Immediate implants, also known as same-day implants or single-stage implants, are dental metal implants that are placed immediately after tooth extraction, eliminating the need for a separate healing period before implant placement. This treatment approach allows patients to receive both implant surgery and prosthetic restoration in a single visit to the dentist. Therefore, it is a sought-after procedure for individuals who need a quick solution to their dental prosthetic needs.
What is the Procedure for Immediate Implants?
The procedure for immediate implant restoration consists of several steps. This protocol is also called immediate implants with immediate loading.
Dental Consultation– This initial consultation involves a comprehensive patient history, oral assessments through X-ray and imaging, and discussion on the procedure and patient outcomes. The patients are explained about the outcomes that they can expect out of the treatment.
Extraction of Damaged or Disease Teeth– Based on patients’ dental condition and the treatment planning, single or multiple teeth are surgically extracted, followed by thorough cleaning and preparation of the extraction socket.
Placement of Implants– Without any delay, implants are fixed into the teeth sockets immediately after the extraction.
Temporary Prosthesis– Measurements or impressions are taken for fabrication of the permanent restoration. Meanwhile, a temporary attachment of a temporary crown, bridge, or denture to the implant fixture, are provided to the patient for restoring aesthetics and function immediately after surgery.
Permanent Dental Restoration– Once the permanent restoration are fabricated, the temporary ones removed and the permanent ones are fixed and adjusted, as per requirement.
What are the Advantages of Immediate Implants?
Immediate implants offer numerous advantages over traditional implant procedures, making them an attractive option for patients and clinicians alike:
Time-Saving- As the implant are placed and loaded immediately after tooth extraction, no time is lost in waiting periods, hence it is time-saving protocol for both patients and clinicians.
Preservation of Bone and Soft Tissues: Immediate implant placement helps preserve the surrounding bone and soft tissues by maintaining the natural architecture of the tooth socket and supporting structures.
Better Patient Experience– With immediate implants, patients experience minimal discomfort, swelling, and downtime compared to traditional implant procedures, leading to a more positive treatment experience. In addition, the patients do not have to be without teeth while the oral tissue is healing, or the crown/bridge is fabricated.
Functional Prosthesis in Lesser time- Immediate implants restore chewing function and speech clarity right from the start, allowing patients to resume normal activities soon after treatment.
Cost-saving– The patients require fewer dental visits for their treatment hence the overall costs are reduced. Immediate implants and immediate loading is a time-saving and cost-effective approach for permanent dental restoration. Some patients may need additional procedures like bone augmentation or sinus lift. In that case, the healing periods after these procedures should be considered during treatment planning. Immediate implants are a great option for individuals who do not want multiple visits and cannot wait for months for their permanent dental restorations.
