Did you know that around 120 million Americans are missing a tooth? So, if you find yourself in this situation, you aren’t alone.
Missing teeth can cause problems that extend beyond your bite. For many, it can make you feel self-conscious when smiling, and you may feel a sense of urgency to get the problem fixed. Fortunately, there is a newer technique for tooth replacement that might be perfect for you.
Read on to learn about same-day dental implants.
What Are Same-Day Dental Implants?
You might see same-day dental implants under another term, immediate load implants, but it means the same thing. It’s a treatment that requires one visit to the dentist, during which time you’ll get a new dental implant with a temporary crown.
Traditionally, an implant procedure took several weeks or months, beginning with the process of placement and ending with the final restoration. Thanks to advanced imaging and better planning techniques, it has now become possible to walk out of dental surgery with a new implant on the same day, giving you an instant cosmetic makeover and saving you the time and hassle of multiple dental visits.
How to Know If You Are a Good Candidate for Instant Dental Implants
If you have a complicated dental history, you’ll already know that not all patients are candidates for certain treatments. That’s true for same-day implants, too. Nevertheless, patients are often surprised to find out they qualify.
You’ll typically need to:
- Be in good general health
- Have sufficient jawbone density
- Be free of uncontrolled gum disease
- Have no chronic conditions that could slow the healing process
The treatment is also best suited to non-smokers. Therefore, it is worth taking steps to stop smoking before considering this treatment, as it will give you a better outcome.
Same-day implants are not suitable for those who need multiple implants, which requires a more involved consultation and examination process.
Same-Day Implants: The Initial Consultation
When you book same-day implants at the dentist, the first thing that will happen is a consultation. During this time, your dentist will review your oral health and medical history. They will also chat with you about your expectations and your goals for having this new implant.
After that, you’ll be invited to undertake 3D imaging. This is a technology that captures detailed, 3D images of your teeth and jawbone. It’s highly accurate and helps the dental team be more precise when placing the implant, meaning you get a snug and comfortable fit. During this consultation, the dental team will also check your bone density to ensure it’s strong enough to hold the implant in place.
Tooth Extraction Before an Implant
One of the most common reasons patients prefer same-day dental implants is because they can help you get a smile transformation on the same day as getting a damaged tooth extracted so that you aren’t left with a visible gap between visits.
When tooth extraction is needed, the dentist will remove the tooth before positioning the implant into the jawbone. 3D imaging will guide this placement. The rapid process of replacing a lost tooth is optimal because it helps preserve bone and gum structure.
Once you have the crown fitted, you’ll be able to leave the dental clinic with a natural-looking new tooth to replace a damaged or broken one.
What You Need to Know About Temporary Crowns
Temporary crowns are one of the key reasons patients can walk out of a same-day implant with a brand-new smile.
A temporary crown is custom-made and gives the natural tooth appearance that patients prefer for cosmetic reasons. It also protects the implant site after the procedure.
The reason it’s temporary, however, is that this crown isn’t as strong as your permanent one, so it is only designed to last until your appointment to fit the permanent crown. Nevertheless, it is a functioning crown, and you can carry on with normal activities like brushing your teeth.
The Healing Process After a Same-Day Implant
Once you leave the dental clinic after a same-day implant, the healing process will begin. There is a process called osseointegration, and this is where your new implant will begin to fuse with your jawbone. This is what gives your implant its long-term strength.
During this time, the dentist will check your progress to ensure the tooth area is healing as expected. In the beginning, your dentist might ask you to eat softer foods than normal to avoid putting too much pressure on the site while it heals and fuses.
Avoid smoking at this point, as it interferes with healing.
Replacing the Temporary Crown
When your implant is healed, which means it has completed the osseointegration process, it’s time to replace the temporary crown with the permanent one. This crown is also custom-made to match a shape and color that blends with the rest of your teeth and gives you an even bite.
During the visit, the dentist will remove your temporary crown and take new impressions or 3D scans. The custom crown is then securely attached to your implant.
The Benefits of Same-Day Implants
There are many advantages to choosing quick dental solutions like same-day implants compared to the traditional method. Some of the main benefits include:
- Convenience due to fewer appointments
- Speed of treatment
- An instant makeover if you have lost a tooth
- It avoids the need for a denture
- It is the best way to preserve bone structure
It’s a fantastic choice if you need an implant and feel worried about the length of the process or have a gap in your tooth. If you are a suitable candidate, it’s a fast and effective way to achieve a better smile.
Get an Immediate Smile Restoration: Book a Consultation Today
You don’t have to stop smiling to hide a damaged or missing tooth. A solution is closer and faster than you think. Consider whether same-day implants could be the perfect solution.
Jenkins, Morrow & Gayheart are committed to compassionate care and the highest standards of dental care using the most advanced technology. To repair your smile, schedule a consultation with our trusted team today.
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