The term “same-day implants” can be a bit misleading, creating the impression of a truly instantaneous transformation. While the procedure does offer the convenience of receiving the implant and a temporary crown in a single appointment, it’s crucial to understand that the journey to a permanent, fully functional tooth isn’t quite as immediate as the name suggests.
“Same-Day” Implants – Marketing Term vs. Reality
“Same-day implants,” also known as immediate load implants, refer to the placement of the implant and the attachment of a temporary crown during the same visit. This is where the “same-day” aspect comes into play. You leave the dental office with a tooth, which is certainly a significant advantage. However, this temporary crown is just the first step.
Required healing time for Dental Implants
The critical factor to remember is that the implant itself needs time to heal and integrate with your jawbone—a process called osseointegration. This is a biological process that can take several weeks or even months. Think of it like setting a foundation for a house. You can’t build the entire house on a freshly poured foundation; it needs time to cure and strengthen. Similarly, while you get a temporary “house” (the crown) right away, the permanent “house” can’t be placed until the “foundation” (the implant) is fully integrated.
So, while you gain the aesthetic benefit of a tooth on the same day as the implant placement, the complete process, from implant placement to receiving your final, permanent restoration, requires a follow-up appointment after the necessary healing time has elapsed. The “same-day” refers to the start of the process, not the completion.
In essence, same-day implants offer a faster start to your tooth replacement journey, but the journey to a permanent, functional tooth still requires time and patience for proper healing. Understanding this distinction is key to having realistic expectations and a successful outcome with same-day implants.
Interested in Getting Dental Implants?
Get in touch with our team for an experienced dental implant dentist in Camp Hill and Central PA. Our team, located at the Dental Specialty Center in Enola, PA is surrounded by a team of dental specialists from Oral Surgeons, Endodontists, Periodontists, and Implant Dentists that work together, under one roof to deliver you a spectacular smile.