What Are Same-Day Dental Implants?
Same-day dental implants, also known as immediate-load dental implants, are a type of dental implant that gets placed in a single visit to the dentist. Unlike traditional implants that require several months of a healing period before they complete the implant with a dental crown, same-day dental implants allow you to leave the dental office with a new tooth or teeth on the same day.
The Pros and Cons of Same-Day Implants
Like any dental implant surgery, same-day implants have advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Patients may experience the following pros:
- Faster Treatment: With same-day implants, you can have a new tooth or teeth in a single visit, without having to wait several months for the implant to integrate with the jawbone.
- Convenience: Since same-day dental implants are done in one visit, you won’t have to schedule multiple appointments or take time off work.
- Immediate Function: Same-day implants allow you to eat and speak normally right away, without waiting for the implant to heal.
- Cost-Effective: While same-day dental implants may cost more upfront, they can be a more cost-effective option in the long run, since you won’t need to pay for multiple appointments.
Cons
The cons of one-day dental implants include:
- Risk of Implant Failure: Since same-day dental implants are immediately placed with a temporary restoration, there’s a higher risk of implant failure compared to traditional dental implants.
- Limited Candidate Pool: Not everyone is a good candidate for same-day dental implants. Those with certain medical conditions or a history of gum disease may not qualify.
- Higher Cost: While same-day dental implants can be cost-effective in the long run, they may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional dental implants.
How Do Same-Day Dental Implants Work?
- Consultation and Planning: First, you will set up a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. They’ll take a thorough medical history, conduct an examination of your mouth, and take X-rays or 3D images of your teeth and jaw. This allows them to evaluate the state of your oral health, the density of your jawbone, and plan the precise placement of the implant.
- Implant Placement: Then, they’ll surgically place the dental implant, which is a small titanium post, into your jawbone. This post will serve as a sturdy root for the new tooth.
- Abutment Placement: The abutment, which is a small connector post, is attached to the implant. This is the piece that will hold the new tooth securely.
- Crown Placement: Finally, a crown, which is a custom-made artificial tooth, is attached to the abutment. This crown is created to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth so it blends seamlessly with your smile.
In traditional implant procedures, there would typically be a healing period of several weeks or months between the implant placement and the crown placement. During this healing period, the jawbone would grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration, effectively anchoring it in place.
In a same-day procedure, however, the healing and osseointegration process happens concurrently with the crown being in place. This requires very careful planning and execution, and it’s not suitable for all patients or all situations. But when it can be done, it provides an immediate result that many patients find highly satisfying.
After the procedure, there’s still a healing process that must occur. It’s essential to follow the dentist’s instructions for the care and maintenance of the implant to ensure the best long-term results. This may include dietary restrictions, good oral hygiene, and regular follow-up visits to the dentist.
Who Qualifies for Same-Day Dental Implants?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for same-day dental implants. Ideal candidates include those who:
- Have good oral hygiene and health
- Have enough bone density in the jaw to support the implant
- Do not have gum disease or other medical conditions that can interfere with the healing process
- Take proper care of their oral health
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your insurance plan. Some insurance plans may cover same-day dental implants, while others may not. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered under your plan.
You may be advised to avoid hard or crunchy foods for a few days and to rinse your mouth with salt water. Your dentist will provide you with specific post-procedure instructions to ensure your recovery goes smoothly.
Same-day dental implants provide a much quicker timeline compared to traditional implants. Although the consultation and examination process is the same, the dental implant procedure can be completed in a single visit and patients will receive a temporary restoration while they go through the healing process.
The success rate remains the same, at around 95%. They’re a great long-term solution to replacing missing teeth.
Yes, in some cases, a dental implant can be placed on the same day as a tooth extraction. This is known as immediate implant placement. However, not all patients are candidates for this implant procedure and it depends on various factors such as the condition of surrounding teeth, the remaining bone and gums, the location of the tooth extraction site, and the overall health of the patient.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your case to determine if immediate implant placement is a viable option for you after tooth extraction. In some cases, it may be necessary to wait for the extraction site to heal before placing the implant.
Explore Your Dental Implant Options in Wasilla
If you’re interested in learning more about same-day dental implants, consult with a dental professional to determine if they’re the right choice for you. At our Wasilla dental office, our dentist may not offer complete same-day dental implants, but can still provide you with high-quality tooth replacement options. Schedule your consultation today.