When it comes to our overall well-being, it is crucial to maintain good oral health. Having said that, tooth loss can occur due to a variety of reasons such as decay, injury, or periodontal disease. Speaking of this, dental implants have revolutionized the field of dentistry by offering a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. The process of getting dental implants back then was quite complex. It involved multiple visits and an extended healing period. However, thanks to advancements in technology and innovations in techniques, same day dental implants have emerged as a convenient and efficient alternative. In this blog post, we will explore the world of same day dental implants, addressing common questions surrounding it.
How do same day dental implants work?
Same day dental implants, also widely known as immediate dental implants or teeth-in-a-day, enable patients to receive new teeth on the same day as the implant placement surgery. The process comprises careful placement of a dental implant directly into the jawbone. Subsequently, a temporary crown or bridge is attached. This restores both function and aesthetics in just one visit.
Can you get the implant on the same day?
Well, the answer is yes! It is very much possible to do dental implants on the same day in certain cases. Candidates for same day dental implants are carefully examined based on a number of factors. This includes overall oral health, bone density in addition to implant stability. It is pertinent to mention that not everyone is eligible for immediate implant placement, and it is the specific dental needs that sets the next course of action when it comes to designing the most appropriate treatment plan.
Same-day dental implants vs. traditional implants
The biggest difference between traditional and same-day dental implants is the time it takes to get your full smile back.
For traditional implants, the tooth must be extracted and wait 2-4 months to heal then after inserting shorter implants starts another healing process called osseointegration that takes about 3-6 months. Once all healing is complete, crowns can be placed, and you can have your beautiful smile. With long healing times, traditional implants take 5 months at best, and it can take longer up to 10 months. However, with the increased healing time traditional implants have a slightly higher chance of succeeding than same-day implants. But with improved technologies same-day implants have been getting closer to the close the success rate gap with almost 98% as opposed to 99% rate of traditional implants.
With the shorter healing time for same-day implants, you must be more careful with your diet, even though you don’t need to disrupt your daily life. Just sticking to softer foods and following the doctor’s advice until the implants are healed should suffice. The slight difference in success rates usually stems from this process, so patients need to be more cautious.
There is also a difference in the type or restoration you can have. With same day teeth, you can only choose a full arch restoration. But with traditional dental implants, you could have a single tooth restoration.
What is the success rate of immediate dental implants?
To put it simply, immediate dental implants come with a high rate of success. Success depends on several factors. This includes proper case selection, sufficient bone support, and of course, impeccable surgical techniques
On another note, as with any surgical procedure, there are also risks associated with these. These risks may include infection, implant failure or nerve damage. However, if you have selected the right dental implant specialist then the likelihood of complications can be minimized. Hence, make sure you have done your research before finalizing one.
How do same day dental implants work?
The immediate implant process is multi-staged:
- a) Initial assessment: Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive consultation session. This will include dental x-rays in order to assess the health of your teeth and gums, not to mention the bone density and volume in the implant area.
- b) Extraction (if necessary): If the need arises, the tooth may be removed during the same appointment as the implant placement.
- c) Implant placement: At the area of the missing tooth, a titanium implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia.
- d) Temporary restoration: Some cases call for a temporary crown or bridge to be attached to the implant on the same day. This provides immediate aesthetics as well as function.
- e) Healing and final restoration: Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once it is healed, a permanent crown or bridge is placed on to the implant, thereby completing the restoration.
Are same day dental implants right for you?
Unfortunately, same day implant treatment is not suitable for everyone. For a patient to be eligible for treatment, they must be in good general health and have quit smoking if they have the habit. The doctor will need to closely examine the patient’s medical history, tooth structure and jawbone. If the jawbone is too thin or soft, the patient may need a bone graft before the procedure.
But if you are eligible and in good overall health, you can start treatment immediately and have a full mouth of teeth on the same day.
Pros and cons of same-day implants
Pros
- Shorter healing process
- Immediate results
- Minimal disruption to everyday life
- No uncomfortable dentures
Cons
- Healing period dependent on patient
- Sticking to a softer diet
- Disregarding the doctor’s instructions may risk treatment failure
- Slightly more likely to fail when compared to traditional implants
How much do same day implants cost?
Depending on several factors, the cost can vary. The factors include the number of implants needed, the complexity level of the case, the materials used, and the geographic location. If we compare same-day implants with traditional implants, the former may have a slightly higher price. This is all because of the convenience and expedited treatment time. However, keeping in mind the amount of time saved and the improved quality of life, many patients find this investment worthwhile.
The average cost of same-day implants in Turkey hovers around €600 – €800. However, this is only an approximate range, and the actual cost may be higher or lower for your specific case.
Conclusion:
All in all, same day dental implants by far is a remarkable solution for individuals seeking efficient and immediate tooth replacement. Considering the fact that it restores function and aesthetics in a single day, this procedure has managed to become a popular choice for many patients around the world. If you’re someone who is considering dental implants, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified dental professional. They can assess your suitability for same day implants and guide you throughout the entire procedure. Resultantly, you are set for a confident and beautiful smile for life.
