A Basic Guide to Immediate Dental Implants

Even with good dental care and hygiene, tooth loss has increased dramatically. Luckily, new inventions have emerged in the dental industry, allowing you to replace your lost tooth. Dental implants, dentures, and bridges are some of the common restorative procedures for missing teeth.  

If you’re looking for the closest solution to natural teeth, your dentist will likely recommend getting a dental implant. Compared to alternative restoration treatments, dental implants offers a more stable, convenient, and long-term solution to missing teeth.  

What are Dental Implants?

Typically, an implant consists of a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone of the missing tooth to replace its roots. Once the implant has healed – it takes about three to six months, a permanent crown is placed over the implant to provide additional strength, stability, and protection.  

What is an Immediate Dental Implant?

Most of the patients who visit a dentist near you for dental implants usually have their tooth already extracted. However, you can still have your dental implants on the same day your tooth is extracted.

If you have healthy jawbone and gums during tooth extraction, your dentist can place the dental implant on the same appointment. These types of implants are referred to as immediate dental implants.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Immediate Implants?

If you need a tooth removed and an implant placed in a single appointment, you should visit your dentist for an examination. The dentist will evaluate your oral health, gums, and underlying bone to determine whether you’re qualified for immediate dental implants.  

If you have an infection or underlying conditions, you may not qualify for the procedure. Similarly, if your gums and bones are not healthy, the dentist may need to address these conditions first. To repair your jawbone, you may have to undergo bone grafting, which takes 3 to 6 months. 

Generally, you may qualify for immediate dental implants if you:

• Have good oral and overall body health.
• Have a healthy and strong jawbone. 
• Have healthy gums. 
• Be a non-smoker. 

Factors that can lessen your chances of qualifying for immediate implants include:

• Gum disease. 
• Existing oral condition. 
• Infection on the extraction area.
• Chronic disease. 
• Bruxism. 
• Autoimmune disease. 
• Smoking. 
• Poor oral health and hygiene. 

Benefits of Immediate Dental Implants

By getting immediate dental implants, here are some of the benefits that you will enjoy:

1. Immediate Restoration 

The extraction and implant placement are performed in a single appointment. This means that you will leave the dental office with a full mouth of teeth.  

2. Quick Healing 

To ensure quick healing, it’s better to have a tooth pulled out and replaced in a single appointment than have multiple appointments. The soft gums and tissues heal quickly. The implant also closes the extraction socket, keeping away any contaminants.  

3.  Prevents Oral Problems Associated with Missing Teeth 

By replacing the extracted tooth immediately, you won’t have to deal with the effects of having an empty socket. These can include:

• Impaired ability to chew and speak properly.
• Facial sagging. 
• Jawbone loss. 
• Shifting on the adjacent teeth. 

4. Promotes Good Oral Health 

By removing a damaged tooth and replacing it with an implant, your oral health can be improved. You will be able to eat, brush, and floss to continue promoting your oral health. Besides, an implant is made from artificial material, meaning that it can’t develop cavities.  

5. Long-term Solutions 

Unlike other restoration techniques, dental implants offer you a long-term solution. If well-fitted and cared for, implants can last for a lifetime, meaning that your problem would be solved for good.  

Caring for Your Immediate Dental Implants

To prevent infections and promote fast healing after the treatment, proper dental care and hygiene are essential. To care for your immediate implant and other oral structures, keep in mind the following tips:

• Take the prescribed medication as directed. After the procedure, you will likely develop side effects such as pain and swelling. Your dentist is likely to prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to support healing and prevent infections.  
• Use a cold compress or ice cubes on the cheek to reduce pain and swelling. 
• Notify your dentist if you experience any complications such as severe bleeding, pain, swelling, or infection. 
• Eat Foods and soft foods for the next 2-3 days.
• Brush and floss daily. Don’t brush on the area of operation for at least 24 hours.
• Use salty water to rinse your mouth to prevent infections. 
• Eat healthier and hydrate well.
• Schedule frequent visits to the dentist for a check-up and professional cleaning.
• Avoid sugary foods and beverages.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’re looking for immediate dental implant services, reach out to Dental Partners of Brookline today to book your appointment.