An immediate dental implant refers to a procedure where an implant is placed in the jawbone immediately after a tooth extraction, as opposed to the traditional approach that requires a waiting period for the area to heal before placing the implant.
Immediate Dental Implants in East Vancouver
Here's a general overview of how immediate dental implants work:
- Extraction: The damaged or decayed tooth is removed.
- Implant Placement: Immediately after the extraction, a dental implant is inserted into the socket where the extracted tooth was located.
- Temporary Crown: In some cases, a temporary crown may be placed on the implant during the appointment. This temporary crown helps to maintain the space and gum shape while allowing time for the implant to properly integrate with the bone.
- Healing: The implant then gradually integrated with the bone through a process known as osseointegration, which typically takes 3-6 months.
- Permanent Restoration: After successful osseointegration and full healing, the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent crown.
Benefits of Immediate Dental Implants
Immediate implants have a significant benefit of reducing the overall treatment time by combining tooth extraction and implant placement in one procedure. This method can also help preserve the structure of the jawbone and gum tissue, leading to improved results.
However, immediate dental implants may not be suitable for every patient. The decision to opt for this procedure depends on several factors such as the amount of remaining bone, the absence of infection, and the general health and lifestyle habits of the patient, such as smoking, which can impede the healing process. It is recommended to seek advice from a professional to determine whether immediate dental implantation is a viable treatment option.