, and he will never perform any procedure that is more invasive than what you need and recommends treatment for long-term success not for immediate gratification.
Interested in Learning More?
If you are interested in learning more about teeth in a day or alternative options for damaged or missing teeth, call Dr. Salamati at (310) 275-1090 or fill out our online contact form.