Teeth in a Day: What to Expect
Knowing what happens at each stage makes treatment much easier. Here is the full arch journey, from your first consultation to your final smile.
Your full arch journey.
Step 1 — Consultation and 3D planning. We review your medical history and goals, examine your teeth and gums, and take X-rays, a CT scan, photos and a digital iTero scan. These records let us plan the exact position of each implant and design your new teeth before treatment begins. You leave with a clear treatment plan and all costs explained.
Step 2 — Preparing for treatment day. You receive written instructions about medications, eating and drinking before IV sedation, and what to have at home for recovery. Plan for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you after your procedure.
Step 3 — Treatment day. Most patients choose IV sedation and rest comfortably throughout. Any remaining failing teeth are removed, the implants are placed, and your temporary full arch is attached the same day or within 24 hours.
Step 4 — The first week. Swelling and soreness are normal for the first several days and peak around day two or three. Medication, cold compresses and a liquid to soft diet keep you comfortable. Most patients return to light daily activities within a few days.
Step 5 — Healing (several months). While the implants fuse with your jawbone, you wear your temporary arch and follow a soft diet. Short follow-up visits make sure everything is healing well.
Step 6 — Your final teeth. Once the implants are fully integrated, we take new records and attach your permanent, stronger full arch, adjusted for a precise and comfortable bite.
Step 7 — Lifelong care. Brush twice a day, clean around the implants with a water flosser, and keep your professional cleanings and checkups. That routine protects your investment for years to come.
Recovery timeline.
Timelines vary by patient; your dentist will give you your personal schedule.
Your post-op instructions.
The first 48 hours. Ice your face 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, and stick to cold liquids. If you smoke, do not — smoking interferes with healing.
Eat soft, only. Follow a soft diet until the doctor or team tells you otherwise. No gum or candy during the temporary phase, and nothing crunchy — no popcorn, chips or hard foods.
For discomfort. You may alternate an anti-inflammatory such as Advil, Motrin or ibuprofen with your pain medicine, as directed.
- Keep the temporary clean. Gently brush your appliance twice a day — both the teeth and the gum area, down to where the temporary meets your natural gum.
- Rinse 3× a day with Peridex using the syringe we provide (after brushing and once mid-day). Once your sutures are removed, you will use a Waterpik under the bridge.
- A space under the bridge is normal. As swelling goes down, more space appears under the temporary. Your final bridge will not have it.
- Check it is solid, daily. If you notice any movement, call us right away so we can tighten it — movement can stress the healing implants.
Questions patients ask
Will I be awake during the procedure?
With IV sedation, you are deeply relaxed and most patients remember very little of the treatment.
When can I go back to work?
Many patients return to desk work within a few days, depending on how they feel and the extent of treatment.
Will I ever be without teeth?
In most cases, no. A temporary full arch is attached the same day or within 24 hours.