Have you ever seen ads that tell you that you can get implants in one day? Wow! That sounds great, doesn’t it? But the truth is that there is more that you should know about same-day implants than what you might hear in an ad. Although it is possible to restore your smile in one day, it actually takes several months to properly achieve complete restoration of your healthy smile. This is especially true when it comes to same-day dental implants.
How are Same-Day Implants Different from Traditional Implants?
Traditional implants take several months to complete. First, the tooth is extracted, and a bone graft is placed in the socket. After about 2-4 months of healing, an implant surgeon places the implant into the bone where the tooth was extracted. The implant post takes about 3-6 months for the implant to fully fuse with the bone, called osseointegration. Once the integration has occurred, your implant dentist can place a permanent crown on top of the implant, finishing the process. In total, a patient can have to wait six months or even longer for the final tooth replacement. While it’s a long period of time, patients can be confident that their implant has healed well.
Same-day implants can be performed all in one day with a collaborative effort between your implant surgeon and implant dentist. Generally, the procedure can be quicker with less surgical steps. In this method, dental implants are placed immediately after the diseased tooth is extracted and a temporary crown can be placed. That means that when you leave, you don’t have to spend months with a missing tooth, which reduces concerns about appearance.
While same day implants can do all of this in one appointment, keep in mind that it still takes months for the implants to fuse properly in the bone, which is about six weeks. So, during that time, those implants are vulnerable and could fail if you do not follow post-op directions very carefully.
In addition, during the six-week period, gums are also healing and changing as well, which can alter the implant’s appearance and function. Therefore, your implant dentist makes a temporary crown on the day of your implant surgery. A permanent restoration is always best after complete healing.
Do Same-Day Implants Heal Well?
Same-day implants have proven to be successful, just like traditional implants. Other than just convenience and immediate tooth replacement, same-day implants have also shown to be advantageous because the one-step process often results in faster healing because they keep plaque and food debris away from the tooth extraction socket because of the temporary crown as a protectant.
What are the Drawbacks of Same-Day Implants?
Marginal Bone Loss – Studies have shown that reduction of the bone level is more common with same-day implants. While that doesn’t mean the implants won’t last long, it does mean that you will need regular x-rays to monitor your bone level after having your implants placed so that they do not loosen or fail.
Longer Appointment – While the implant surgery is rather quick, when coupled with the fabrication of the temporary crown or bridge, patients will typically be in the chair longer than during the traditional implant surgery.
Increased Post-Op Discomfort – Some patients report a bit more swelling and discomfort following the same day implant procedure compared to the traditional implant procedure.
While same-day implants can be convenient with good success rate, they do have an increased risk of failure compared to traditional implants. That is why it’s important to make sure that you’re a good candidate for a same-day implant before going that route.
How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate for Same-Day Implants?
Typically, people who need multiple implants do not always have enough bone to support same-day implants. The bottom line is that you must have enough bone to support implants. So, whether placing multiple implants or just one, your dental implant specialists will carefully evaluate your bone level with a special x-ray called a CBTC scan that shows a 3-D view of your jawbone.
Two major factors, your current bone levels and biting occlusion will help your dental implant specialists determine if you are a good candidate for same-day implants or if you should go through the traditional method.
At your initial consultation, your dental implant team will evaluate not only how much bone you have in the desired area but also determine bone quality. They will review your medical history as well, which may be a factor if you have issues such as osteoporosis or take certain medications that can affect bone quality.
Your dental implant dentist will also check your occlusion, which is how your teeth bite together. They do this because they need to know how much force that tooth will need to endure. If that area will be doing heavy chewing, your dentist may advise occlusal adjustments or recommend the traditional implant method.
Where Should I Go for Dental Implants?
For the best dental implant results, you will want to choose local dental implant specialists who are not only knowledgeable and highly skilled but also invested in the long-term success of your dental health. Finding a local team that will be there for you for many years and will work with your current dental office is the best way for implant success!
When you are in the hands of qualified dental implant specialists, you can be sure that if they tell you that you are a good candidate for same-day implants, you can be confident in your decision. If you aren’t a good candidate for same-day implants, your trusted local dental implant specialty team will create the best traditional implant plan for you so that you can gain the confidence and function of a healthy new smile!
Schedule an Implant Consultation!
The best way to find out if same-day implants are a good option for you is to schedule a consultation with a highly qualified team of implant specialists. Fortunately, there is an exceptional local dental implant specialty team in Enola, PA! The team at the Dental Implant Center of PA is ready to help you create a beautiful and healthy smile.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
