A missing tooth can happen to anyone. Whether you have recently lost a tooth, or have dealt with tooth loss for a while,  you’ve likely considered tooth implants. This revolutionary dental procedure allows patients gorgeous smiles that mimic natural teeth.

With any surgery, the top question is, ‘how safe is it?”. We hear this very often from patients regarding oral surgery. Questioning whether something is safe is human nature, and we completely understand the worry. After all, with all surgical procedures, there are inherent risks, whether they be minor or major. Rest assured, in this article, we will go over what one-day tooth implants are, how they work, how they are appropriate for; and lastly, we’ll go over any safety concerns.

Traditional vs. one-day tooth implant

One-day tooth implants, also known as same-day dental implants, are different from traditional dental implants. Though they both restore your smile, you’ll receive faster results on the same day. For some patients, walking out of the office without the restoration in place (the artificial tooth) can be a disappointment. 

With one-day tooth implants, the patient will have the implant placed, and a temporary restoration put on while their permanent is being created. This allows your mouth and jaw time to heal following the operation while giving the wearer a complete smile.

Traditional dental implants, on the other hand, are placed and set to heal for a period of time, usually months. The final dental restoration is attached after the implant and jaw bone has completely fused. The biggest difference is being able to place a load on the implant versus not. The load refers to the weight of the restoration, which will restore a patient’s smile.

How does a one-day tooth implant work?

Does it take longer to get an implant placed with same-day dental implants? What can I expect from having a one-day tooth implant installed? The process for same-day dental implant installation works the same as traditional dental implants. First, your dentist will need to examine your job bone tissue to see if you’re a good candidate. If it is found that you lack adequate amounts of the jaw bone, a bone graft may be needed.

If you’re found to be an excellent candidate for dental implants, you will be scheduled for surgery. Your dentist will give you a general anesthetic so you won’t feel any discomfort. He or she will make an incision into the gum line where the implant will be placed. Then a cavity for the implant will need to be drilled into the bone. The implant post is then screwed into the hole, an abutment is attached, and the restoration can be added.

The most commonly received same-day dental implant is the all-on-four dental implants. These use four dental implants to replace an entire arch. A temporary denture is then attached to the posts. With the traditional, you would be sent home following the procedure and wait to heal.

Who are the candidates for same-day implants?

The only way to determine if you are a great candidate for dental implants is by talking to your dentist. Your dentist will likely perform the examination and take x-rays. This will give him an idea of the overall condition of your oral health. You should also tell your dentist if you have been experiencing any health concerns.

The ideal candidate will have minimal bone loss and healthy gum tissue. You should be in good oral and medical health. Same-day implants can replace one or multiple teeth, an entire arch, or a full mouth. 

Those that have compromised jawbone tissue may have to go through additional steps to get their dental implants placed. If you have periodontal disease, your dentist can require you to undergo treatment first and resolve it before having surgery. 

With any surgery, there are risks. The most considerable risk is infection. If you have any drainage that is unusual or excessive bleeding, you should contact your dentist. Another problem that could occur is the implant shifting or moving. Typically this is because of biting into crunchy or chewy foods, though it can happen on its own. If your implants shift, this can be cause for concern, and they may need to be removed.

Advantages of one-day tooth implants

The highlight of getting same-day dental implants is that you’ll receive results that office visit. Instead of having to wait weeks or months after you heal, you’ll have your full smile back. Though these are just your temporary restorations, they can provide you with the added confidence of a fuller smile. Same-day dental implants can also be more comfortable as the restoration will cover the incision allowing your jaw to heal.

Another huge advantage of having same-day dental implants, especially if you’re having the all-on-four procedure done, is the ability to eat and talk as you normally would. It is also more comfortable.

• huge emotional
• full smile in hours
• can replace multiple teeth, full arches
• allow the patient to eat somewhat normally
• comfortable fitting temporary restorations

Disadvantages of one-day tooth implants

While there are many great advantages to getting same-day dental implants, there are a few downsides. One of the most significant is that you cannot create a shortcut for the bone to the implant integration process. This means you’ll need to be more aware and take great care of the dental implants during the healing period. 

Dental implants take anywhere from three to six months to fully heal. While you may be able to eat the food you love, most dentists recommend that you stick to a softer diet and avoid crunchy foods. Avoiding them can help minimize the risk of an implant moving or implant failure. 

Other disadvantages are:

• more expensive than other restorations (i.e. traditional dentures)
• still have longer recovery time
• eating modifications recommended avoiding implant failure 

Conclusion

One-day tooth implants can provide you with a complete smile and in just one office visit. Similar to traditional dental implants, you can expect the surgery and recovery time to be on par with each other. Because you don’t have to wait months for your replacement teeth, it can be easier resuming normal functions like eating and speaking. 

Same-day dental implants are excellent options for anybody that desires a fuller smile due to missing teeth. They offer minimal risks, especially when you follow your dentist recommendations following surgery. 

If you’ve been considering tooth implants for your smile restoration, contact Dental Oasis of Orange County today. During a consultation, we’ll help to determine if you are an excellent candidate for dental implants. Schedule your appointment today online by clicking here or give us a call at (714) 276-1971.

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