4-Hour Smile Post-Operative Instructions for Lubbock Patients

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The 4-Hour Smile procedure gives patients who are missing most or all of their teeth a permanent, efficient, and cost-effective solution to completely restore their smile. Dentures used to be the only tooth replacement option for patients missing a lot of teeth, but now this revolutionary procedure allows patients to receive a full set of permanent teeth in just one day. During the dental procedure, a full-arch prosthesis (denture) is permanently fixed in the mouth using as few as four dental implants.

The surgical procedure itself can be finished in one 4-hour appointment, and patients will leave the office with a brand new, beautiful smile. Your oral surgeon will discuss the procedure in full, including your anesthesia and sedation options, during your first visit to our office. We will also take 3D CBCT scans for a detailed view of your teeth.

After your anesthesia is administered, your oral surgeon can remove any remaining teeth and place your dental implants. Your final prosthesis will then be attached to as few as four dental implants.

Benefits of the 4-Hour Smile Procedure

Enjoy the foods you love without pain or denture slippage
No more buying denture adhesive or other products
Gain the confidence to smile again
Improve your appearance by supporting your skin and muscles with new teeth
Prevent bone loss and other oral health problems

Timeline

Pre-Surgical

Consult with your surgical Smile Team specialists at AOMS.
3D Cone Beam evaluation of bone with a surgical specialist: Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Graves, and Dr. Wilkinson.
Review all medical conditions and coordinate care with your medical doctor prior to surgery if needed. Please provide their contact information to AOMS. Medical conditions that need to be addressed include diabetes; heart conditions; high blood pressure; joint replacements; seizure disorders; lung, kidney, or liver disease, etc.
Consult with a restorative dentist to arrange restorative phase. Impressions are needed 3 weeks before surgery.
Schedule surgery and pay the deposit.
Laboratory tech and restorative dentistry will work together to design temporary teeth. (This may take more than one appointment.)

Surgical

Refer to Pre-Operative Instructions. Do not eat, drink, or smoke for 8 hours prior to surgery.
Please bring all medications with you for your surgical appointment (including insulin for diabetics).
As an added prevention against infection, please brush your teeth 3-4 times and swish with a mouthwash of your choice.
Be prepared to pay your final payment the day of surgery. Our Smile Team financial coordinator will be happy to assist you. We ask that all financial questions be addressed prior to your surgery date. (Go to Your First Visit page to view financial arrangements and prepare accordingly.)
Plan to be with us 4–6 hours for the procedure.

Post-Surgical

2 days post-surgery: Appointment with restorative dentist to check your bite and check on your healing process.
2 weeks post-surgery: Follow-up with Dr. Graves, Dr. Wilkinson, or Dr. Gonzalez Aguilar to evaluate the healing process and examine implants.
1 –2 months post-surgery: Follow up with AOMS Smile Team to evaluate progress.
4–6 months post-surgery: Follow-up with AOMS for release to schedule with restorative dentist.

Restorative Phase

Appointment with the restorative dentist to receive impressions for final bridge design.
3-4 weeks later: Appointment with the restorative dentist for wax try-in to finalize for lab work.
3-4 weeks later: When lab work is complete, schedule placement of bridge with restorative dentist.
Regular check-ups with restorative dentists for hygiene and maintenance.