From consultation to fixed teeth in a single day: what Same Day Smiles really involves

Same Day Smiles, often delivered using an All-on-4 approach, replaces a full arch of failing or missing teeth with a fixed set supported by just four implants, fitted in a single appointment. At Durham Dental Implant Suite in Meadowfield, near Durham, it’s carried out by implant surgeon Dr Pynadath George.

As of June 2026, eligible patients can walk in with loose dentures and leave the same day with fixed teeth. It sounds almost too good to be true, so let’s slow it down and walk through what actually happens.

What “same day” really means

First, a fair word about expectations. The teeth you leave with on the day are a high-quality fixed temporary set, secured to your implants, not a removable denture. They look natural and let you smile and eat soft foods straight away.

Your permanent set comes later, once the implants have fused with the bone over a few months. So “same day” refers to the fixed teeth you go home with, not the final restoration. That’s an honest distinction worth understanding before you start, and it’s the part some adverts gloss over.

Why four implants can hold a whole arch

This is the clever bit. You don’t need an implant for every tooth.

Four implants, angled carefully to make the most of the available bone, can support a full bridge of teeth across the arch. The angling matters, because it often lets the surgeon avoid bone grafting that other approaches would require. That’s why a single arch can sometimes be rebuilt in one day rather than over many months of separate stages.

The success of that approach rests almost entirely on planning and surgical skill, which is where Dr George’s hospital training and university teaching background earn their place.

The day, step by step

Here’s roughly how the appointment runs, so there are no surprises.

1. Digital imaging and final planning, mapping your jaw with Dentsply Sirona equipment so placement is precise.
2. Any remaining failing teeth are removed gently under local anaesthetic.
3. Four Straumann implants are placed at planned angles into the jawbone.
4. The fixed temporary bridge is attached to the implants the same day.
5. A check that your bite is comfortable, then aftercare guidance before you head home.

You’ll feel tired afterwards, as you would after any surgery, but most patients are surprised by how manageable the day is. The quiet Meadowfield setting, away from the city centre with easy parking, makes arriving and leaving far less stressful.

Healing and your final teeth

The temporary phase is genuinely temporary, and it has a job to do.

Over the following months, the implants integrate with your bone in a process called osseointegration, which is simply the bone growing around and locking onto the implant surface. During this time you eat carefully and follow the aftercare advice. Once your surgeon confirms the implants are solid, the final fixed bridge is fitted, made to match your face and bite. That’s the set designed to last for years of normal eating and smiling.

Same Day Smiles compared with traditional dentures

If you’ve worn dentures, the difference is hard to overstate.

For someone who has spent years avoiding a Sunday roast or laughing with a hand over their mouth, that fixed feeling is the whole point.

Who it suits, and who it doesn’t

Same Day Smiles is a strong option for people who have lost most or all of the teeth in an arch, or whose remaining teeth are failing, and who want a fixed solution rather than a denture. It also suits long-term denture wearers who are tired of movement and dietary limits.

It isn’t right for everyone, though, and an honest assessment is part of the process. The amount and quality of your jawbone, your general health, and your goals all feed into whether it’s the best route for you. That’s decided after a proper consultation, not before. You can see real outcomes in the practice’s smile gallery and read about the full range of treatments on offer.

What does Same Day Smiles cost?

Full-arch implant solutions in the UK typically start from around £10,000 to £15,000 per arch and vary with the complexity of the case, the materials, and the final restoration. Because every mouth is different, the only accurate figure is one given after assessment, so your exact quote is confirmed at consultation. Durham Dental offers 0% finance to spread the cost, and you can review the practice’s fees for context.

FAQ

Will I really leave with teeth on the same day?

Yes, eligible patients leave the same appointment with a fixed temporary set of teeth secured to their implants, not a removable denture. You can smile and eat soft foods straight away. Your permanent bridge is fitted a few months later, once the implants have fused with the bone, which is the part that gives the long-term result.

Does it hurt?

The surgery itself is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterwards, some soreness and swelling is normal for a few days and is usually well controlled with ordinary pain relief. Dr George will explain the aftercare and what to expect, and the team are a phone call away if you have any concerns while healing.

How can four implants hold a full set of teeth?

The four implants are placed at carefully planned angles to make the most of your available bone, which lets them support a full bridge across the arch. The angling often avoids the need for bone grafting too. It works because the load is shared and the placement is planned precisely using digital imaging before any surgery begins.

How long do I wait for my permanent teeth?

Usually a few months, while the implants integrate with your jawbone through osseointegration. During that time you wear the fixed temporary teeth and follow the eating and care advice. Once your surgeon confirms the implants are firmly fused, the final, made-to-measure bridge is fitted. Rushing this stage risks the result, so the timing is led by your healing.

Is Same Day Smiles better than dentures?

For many people, yes, because the teeth are fixed rather than resting on the gums, so they don’t slip, they allow a far wider diet, and they help preserve the jawbone. Dentures still suit some patients and circumstances. The honest answer for your situation comes from an assessment with Dr George, who will set out the realistic options either way.

What to do next

If loose dentures or failing teeth have been holding you back, find out whether Same Day Smiles is right for you. Book a consultation at Durham Dental Implant Suite in Meadowfield, where Dr George will assess your jaw, explain the process clearly, and confirm a plan and cost before you commit.

Call 01913782227 or get in touch through the contact page.