It’s no secret that dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth. They are designed to mimic the look and function of natural teeth and can be used to support a single crown, a bridge, or even a full set of dentures.
What’s more – dental implants don’t just replace the visible portion of your teeth – but the root, too. That’s why they’re the most holistic and comprehensive way to replace teeth and reconstruct a smile: the look and function of your smile is restored, but your jaw and other teeth are protected long-term, too.
In recent years, single-day dental implants have become increasingly popular. This advanced technology allows patients to receive an implant and a new tooth or teeth on the same day, saving patients time in the dental implant process and requiring less visits to our office.
So, what’s the big deal about same-day implants? In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about single-day dental implants – the benefits, the procedure, and the recovery process. Whether you’re missing one tooth or multiple teeth, this guide will help you understand the benefits of single-day dental implants and the process of getting them.
What Are Single-Day Dental Implants?
Single-day dental implants, also known as “teeth in a day” or “same-day implants,” are a type of dental implant procedure that allows patients to receive an implant and a new tooth or teeth on the same day. This advanced technique makes use of special equipment and techniques to place the implant and the new tooth or teeth all in one appointment, which enables patients to leave the office with a functional tooth replacement in a single visit.
How is this different than standard dental implants? By combining placement of the post and the crown, we save the patient several months of post-surgery healing that is typically done without the crown – meaning that with typical prosthetic tooth implants, you’re still walking around without a tooth/teeth until your implant heals.
But for patients with sufficient jaw health, same-day dental implants typically use a computer-guided surgical technique that allows the implant to be placed quickly, with minimal discomfort. The implant post is inserted into the jawbone and a temporary tooth is attached to the post.
The implant post is typically made of titanium, a biocompatible metal that fuses with the jawbone over time. This process, called osseointegration, creates a stable foundation for the new tooth or teeth. After the implant has fused with the bone, a permanent tooth replacement such as a crown or bridge can be attached to the implant post.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Same-Day Implant Process
The single-day dental implant procedure is a great option for people who want to avoid the traditional two-stage implant process that typically involves a waiting period of 3 to 6 months between the implant placement and the placement of the permanent tooth. Instead, this accelerated method of tooth reconstruction allows people to have a functional tooth replacement in a single visit.
Wilmington Oral Surgery completes this process in 4 steps while working alongside your primary dentist:
- Examination and 3-D cone beam computer tomography (CT) scan. This technology allows us to conduct flapless implant placement, which is less invasive, less painful, and improves soft tissue outcomes.
- Plan coordination with your dentist and dental lab
- Treatment day
- Custom-made replacement teeth are placed in a way that prevents them from moving while the implant is fusing with the bone.
- Healing
- You can eat and speak immediately after receiving your implants
- Always follow your surgeon’s recommendations for oral care after the procedure to avoid complications.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Same-Day Dental Implants?
If this article has sounded awesome – not so fast. There are a couple caveats to same-day implants. That’s not to say that this type of dental implant surgery is less healthy or less effective than the traditional method, but it does take some extra care from all parties, and the eligibility requirements are stricter.
For instance, if your jaw health isn’t solid, you can’t get single-day implants. That’s because you’ll likely need a treatment to supplement lost bone at the site of the missing tooth. If we were to try and do all those things at once, the chance of implant failure would put you at risk for even more damage.
As well, for people who would rather have ceramic implant posts instead of titanium, the traditional implant process might be a better choice. While zirconia dental implants are just as effective as titanium ones, they are a bit more prone to breakage, which means you want them moved as little as possible during the healing process to minimize that risk.
Decide With Your Oral Surgeon Which Type of Dental Implant is Right for You
In conclusion, single-day dental implants are a modern and efficient solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth. The procedure allows patients to receive an implant and a new tooth or teeth on the same day, and it is becoming increasingly popular due to its many benefits. It is important to consult with an experienced dental implant specialist to determine if single-day dental implants are the right choice for you and to get an estimate of the costs associated with the procedure.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of dental implants, check out our guide to traditional implants, as well as our article briefing another new type of prosthetic tooth: mini dental implants! And if you are interested in implant reconstruction for yourself, check out our services to see what Wilmington Oral Surgery can do for you.
