The traditional method of placing a dental implant is a process that takes approximately six months to be completed. Now, there is a new way to complete the entire process in one appointment, it is called Immediate Load Implants. The implants and the associated process were developed to reduce the time required to place dental implants. Immediate load implants, also known as same day implants, are the most modern and advanced approach to implant placement.
To understand and appreciate the benefits of this new method, it is important to understand how traditional implants are placed.
In the past, when a patient lost a tooth and opted for a dental implant and a crown, he or she must go through a two step process. First of all, the patient would go to an oral surgeon to have a dental implant placed into his or her jawbone. After approximately six months, the implant would become a permanent part of the jawbone. This process is known as “Osseo-integration”. Once this process is complete, a crown could be placed on the implant, and the crown serves as the new chewing service (a crown is basically a man-made tooth).
With immediate load implants, tooth restoration can be performed on the implant in the same day, on a single-stage surgery, eliminating the time of the “Osseo-integration” and eliminating the need for the second surgery.
The principal difference between regular implants and immediate load implants is the shape of the implant. A traditional implant looks like a screw, but the immediate load implant has an angled design. It is this design which enables the immediate load implant to support a reasonable amount of pressure immediately.
Immediate load implants can help many patients who have lost a tooth in the front or visible part of the mouth. And the patient won’t have to wait several months after the implant is placed to finish the treatment until the restoration is completed, as has been the case with traditional implants.
Ideal candidates for immediate load implants
It is important to consider the location within the mouth where the implant will be placed and how much time has passed since the natural tooth has been lost. Immediate load implants, like normal implants, are only possible when the jawbone is healthy and there is no infection or inflammation in the area where the implant is to be placed.
Additionally, it is important to consider some other restrictions. People with certain medical conditions, low jaw bone density, smokers, heavy drinkers, and people who suffer from Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) are not ideal candidates for immediate load implants, as there is a great risk the implant will fail.
If you know someone who would like to learn more about implants or is in need of any cosmetic dental surgery, please advise them to contact clinic@prismadental.com.