Immediate Implants in Carson, CA
Imagine biting into something small, like a strawberry seed, and suddenly your front tooth snaps. It happens so quickly. After a consultation, you’re told you need either a dental bridge or an implant, but with a catch—you’ll have to wear a flipper for 8 months before getting your final crown. Luckily, there’s a better option for many patients: immediate implants.
What Are Immediate Implants?
Immediate implants are dental implants placed at the same time as a tooth extraction. Typically, after extraction and bone grafting, the site needs 4 months to heal before implant placement, followed by another 4 months before the final crown. With immediate implants, the unsalvageable tooth is removed, the site is cleaned, and if appropriate, the implant is placed right away. The gum is managed so it heals well. For front teeth, it’s ideal to have a temporary crown made the same day. This fixed crown not only allows you to smile immediately but also helps guide the gum to heal in the shape of your natural tooth.
What Are the Benefits of Immediate Dental Implants?
Time and Visit-Saving: Immediate dental implants save time—usually 2-3 months compared to delayed implants—and reduce the need for multiple surgical appointments. Since the implant is placed at the time of extraction, there’s no need for an additional visit.
Better Gum Healing and Aesthetics: The biggest benefit is gum healing. With delayed implants, the gum heals over the empty space left by the missing tooth, which can result in less aesthetically pleasing outcomes. Immediate implants prevent this issue by shaping the gum from day one.
More Accurate Placement: Additionally, placing the implant during extraction can help position the implant ideally, as the natural tooth root guides the placement, ensuring the best result for your final crown.
Example Cases:
These are example cases done at our office, Heart Dental, Carson, CA.
Can I Get Immediate Implants for Back Teeth?
Yes, immediate implants work well for back teeth too. While a full temporary crown isn’t necessary for back teeth, it makes caring for the area during healing easier. This approach still saves time, reduces the number of surgical appointments, and delivers great results.
What Are the Risks?
Although the risks associated with immediate implants are low, there are a few things to consider. While the temporary crown provides a great service, it isn’t ready for you to bite directly on. The implant needs time to integrate with the bone without force. If the instructions aren’t followed, the implant might fail.
A failed implant requires removal, bone grafting, and redoing the implant at a later time.
Is an Immediate Implant Right for You?
- Irreparable front tooth? Immediate implants are ideal for those wanting the best aesthetic result.
- Swelling or infection? If there’s significant swelling or an abscess, it’s better to clean and drain the area, perform grafting, and do a delayed implant.
- Do you prefer a fixed temporary crown over a removable flipper? If you find flippers inconvenient, an immediate implant is definitely worth considering.
- Can you follow aftercare instructions? Whether you choose an immediate or delayed implant, proper care during healing is essential for success. If you can follow simple aftercare instructions, you’re a good candidate for an immediate implant.
Choose the Right Dentist
Not all dentists who place implants offer immediate implant placements. It requires additional surgical training and in making temporary crowns that promote proper gum healing.
Our dentist, Dr. Thu Tran, is experienced in dental implants, including immediate implant placement.
Visit us to learn more about dental implants and how we can help you restore your smile.