You know how clicking “checkout” gives you a range of delivery options, like 5-7 business days or even 1-2 day shipping? Same-day delivery is pretty rare in the retail world. Interestingly, in dentistry, same-day implants are not uncommon at all. In fact, they’re a highly viable alternative to traditional dental implants. The conventional route usually spans several months and multiple dental visits. However, if you have a missing or diseased tooth and prefer a faster timeline, same-day implants could be an excellent fit for you.
Same-Day Dental Implants vs. Traditional Implants
The sheer convenience of same-day, or immediate load, dental implants is truly remarkable. What takes many months to complete with traditional implants can be accomplished in just one visit to your dentist. How, you ask? With traditional implants, you typically have to:
- Extract the tooth and then wait 2-4 months for the socket to heal.
- Insert the implant and wait another 3-6 months for osseointegration (the bone-fusing process).
- Finally, place the crown onto the implant.
This entire traditional timeline stretches to 5-10 months.
Same-day implants, however, operate on a much quicker schedule. You’ll have an initial consultation to determine if you’re a suitable candidate, and a final checkup after your surgery. But the implant procedure itself requires only a single visit to your dentist. This means you bypass the lengthy osseointegration and wound healing processes, saving you many months of waiting. Speed and effectiveness—a truly powerful combination.
Advantages of Same-Day Dental Implants
The success rates for same-day implants continue to improve significantly. In fact, research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that the difference in treatment success rates and radiographic bone level stability between same-day and conventional implants was statistically insignificant. Additional advantages, as highlighted by the National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery, include:
- Immediate restoration: Patients leave the office with a full set of temporary teeth right away.
- Improved bone fusion: The implant may fuse to the bone more effectively.
- Faster gum healing: Soft tissues and gums heal more quickly and are less likely to recede.
- Enhanced healing process: The implants help by keeping contaminants away from the tooth extraction socket.
- Fewer surgical steps: This leads to a quicker overall procedure, and the immediate visible result offers patients peace of mind regarding the implant’s appearance.
Disadvantages of Same-Day Dental Implants
While there are many benefits to one-day dental implants, there are also some drawbacks. Research from Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has noted:
- Slightly higher risk of failure: Although not a high risk, there’s evidence that same-day implants might have a slightly greater chance of failing compared to traditional implants.
- Potential for more marginal bone loss: Studies suggest that same-day implants may experience more bone loss around the edges, which could lead to the implant becoming loose and failing.
- Increased post-procedure discomfort: Swelling and discomfort after the procedure were found to be more common with same-day implants compared to conventional approaches.
- Longer time in the dental chair: The single-day approach means the actual surgery itself might require a longer session.
Who Are Good Candidates for Same-Day Dental Implants?
Like most medical or dental procedures, not everyone who desires same-day implants will be eligible. According to Authority Dental, an ideal patient is typically:
- In overall good health.
- A non-smoker or prepared to quit before the implantation.
Conversely, characteristics that might make someone an unsatisfactory candidate include:
- Gum disease.
- Poor oral health or hygiene.
- Smoking.
- Autoimmune disease.
- Chronic disease.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding).
The condition of your jawbone is particularly critical. It cannot be too thin or soft to receive the implant without needing a bone graft.
There are always benefits and drawbacks in life, whether it’s same-day dental implants or even same-day delivery—you need to weigh what’s most important to you. However, before making any decisions, speak with your dentist to see if you’re a suitable candidate for this rapid procedure. If you are, you could be flashing a brilliant smile that very same day!
Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.