Dental implants have become a popular way to replace missing teeth. The implant is placed in the jawbone, and a replacement tooth is attached to it. While the traditional process for getting dental implants usually involves multiple appointments, recent advances in dental technology have made it possible to have them placed in one day.
Keep reading to learn more about dental implants and whether or not you could benefit from having them placed in a single visit.
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How Do Same-Day Dental Implants Work?
When most people think of dental implants, they imagine a long and complicated process that requires multiple surgeries. Traditional methods of putting in dental implants normally require a two-step process:
First, a titanium post is surgically placed in the jaw bone. After the area has healed and the implant has fused with the bone, an artificial tooth (or crown) is attached to the post. This process can take several months, during which the patient must wear a temporary denture or bridge.
Same-day implants are a new and innovative way to replace missing teeth in just one day. Unlike traditional implants, same-day implants do not require a waiting period before they can be used. Instead, they can be inserted and used immediately.
The entire procedure can be completed in just one visit, and you’ll be able to leave the office with a brand-new smile. Not only is this process more convenient for patients, but it also helps preserve oral health by minimising the time that teeth are missing.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The steps of a same-day implant procedure are as follows:
Consultation
During your initial consultation, your implant dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays. This will help them determine if you are a good candidate for same-day implants. If you are determined to be a good candidate, your dentist will go over the next steps of the procedure with you.
Preparation
Using modern technology, your dentist will use 3D images of your mouth to create your custom-fitted tooth. Using this technology, you no longer need to take impressions or wait for your new tooth to be created at a dental laboratory.
Implant and Abutment Placement
The dentist will make an incision to expose the bone beneath the gums. A small hole will then be drilled into the bone, and a titanium implant will be inserted. After implant placement, a metal abutment will be attached on top of it.
Crown Placement
The patient’s remaining natural teeth are used as templates to create custom-fitted dental crowns. These are then attached to the posts, resulting in a natural-looking and -feeling smile. The entire process usually takes less than two hours to complete.
Post-Procedure Checkups
It is important to have regular checkups with your dentist after the procedure to ensure that the implants are healing properly. In some cases, additional surgeries may be required to adjust the implants. These checkups usually occur every six months to a year.
Same-day dental implants offer many benefits over traditional implants, including shorter treatment times and fewer appointments. If you’re considering dental implants, ask your dentist if same-day implants are right for you.
How Can Same-Day Dental Implants Benefit You?
There are several benefits of same-day implants, including the following:
- Same-day implants are much less invasive than traditional implants. The surgery is typically quicker and easier, and there is no need to wait for the implant to heal before placing the artificial tooth.
- One-day dental implants are more comfortable than traditional implants. Because they are less invasive, patients experience less discomfort and swelling after dental implant surgery.
- Same-day implants provide immediate results. Unlike traditional implants, which can take weeks or even months to heal, same-day implants allow patients to walk out of the dentist’s office with a new tooth in place.
- Same-day dental implant treatments are less time-consuming than traditional implants. Patients can have their implants placed and their new teeth placed on the same day without having to come back for multiple appointments.
- Same-day implants offer a more natural appearance than traditional implants. Because they are placed using minimally invasive surgery, same-day implants preserve more of the natural tooth structure. As a result, they blend in more seamlessly with the surrounding teeth for a more natural look and feel.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for Same-Day Dental Implants?
To qualify for same-day implants, also known as “one-day dental implants” or “teeth in a day” implants, patients must have generally good oral health. Specific requirements may vary depending on the dentist or oral surgeon, but typically an ideal candidate must have the following to promote long-term success:
- Healthy gums with no active infections
- Adequate bone density to support the implant
- Good oral hygiene
- No existing tooth decay
- No other major dental work scheduled
- No serious systemic health conditions or chronic disease that could complicate the surgery or delay the healing process
If you think you may be a candidate for same-day dental implants, schedule a consultation with your oral surgeon or dentist to discuss your eligibility.
Final Thoughts
The days of waiting months to get new teeth are long gone. New advances in dental technology mean you can get same-day dental implants and improve your quality of life quickly.
If you need dental implants but don’t have the time to wait for traditional implant surgery, same-day dental implant procedures may be a great option. The procedure is becoming increasingly popular, and they offer many benefits over traditional implant surgery.
Comfort Care Dental clinic offers same-day dental implants, so if you’re interested, please visit our website or call us to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about the procedure. Thank you for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Same-day dental implants can range from $4,000 to $5,000 per tooth. However, the cost may differ from person to person.
There are a variety of factors that can affect the cost of implants, including:
- The type of implant
- The number of implants needed
- The location of the implants
- The oral health of the patient
- Oral surgeon’s skill, experience, and clinic location
In general, same-day implants are more expensive than traditional implants because they require special equipment and training. However, many patients feel that the benefits of same-day implants (such as immediate results and fewer office visits) outweigh the cost.
If you are considering dental implants, discuss all your options with your dentist to find the most appropriate treatment plan.
Generally speaking, dental implants are a durable solution for missing teeth. With proper care, they can last for many years. However, there are some advantages to choosing same-day implants over traditional implants.
Because same-day implants are placed in a single procedure, the implant can prevent bacteria from coming in contact with the healing area, reducing the risk of infection. In addition, same-day implants allow patients to avoid the need for a second surgery. Less surgery means there is a reduced risk of complications.
Of course, every patient is different, and the easiest way to determine which implant is right for you is to consult an experienced dentist. If you’re looking for a durable solution for missing teeth, same-day dental implants may be worth considering.
Though same-day dental implants are becoming increasingly popular, there are some disadvantages to be aware of before deciding to have this treatment, such as:
- Same-day implants have a slightly higher risk of failure. The patient’s strict compliance with the oral surgeon’s instructions is critical to allow the fusion of the implant to the bone. Failure to do so may lead to implant failure.
- Higher risk of implant movement since the implant will immediately be used for chewing. As such, the patient must stick to a soft diet to avoid implant movement.
- More expensive than traditional dental implants. Same-day dental implants are more technique sensitive and require a high skill level, making them more expensive.
- Not recommended for all patients. There are strict eligibility requirements for same-day dental implants. So despite being able to provide numerous benefits, not all patients can have same-day dental implants.
Though there are some disadvantages to consider, same-day dental implants can be a great option for those looking for a fast and convenient way to improve their smile.
There are a few reasons why someone might not be eligible for same-day dental implants.
- If you have poor oral health, you may not be a candidate for any type of implant, as the implant requires good oral hygiene to be successful.
- If you have active gum disease or periodontal disease.
- Smokers are typically not good candidates for same-day implants due to the increased risk of implant failure.
- If you have insufficient bone density or extensive bone loss, you must first undergo a bone graft procedure to receive a dental implant.
- If you have certain medical conditions that affect bone healing and recovery time, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or other autoimmune diseases, you may not be able to get same-day implants.
Same-day dental implants are a great option for many people, but you must consult your dentist to ensure they are right for you.