In the traditional implant placement approach, after a tooth is extracted, the patient needs to wait 3-4 months to allow the extraction socket to heal. Taking into account the prosthesis treatment, to have final crown on implant patient needs to wait 10-12 months. Nowadays, with the right conditions, a tooth can be removed and immediate implant placement right after tooth extraction could be done in one day, which reduces the treatment time, cost, preserved the gingival aesthetic and increases the comfort of the patient.

IMPLANT PLACEMENT AFTER TOOTH REMOVAL – WHEN IS THE BEST TIME?

Depending on each case, the most ideal time for implant placement after tooth extraction will vary as follows:

  • Immediate implant placement after tooth extraction: is limited in application and must follow strict requirements including sufficient bone to support the implant, gums are healthy and are free of infection.
  • Implant placement 1-2 months after tooth extraction: is applied when tooth is infected which requires bone grafting after extraction or the patient has thin layers of gum tissues.
  • Implant placement 3-4 months after tooth extraction: is applied when there is severe infection causing major bone deterioration or the root is too large, leaving an insufficient amount of bone after tooth extraction.

CRITERIA FOR IMMEDIATE IMPLANT PLACEMENT

Two factors must be considered before you are deemed a candidate for immediate implant placement after extraction.

Infection: The extraction site should be free of inflammation, gum disease, or other infection. If any of these conditions are present, they will need to be treated before implant can be placed.

Bone density: Dental implants cannot be placed unless sufficient bone is present to support them. If significant bone deterioration has occurred or the socket is too big, the implant cannot be placed. Patients will need to undergo a period of healing and may be even bone grafting before getting dental implant.

IMMEDIATE LOADING AFTER IMPLANT PLACEMENT

Traditionally, dental implant treatment has been performed in two steps. The first involves placement of the implant, which then requires three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, the patient is provided with a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown can be attached to the implant.

Immediate Implant loading

Today, there is an alternative to the two-step method that allows you to have the implant installed in single session. This new method has significantly simplified the procedures, making the experience more pleasant and less complicated for patients. Patient can have implant and crown placed onto the implant within a day. The result of this treatment protocol is instant aesthetics and function. At Dr. Hung & Associates Dental Center (now Worldwide hospital), we apply immediate implant placement for front teeth to ensure the aesthetics for our patients.

Whether or not you are a suitable candidate for immediate loading depends on several factors, such as your general dental health, the number of missing teeth and which teeth are being replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period. Immediate loading can apply to a single missing tooth as well as patients with no teeth wearing full dentures.