Dental Implants are used in a variety of situations: to replace a single tooth, multiple missing teeth, or even an entire set of teeth.
Immediate Implants
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Immediate Implants
When a tooth is decided to be hopeless and needs extraction, it can be replaced with a dental implant. If the circumstances permit, this can be done immediately after tooth removal. In some cases, the periodontist may decide to add bone graft and/or membrane. Major advantage of immediate implants is one surgical procedure rather than two. Depending upon the stability of the implant, location in the mouth as well as number of implants placed, it may be possible to place a temporary dental crown or a set of temporary teeth to wear over the healing phase. Although please be advised that every individual situation is different, and your Periodontist can guide you the best if you may need more healing time before you can get teeth.
Steps:
- 1. Preplanning includes taking x-rays, 3D-CBCT to determine bone availability, quantity and quality. Lack of sufficient bone can lead to compromised healing, esthetic and functional problems in future. However, lack of sufficient bone can be addressed by additional bone grafting, followed by healing for a couple of months and then implant placement. Implants placed in healthy bone has higher success rate of about 95%.
- 2. On the day of your surgery, the area of the tooth or teeth will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Additionally, you can also receive a sedative in pill form or intravenously (through a vein) for a deeper level of relaxation.
- 3. Once the affected tooth is removed, the implant will be placed. A small amount of grafting material may be added to prevent shrinkage of the gum and bone. After the procedure, you may have some minor discomfort and/or swelling in the area, but this should subside in a day or two. If necessary, an antibiotic or pain medication will be prescribed.
- 4. After surgery care you will need to eat a softer diet and keep food away from the surgical site. A staff member will guide you on post-operative instructions.
