Both traditional dental implants and same-day dental implants boast an extremely high success rate, from 95-100%, but traditional dental implants require a more lengthy process. Your dentist will first take a comprehensive examination of your mouth and jaw to determine whether you’re a good candidate for implants. If you’ve suffered from bone loss in the jaw due to missing teeth or other diseases, you may first need to have a bone graft done to ensure the implant has a strong foundation. Even without the need for a bone graft, if the tooth with the issue hasn’t been removed, you’ll need to allow 2-4 months for the socket to heal after extraction. After this time, your oral surgeon will place the implant into your jawbone and will allow 3-6 months for the implant to settle into your bone. Finally, you’re then able to have the crown added to the implant to complete your smile. This adds up to a process that may take between 5 and 10 months to complete, with the result being a restored mouth, both functionally and aesthetically.
Compared to traditional dental implants, same-day dental implants offer you a much faster timeline. You’ll go through the same consultation and examination as with traditional dental implants, but the procedure to actually place the dental implant can be completed in one visit. This procedure also allows for the implant to fuse to the bone better, you’ll leave the office with a full mouth of teeth, and your gums heal more quickly and are less likely to recede.
Am I a Good Candidate for Same-Day Dental Implants?
Although there’s a huge benefit to same-day dental implants, the reality is most people may still need extra steps in order to get an implant placed. Same-day implants simply aren’t right for every person and oral health situation. Your dentist and oral surgeon will be able to make this determination through an in-depth consultation and examination. The following is a list of some of the aspects that make someone a good candidate for same-day implants. Even if some of this might not apply to you, it’d still be a good idea to talk to your dentist just in case. You might be a good fit for same-day dental implants if you:
- Have one or more missing or damaged teeth
- Prefer to improve the function and look of your teeth as soon as possible
- Have adequate bone density in the implant area
- Have healthy oral tissue
- Do not grind your teeth excessively
- Do not have a medical condition that may negatively affect bone healing
- Want an alternative to dentures or bridgework
There is a lot to think about when it comes to your oral health and restoring the vitality of your smile. Same-day dental implants might not be for everyone, but they could be for you! If you’d like to know if this is an option for you, we encourage you to schedule a visit with us and we’ll help get you on a path to a brighter smile.
