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Why two trips are needed \u2013 and why it can't be done in just one<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We often hear the question: \u201cCan't it all be done at once?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For routine treatments \u2013 a cleaning, a single crown, a few veneers \u2013 yes, you often can. But for dental implants, especially full solutions like All-on-4, All-on-6 or All-on-8, the answer is almost always no. And there's a precise biological reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the placement of titanium implants, the bone needs time to integrate with the metal \u2013 a process called osseointegration. It's not something that can be sped up. It lasts between three and six months, depending on the patient, the bone quality, and the implant site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this period, a fixed temporary prosthesis is worn \u2013 it is not removable, is aesthetically acceptable, and allows for eating and speaking. It is not the final prosthesis, but it is not \u201cnothing\u201d either. You go home with teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only once osseointegration is complete can you proceed with the definitive prosthesis \u2014 usually made of zirconium \u2014 which requires a second trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyone who tells you that a complete, definitive All-on-4 can be done in a single trip of a few days is omitting something. Or they aren't talking about a definitive prosthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first trip: what happens and how long it lasts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first trip is the most demanding \u2013 clinically and logistically. Here's what it involves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before arrival: remote assessment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The ideal journey begins even before you get on the plane. At Hygeia Dent, we offer a free preliminary remote assessment: send us your panoramic X-rays or CT scan, our team will analyse them and give you feedback on your suitability and the options available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This allows you to arrive in Tirana with a clear idea of the treatment plan already in place \u2013 without wasting time on a separate exploratory visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arrival day: visit and full diagnostics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The first appointment is for confirming and refining what has already been assessed remotely. We perform a CBCT scan in the clinic, take photographs and intraoral scans, and precisely plan the implant placement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, the diagnostic visit and the operation take place on the same day. In others, it is preferred to dedicate the first day solely to diagnostics and postpone the operation to the following day, to have the definitive plan fully elaborated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The intervention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The implants are placed under local anaesthetic. The times vary depending on the complexity of the case \u2013 a single arch usually requires between two and three hours, while two arches can take five to six hours in total, often divided into two sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It's not a case of having the procedure and then it's done and dusted. After the procedure, you spend time in the clinic for post-operative monitoring, and the following day you return for a check-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The temporary prosthesis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the 24-48 hours following the operation, the temporary fixed prosthesis is applied. From this point onwards, the patient has teeth \u2013 fixed, non-removable \u2013 and can return to Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n For most patients, 5-7 days is the realistic range. Broken down as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some patients stay a few extra days for safety or for organisational convenience. It is always best not to book your return flight too close to the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the period that patients tend to underestimate \u2013 not because it is difficult, but because it seems \u201cempty\u201d. In reality, it is the phase in which the most important thing happens: the integration of the implants with the bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the first 4-6 weeks, you will follow specific dietary instructions \u2013 nothing too hard or sticky, no smoking, and precise oral hygiene. Then you will gradually return to normal, with some precautions that the team will explain in detail before you leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You are not left to your own devices. Hygeia Dent maintains contact with patients remotely throughout the osseointegration period. If there's a doubt, a concern, or unusual discomfort \u2013 there's someone to turn to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend that patients have at least one interim check-up with their trusted dentist in Italy during the osseointegration period. We provide all the necessary clinical documentation \u2013 reports, X-rays, operative notes \u2013 so that the local dentist has a complete overview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not mandatory, but it is a useful precaution, especially for elderly patients or those with monitored systemic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Between 3 and 6 months. The simplest cases \u2013 jaw, good bone quality, young patient \u2013 tend to integrate sooner. The upper jaw and patients with reduced bone density generally require more time. The team will give you a precise estimate based on your specific clinical situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The second journey is simpler, shorter, and much more pleasant. It is the one in which you see the final result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The team first performs a radiographic check to verify that osseointegration is complete. If everything is in order \u2013 and in the vast majority of cases it is \u2013 they proceed with impressions for the definitive prosthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The definitive prosthesis is made in the laboratory in a few days, and then it is fixed onto the implants. The occlusion is checked, any necessary adjustments are made, and that's it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally 3-4 days are sufficient:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, if scans have already been sent prior to travel and the prosthesis has been partially prepared in advance, the timescales can be further reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a concrete checklist for those planning the route from Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Send your radiological documentation to Hygeia Dent for a free preliminary assessment. Receive your preliminary treatment plan and an indication of timelines. Book your flight well in advance \u2013 Tirana is connected to many Italian cities with direct flights and affordable prices. Arrange your accommodation for 6-7 nights. Inform your GP about the journey you are undertaking and bring a complete list of any medications you are taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not schedule important work or personal commitments for the days immediately following the surgery. Bring documents, medical reports, and any previous X-rays. Consider bringing a companion, especially if you are over 65 or if you prefer to have support during the post-operative phases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow the oral hygiene and dietary instructions meticulously. Have the interim check-up with your local dentist. Stay in touch with the Hygeia Dent team if you have any questions or concerns. Plan your second trip in advance as soon as the team confirms that osseointegration is proceeding correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The question many people are asking is this: considering the cost of flights, accommodation, and time, is it really worth it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the vast majority of patients, the answer is yes \u2014 by a very wide margin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Italian patients who choose Hygeia Dent save on average up to 70%% compared to quotes received in Italy for the same treatment. For a complete treatment like an All-on-4 on two arches, the absolute saving can be very significant \u2014 more than enough to cover flights, accommodation, and all ancillary costs of the two trips, with a large margin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We don't publish fixed prices because every case is different \u2013 the bone situation, materials, and any preparatory treatments all influence the final cost. To get a real, personalised quote, you can contact us free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Elderly](\"https:\/\/hygeiadent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/543554-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow long does it take in total for the first trip?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Between one trip and another: the osseointegration months<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to do (and not to do) during this period<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Local controls in Italy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How long does this period last?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe second journey: the definitive prosthesis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What's happening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How long does the second trip last?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Practical guide: everything you need to organise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before the first trip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
During the first stay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Between the two journeys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Summary table: the journey in numbers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stage<\/td> Duration<\/td> What's happening<\/td><\/tr> Remote assessment<\/td> 3-7 working days<\/td> Radiography analysis, preliminary plan<\/td><\/tr> First journey<\/td> 5-7 days<\/td> Diagnosis, intervention, temporary prosthesis<\/td><\/tr> Osseointegration<\/td> 3-6 months<\/td> System integration, remote follow-up<\/td><\/tr> Second journey<\/td> 3-4 days<\/td> Definitive zirconia prosthesis<\/td><\/tr> Total journey<\/td> 4-7 months<\/td> From the initial assessment to the definitive prosthesis<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Why is it worth doing, despite the two trips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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