Preventing Tooth Decay To Maintain Healthy Teeth

Immediate Implants: An Option For Tooth Replacement

Dental implants are one option for tooth replacement.  You can get a single implant, or an entire denture of implants if necessary.  The process of receiving dental implants can take anywhere from three to six months or longer, and is a process that involves multiple steps.  With dental implants, the first step involves insertion of a titanium rod into the gum.  It is then allowed to sit for a period of time so that it can fuse with the bone.  The next step involves peeling the gum back and attaching an extension to the rod, which is then used to secure the replacement tooth.  A certain amount of time has to pass between adding the extension and securing the replacement tooth, in order to allow the gums time to heal.

What are Immediate Implants?

Immediate implants are sometimes called immediate loading.  In this procedure, an implant can be placed in less than an hour, though some dentists may take as long as a week.  It is much faster than the traditional dental implant.  This speed is desirable for some people. 

Who Qualifies for Immediate Implants?

Not everyone who needs dental implants is a candidate for immediate implants.  During a consultation, your dentist will determine whether or not immediate implants are an option for you.  They will look at a number of things, such as the bone density and amount of bone in your jaw, the shape and health of your gums, and your bite.  In order to get this procedure, you must have good, healthy gums and sufficient density of bone in your jaw. 

Immediate implants work best on front teeth.  They also work best for dentures if replacing the entire lower jaw. 

Risks of Immediate Implants

Dental implants are a relatively safe procedure.  However, immediate implants do pose more risk than regular implants.  They are more likely to fail, since the traditional process allows more time for the implant to fuse to the jaw and integrate with the bone.  If hard food is eaten too soon after the procedure, the implant could fail.  There is also a higher chance of your gum receding where the implant is placed.  Your facial structure can even change.  When determining whether or not to receive the procedure, make sure that your dentist is experienced. 

Benefits of Immediate Implants

One of the greatest benefits of immediate implants is that the process of replacing a missing tooth can be reduced from six months to a day.  This process also requires fewer visits and less surgery.  The procedure involves less cost, which results in a cheaper price for you. 


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