Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. The dental implant process takes course over several stages, involving several visits to the dentist.
But what if you need a dental implant right away? Don’t worry; there’s a solution: same-day dental implants. Let’s take a closer look at how this innovative dental technology works.
What Are Same-Day Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a metal post used to replace a missing tooth. It is used as a foundation for prostheses that replaces teeth. The prostheses can be a crown, a bridge, or a denture.
The dental implant process involves an oral surgeon placing an artificial titanium root into the jaw bone and then attaching a replacement tooth to the titanium post. This is often seen as a long-term solution to replacing missing teeth, as it can last many years.
However, one downside of traditional dental implants is that you must wait 3-6 months after tooth extraction before they are placed. To overcome this, same-day dental implants, or immediate dental implants, were developed.
Same-day dental implants are a type of implant that can be placed immediately after tooth removal. If you need an immediate tooth replacement and don’t want to wait for several months, then a same-day dental implant may be the right option for you.
With immediate dental implants, there is no more waiting period after tooth extraction, making it ideal for patients needing replacement teeth quicker.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Same-Day Dental Implants?
Same-day dental implants are a popular choice for people who want to replace missing or broken teeth in a shorter time. However, there are pros and cons to consider before making a decision.
Pros of Same-Day Dental Implants
- The titanium dental implant can be placed right after tooth extraction
- Puts less stress on the surrounding teeth
- Faster healing time than traditional dental implants
- Doesn’t require special dental care; regular brushing and flossing will do
- Less bone is lost during the healing period
Cons of Same-Day Dental Implants
- More expensive than traditional dental implants
- Slightly higher risk of failure and complications because there’s less time to make sure the implant is properly placed
- Not suitable for everyone
- More marginal bone loss, which could cause the dental implant to loosen and fail
Ultimately, the ideal way to decide if same-day dental implants are right for you is to speak with a qualified dental health practitioner about your specific needs and concerns.
Do Same-Day Dental Implants Cost the Same as Traditional Dental Implants?
The average cost for a single tooth implant is $4,000-$6,000. Same-day dental implants typically cost more than traditional dental implants – and for a good reason. Same-day implants are a newer, more technologically advanced, and highly technique-sensitive treatment option, so it stands to reason that they would be more expensive. However, the truth is that same-day dental implants can actually save you money in the long run.
Traditional dental implants require two additional surgeries after tooth extraction. This means two additional sets of anaesthesia fees and two additional rounds of recovery.
Same-day dental implants are placed immediately after tooth extraction, eliminating the need for the initial surgery required to place the implant, just as in traditional implants. This can save you a significant amount of money on surgical fees and recovery time. Because of this, it’s clear that same-day dental implants are a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Are Same-Day Dental Implants Suitable for All?
Immediate dental implants are becoming increasingly popular because they offer a convenient and effective solution for people who are missing one or more teeth. However, this dental procedure is not for everyone.
To be suitable for same-day dental implants, certain qualifications must be met. These include the following:
- Patients must have healthy gum, with the absence of gum disease.
- Patients must not have any systemic disease that can affect healing (e.g. diabetes, autoimmune disease)
- Patients must not be consuming any prescription medications or recreational drugs that affect healing
- Patients must be a non-smoker
- The teeth adjacent to the implant site must be healthy or properly restored if it has decay or cavities.
- The tooth to be replaced must be extracted with minimal trauma to surrounding structures. The surrounding bones must be kept intact.
- The anatomy, thickness, and width of the bone surrounding the implant site must fulfil the specific measurements needed for same-day dental implants
The criteria for same-day dental implants are very particular because these greatly affect dental implant success. For this reason, it is very important that same-day implant cases are carefully selected. To determine if you can be considered for same-day dental implants, consult your oral surgeon.
Are Same-Day Dental Implants Better Than Traditional Dental Implants?
If you’re considering dental implants, you may be wondering if same-day dental implants are better than traditional implants. Here’s a look at some of the key differences between same-day and traditional dental implants:
- Same-day dental implants are placed immediately after tooth extraction, while traditional dental implants require a waiting period of 3-6 months before implant placement. This can make same-day implants a more convenient option for busy patients.
- Unlike traditional implants that require months of healing, same-day dental implant surgery has a shorter healing process. In most cases, same-day implant patients can expect to heal in about six weeks, while traditional implant patients may take up to three months to heal.
- Traditional dental implants may require a bone graft before the implant can be placed. This is an additional procedure that same-day implants don’t require.
Same-day and traditional dental implants are considered safe and effective tooth replacement options that look and feel like natural teeth. The suitable implant for you will ultimately depend on your needs and preferences. Be sure to discuss your options with your dentist before making a final decision.
Final Thoughts
If you’re missing teeth and looking for a fast, minimally invasive solution, then same-day dental implants may be the right choice for you. With traditional implants, you usually have to schedule several appointments over several months. But same-day implants eliminate the waiting period between tooth removal and implant placement.
That said, not everyone is a candidate for this treatment option – so it’s important to consult with a dentist to see if it’s the right choice for your needs.
Ready to find out more? Book an appointment online or call Clear Choice Dental today. Our friendly team of dentists is looking forward to helping you regain your beautiful smile and confidence and improve your quality of life!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! In most cases, teenagers can have dental implants if they meet the requirements. Schedule an initial consultation with a dentist to determine whether an adolescent patient is a good candidate for implant treatment.
No, you do not. Dental implant surgery is usually done with local anesthesia without general anesthesia. Your dentist will provide more information on what to expect during your procedure.
Gum healing typically takes anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks after implant placement. During this time, the soft tissue and bone around the implant will fuse to secure the implant in place. Good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are essential for proper gum healing and improved oral health.
The time frame for a dental implant can vary depending on the case.
Generally, the entire process can take anywhere from three to nine months before it is completed. This includes the healing period after implant placement and any necessary dental prosthesis (such as crowns or bridges) that will be used to complete your smile restoration.
Your dentist will provide a timeline and discuss all of your options with you so you can achieve your dental goals. Depending on your situation, may also suggest additional procedures to enhance the success of your implant placement, such as:
- Bone grafting
- Sinus lifts
- Gum grafting
Sometimes, tooth extraction will be required to remove a diseased tooth or damaged teeth.
Additionally, if any preparatory treatments are needed prior to implant placement, this could extend the timeline further.
