TEETH-IN-AN-HOUR™

TEETH-IN-AN-HOUR™ is a revolutionary concept providing patients with fully functioning teeth on dental implants in one single procedure that lasts about an hour. This technology was recently developed by Nobel Biocare, and allows for collaboration between both the restorative doctor and the periodontist. This merging of knowledge and experience achieves not only increased safety, but also a more precise implant placement. In addition, the fabrication of a final prosthesis is completed prior to the surgery. The computer-guided implant surgery is done in an minimally invasive fashion without requiring any flap reflection. This benefits the patient being that there is less post operative discomfort, less swelling and less bruising. Often, patients can resume their normal activities the next day.

The process starts when a CAT scan is taken of the patient’s jawbone. This CAT scan allows for the generation of a 3-D model of the jawbone, which can then be used in virtual reality software to plan the implant placement without the presence of the patient. The results are more accurate implant placement, and less chair time for the patient at the periodontist office.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopman, Dr. Hal Kopman and Dr. Erica Kaplan have done computer guided dentistry for several years and are the first surgeons in the Northeast to have done a complete upper and lower Teeth-in-An-Hour™ technology. Dr. Jeffrey Kopman is a Northeast trainer for this revolutionary treatment concept.

The Initial clinical evaluation

Understanding the problem, making the diagnosis based on clinical exam and x-rays and discussion of the treatment options, including “Teeth in an hour”.

Treatment plan

A formal printed plan is reviewed in conjunction with standardized consent forms.

Scanning denture

A duplicate scanning denture is constructed. This device mimics the prototype denture.

CT scan

A CT scan of the patient’s jaw wearing the scanning denture is completed. Following the patient scan, a second scan is performed on the denture alone.

Data conversion

Digital files from the CT scans are reformatted using the Nobel Biocare Procera System software. The software converts the CT data into a three dimensional image of the jaw and denture.

Virtual surgery

The periodontist performs virtual surgery on the 3D image. The file from this virtual surgery is then transmitted through the internet for fabrication of the surgical guide.

Robotics

At a robotics facility, the data files containing the surgical plan are used to three dimensionally reconstruct the patient’s jaws. A special surgical guide is then constructed to assist the surgeon with implant installation. The guide and all necessary surgical components are carefully packaged and express shipped to Long Island Centers for Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.

Fabrication of teeth

Using the surgical guide and the models of the jaws, the final set of teeth are fabricated in the laboratory.

Final inspection

Upon completion of the laboratory work, the peirodontist examines the shape and size of the teeth and checks the components for accuracy before scheduling the patient for actual surgery.

The one surgical visit

The implants and teeth are surgically installed with the aid of the computer generated materials, usually with only local anesthesia. The surgical procedure requires no incision, no sutures and little post-operative swelling or discomfort. The “Teeth in an hour” surgery and your new esthetically pleasing smile usually takes less than sixty minutes to complete.