Benefits of immediate implant placement
Immediate dental implants are a suitable option for treating missing teeth, which are very practical, durable, and made of high quality. In general, the advantages of immediate dental implants include their rapid placement, immediately after the extraction of the damaged tooth and the placement of the implant fixture (the screw part of the dental implant that screws into the jaw).
The advantages of immediate dental implants over conventional implants are very clear. You do not need to use a removable prosthesis to hide the missing teeth, and the immediate dental implant process requires the least number of visits to the dentist in Windsor.
This method of dental implant implantation is generally only used for patients who are time-sensitive to the entire conventional dental implant treatment.
Good candidates for dental implants
Immediate dental implants are usually recommended for patients who:
- Have damaged or missing front teeth.
- Are concerned about losing their teeth?
- Are time-sensitive.
- Do not want to undergo multiple dental surgeries
- Are currently completely edentulous
However, the same-day dental implant process is not yet completely seamless. You will still need to return for a follow-up visit at a later date to have your permanent prosthesis placed in place, and you should make sure to avoid chewing on the area where the dental implant was placed. The longevity of the dental implant depends on the patient’s care, so they should be diligent in maintaining good oral hygiene.
The same-day dental implant process
is never literally just a day. The term “immediate dental implant” or “same-day dental implant” generally refers only to the same-day dental implant fixture placement + prosthetic loading (crown, bridge, or denture) that you can walk out of the clinic with.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
It is important to note that the success of any same-day dental implant is highly dependent on the skill and expertise of the dental surgeon performing the procedure. This approach to dental implant placement is considered a highly sensitive technique that requires a team of dental implant specialists to perform properly.
During the initial consultation, you will need to inform your dentist about your medical history and any existing conditions or illnesses you may have, after which the dentist will thoroughly examine your oral and dental health using X-rays and 3D imaging.
Through this in-depth analysis of your oral and dental health, the dentist will determine whether you are a good candidate for immediate dental implant surgery. Only certain patients and cases are suitable for same-day dental implant treatment because careful case selection, proper treatment planning, and adherence to surgical and prosthetic protocols are key to the long-term success of immediate dental implants.
Once you are identified as a suitable candidate for same-day dental implants, your dentist will then work to create a customized treatment plan that meets your needs and requirements.
Extraction and Implant Placement
In cases where a tooth needs to be extracted, it will be done either the week before the surgery or on the day of your implant surgery. This decision is generally based on the amount and condition of bone you have in your jaw, which will be detailed in your treatment plan.
Extraction Process
The extraction process is usually performed under local anesthesia and involves gently manipulating the tooth until it is loose enough to be removed. Any infected tissue and bone are also usually removed during this process. The goal of tooth extraction is to remove the tooth with minimal disruption and damage to the extraction socket, surrounding gum tissue, and adjacent teeth.
When successfully performed, the extraction process allows for a smoother implant fixture (a threaded titanium post). This is especially important if the implant is to be loaded immediately after surgery.
Dental Implant Surgery
The dental implant procedure can take several hours if multiple implants are being placed. On the day of surgery, you will be sedated using general anesthesia or light local anesthesia depending on the number of implants you will have that day.
However, this will largely depend on your pain tolerance and anxiety level. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your case.
After anesthesia, the surgery can begin. Depending on the complexity of your case, the placement of the dental implants is done freehand or with a fully custom-designed, digitally printed 3D-printed surgical implant guide to help guide the dental implant into the correct position and angle during placement.
Surgical guides are typically used for more complex cases, as they enable the dentist to place the dental implants precisely with a high safety margin. The dental implant site is then prepared and the dental implant is placed.
Placement of the prosthesis
After dental implant placement, you will be fitted with a dental prosthesis that will act as your replacement tooth (crown, bridge, or denture). Depending on your case, the initial prosthesis may be temporary, while a permanent prosthesis will need to be made. If this is the case, you will need to return in a few weeks for the permanent prosthesis to be fitted.
The attachment of the prosthesis is an important part of the dental implant process because an ill-fitting prosthesis can potentially cause the dental implants to fail.
Dental Implant Specialist
Osseointegration and healing are an essential part of any dental implant treatment. This process allows the dental implants to permanently fuse to the jawbone and lock the dental implants in place. The osseointegration process will take place over 4 to 6 months after your dental implant surgery. You should eat soft foods during this time, especially for the first 8 weeks after your immediate dental implant placement.
