Nearly 100% of adults worldwide have some type of tooth decay, leading to infections, gum disease, and tooth loss. Dental implants are a common solution for restoring tooth loss and same-day dental implants are becoming increasingly popular.
Although getting dental implants in one day seems like a quick and easy solution, there are still risks involved; they’re not an option for everyone. It’s essential to learn more about the procedure, along with the risks and benefits, so you can make the best decision for your dental health.
Keep reading to learn more about same-day dental implants to see if they’re right for you!
Overview of Traditional Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically implanted in your jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots. Once the implants fuse with your jawbone, they’ll be stable enough to support artificial teeth.
Getting dental implants is usually a multi-step process that starts with an overall assessment of your dental health. You’ll need an experienced dentist to assess for damaged teeth because you may need a tooth extraction first.
Next, your dentist will need to assess your jawbone to ensure you have enough bone to support implants. Some people need dental bone grafting first, which involves transplanting prepared bone material into the areas of the jawbone that are weak or damaged.
If you have bone loss in your upper jaw, you may also need a sinus lift to prevent complications after your implants are placed; this prevents the implant from penetrating your sinus cavity. Many times you can get a dental bone graft and a sinus lift at the same time.
Once the implants are placed, they’ll need to heal before the abutment or post can be placed, attaching the artificial tooth to the implant.
Healing Time
Traditional implants take an average of 5 to 10 months to complete. You’ll need to wait between 2 to 4 months for the implant area to heal. Sometimes, it can take up to 6 months for the implant to fuse with the bone.
You’ll also have to wait for the abutment area to heal once it’s in place. Once this occurs, you can finally have your implant crown or artificial tooth put in place.
What Are Same-Day Dental Implants?
Same-day dental implants are a solution for people who don’t want to go through the long process of getting traditional dental implants. Same-day implants can be done in a single procedure that can take up to 3 hours, depending on how many implants you need.
These types of implants use technology like digital x-rays and implant planning software to ensure the implant and abutment fuse with the jawbone quickly and more efficiently.
The common types of same-day implants you can get that include:
Single Tooth Implants
If you need just one tooth replaced, you can get a single implant or a combination of implants that will support multiple teeth.
All-on-4 Implants
With all-on-4 implants, you’ll get four implants on the top and four implants on the bottom, allowing you to have a full set of teeth placed in one day.
Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are small, narrow toothpick-sized implants that are less invasive than regular-sized implants and are frequently used for people with jawbone loss.
Same Day Implant Procedure
First, you’ll receive an initial consultation so your dentist can examine your dental health, the condition of your jawbone and sinus cavities, and the potential need for same-day tooth extraction.
In some cases, you’ll be able to have a bone graft the same day, especially if your bone loss is minimal; otherwise, you’ll need to have bone grafting done prior to your same-day implant procedure.
If you’re healthy enough for same-day implants, your dentist will numb the area around where your implants will be and drill holes for the implant placement. Once the implants are in place, you’ll get abutments fitted to hold your new teeth.
Once these are in place, you may get temporary artificial teeth to allow your mouth to heal before the permanent ones are put in place.
You’ll leave with a new smile, but you’ll still need time to heal before you return for a check-up to get your permanent artificial teeth fitted.
Qualifications for Same-Day Implants
Not everyone is a good candidate for same-day implant treatment. You’ll need to meet specific requirements that include:
- Your overall health is good
- You have good dental health
- Your jawbone is intact
- You’re a non-smoker or willing to quit before the procedure
On the other hand, you won’t be a suitable candidate if you have a chronic or autoimmune disease that significantly affects your health. You also won’t qualify for same-day implants if you have dental health conditions like gum disease, poor oral health, or if you grind your teeth.
Are Same-Day Dental Implants Safe?
Same-day implants are safe and effective and have a high success rate. Other benefits of same-day implants include:
- Your smile is fully restored in one day
- The implants fuse to the jawbone better
- Your gums heal more quickly since the implant is in place immediately
- Better healing process since fewer bacteria and debris have time to get into the sockets
Risks of Same-Day Implants
One of the biggest risks of same-day implants is that they have a higher chance of failing than traditional implants do.
You also have a slightly higher risk of infection, swelling, and discomfort with same-day implants since the entire procedure is done in such a short time period.
Talk to a Dentist About Dental Implants
Now that you know more about same-day dental implants, you can talk to your dentist to see what types of implants are best for you.
If you need a dentist, it’s time to turn to The Dental Team for all your dental care needs. We offer a variety of dental services like dental implants, crowns, bridges, general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and more.
We offer services in Mississauga, Vaughan, Brampton, Milton, and our dedicated team of professionals will help you get the dental procedures and treatments you need. Make sure you contact us today to schedule an appointment.
