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What Are Immediate Dental Implants?
This procedure is also known as same-day implants, allowing people to have their teeth extracted and implants inserted on the same day. Often, a temporary prosthesis can be attached to the implants soon afterward.
Sometimes it is possible to insert a small amount of bone grafting material into the empty socket after tooth extraction and immediately before the implant placement. This is a technique called socket preservation, and it may not be right for everyone.
Benefits of the Immediate Implants
Benefits can include:
- Teeth are replaced the same day as they are removed.
- Functionality is restored more quickly.
- Appearance is preserved.
- Immediate implants help prevent bone and gum loss.
- Recovery is fast, and fewer appointments are required.
Who Is a Candidate for Immediate Dental Implants?
You may be suitable for immediate dental implants if you have:
- Damaged or decayed teeth requiring extraction.
- Reasonably good jawbone quality at the extraction site.
- Reasonable dental health with no signs of gum disease.
- Good oral hygiene and a commitment to ongoing oral care.
- Reasonable overall health and are ideally a non-smoker or are willing to quit during treatment.
The Immediate Implant Procedure Step-By-Step
The step-by-step procedure for immediate dental implants is very similar to any implant treatment. A general outline of the procedure is provided below; however, your treatment will be customized to meet your specific needs, so that it may differ slightly.
Step One: Consultation & Diagnostic Imaging
You will need to consult with Dr. Rahmani or another one of our experienced implant dentists to assess your dental health and review your medical history.
Diagnostic imaging will include a 3D cone-beam CT scan and digital X-rays. The information is used to plan your treatment and produce a computer-generated surgical stent for use during implant placement.
Step Two: Custom Treatment Plan
You will receive your custom treatment plan outlining all the procedures required, including the number of teeth to be extracted and any necessary bone grafting. It will also include the cost of temporary and permanent restorations, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step Three: Tooth Extraction
Your tooth is removed carefully, most likely using a technique called an atraumatic tooth extraction. This is a specialized type of extraction that minimizes damage to the surrounding bone and gum, which is very important when placing dental implants.
Step Four: Bone Grafting (if required) & Implant Placement
Your new dental implant is inserted immediately after tooth extraction, along with any bone grafting material if required.
Step Five: Temporary Restoration Placement
Soon after surgery, your temporary teeth are attached to your implants, and you are ready to begin the healing process.
Step Six: Healing & Osseointegration
It takes between three and six months for implants to heal, during which a process called osseointegration must occur. New bone must grow on and around the implants during this time, fusing them firmly in your jaw.
Step Seven: Final Restoration Placement
After healing is complete, you are ready to receive your final set of teeth. Detailed impressions of your implants are taken and used to fabricate your new teeth, a process that may take two weeks or more to complete fully.
Recovery & Aftercare
Everybody’s experience of recovery after implant surgery will be different. It will depend on the number of implants you receive and your body’s ability to heal.
First Few Days of Recovery
Generally, you can expect mild discomfort and swelling during the first few days. Using over-the-counter pain relief should be sufficient to control any discomfort; otherwise, we can prescribe something stronger.
Diet
Your temporary teeth may be for appearance only, in which case you will need to avoid biting and chewing on them. You will also need to stick to eating softer foods during the healing process. If this is the case, we will provide clear instructions and a list of suitable foods to eat.
Oral hygiene
It’s essential to follow instructions on oral hygiene as your implants and implant restoration must be kept clean. We can advise you on how to maintain oral hygiene while healing and may recommend a course of antibiotics or an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection.
Aftercare for Your Permanent Teeth
Once your implants have fully healed and you receive your new set of teeth, our hygiene team can work with you to ensure you know how to keep them clean and which tools to use, such as interdental flossers, a WaterPik, or interdental brushes.
Dental checkups and hygiene appointments are extremely important. We must regularly inspect the condition of your implants and restorations, and ensure our hygiene team professionally cleans them.
Risks & Considerations
This is a low-risk procedure that we will only recommend if we believe you are a suitable candidate.
You may be less suitable for treatment if you have:
- Any signs of infection around the tooth extraction site.
- Insufficient jawbone to support the implants without a substantial bone graft.
- Problems maintaining oral hygiene.
It’s essential to remember that the temporary restoration may not be load-bearing, as your implants mustn’t be disturbed or subjected to excessive stress during healing.
FAQs
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Can I Really Get a New Implant on the Same Day as Tooth Extraction?
This technique may be possible if you meet the criteria for treatment. It is a procedure that is gaining increasing popularity.
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What If I Am Not a Candidate?
Same-day teeth may not be right for everyone, and we will always adjust the solution we believe will provide the best long-term results. Sometimes, we may suggest a more traditional approach to dental implant surgery, which involves placing an implant and allowing it to heal before restoring it with an implant restoration.
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Will I Leave the Dental Office with a New Tooth?
Usually, yes, as we can make the temporary restoration before your implant surgery. Sometimes we may suggest fitting the tooth on the following day, but you will receive it soon after surgery when you have immediate implants.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th Street, 8th Floor, Suite 2
New York, NY 10017
(212) 810-9264