Traditionally, newly placed dental implants are left to heal and undergo osseointegration (fusion with the jawbone) over several months without disturbance or additional treatment. However, in some cases, it is now possible to speed up the process and place a temporary prosthetic tooth during the same visit as the tooth extraction and implant placement.
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Why Choose Immediate Dental Implants?
In general, immediate dental implants give patients a temporary prosthetic tooth during the same visit, right after removing the damaged tooth and placing the dental implant (the screw-like component that is anchored in the jaw).
Immediate loading on conventional implants is very aesthetic, so you don’t have to wear a removable denture to hide the missing tooth or teeth. Immediate implants also require fewer visits to the dentist. This approach is usually reserved for carefully selected patients who are time-sensitive and cannot wait for the full traditional implant timeline.
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Immediate implants are typically recommended for patients who:
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However, the immediate dental implant process is not completely “one and done.” You will still need to return later for a follow-up visit to place the final permanent prosthesis, and you must avoid chewing on the area where the implant was placed until your dentist allows it.
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Same-Day Dental Implant Placement
“Same-day dental implants” or “immediate dental implants” generally refers to placing the dental implant and immediately loading it with a temporary prosthesis (crown, bridge, or denture) on the same day. In other words, you walk out of the clinic after surgery with fixed temporary teeth in place.
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Initial Consultation for Dental Implants
The success of any same-day dental implant procedure depends heavily on the skill and experience of the implant dentist or oral surgeon. This technique is highly sensitive and requires an experienced implant team to perform it safely and correctly.
During the initial consultation, you must inform your dentist about your medical history and any current health conditions or diseases. The dentist will then thoroughly examine your oral health using dental X‑rays and 3D imaging (CBCT scans). Based on this detailed analysis, the dentist will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for immediate implant surgery.
Only some patients and clinical situations are truly appropriate for immediate implants. Careful case selection, proper treatment planning, and strict adherence to surgical and prosthetic protocols are the keys to long‑term success with immediate loading implants.
Once you are deemed a good candidate for same‑day implants, your dentist will design a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs and expectations. “Same‑day implants” only means that the surgical placement and provisional loading happen in one day. For the dental team, there is always an extensive planning phase before the actual surgery date.
After the treatment plan is finalized, an appointment will be scheduled for the surgery itself. Depending on how many teeth need to be replaced, your dentist may use one of three main types of implant‑supported prostheses.
Implant-Supported Crown
A single implant crown is used to replace one missing tooth. This option is recommended when the patient has lost one, or a small number, of teeth. After the implant is placed in the jawbone, a dental crown is attached to replace the missing tooth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is used when several adjacent teeth need to be replaced at once. This solution is commonly chosen because it is more cost‑effective than placing a separate implant for each missing tooth.
A well‑known example used for patients with extensive tooth loss, or those wishing to replace all their teeth in an arch, is the All‑on‑4 dental implant system.
One important point about many implant-supported dentures/bridges is that they are usually fixed (non‑removable) once attached, unlike conventional removable dentures.
Implant-Supported Denture
With this option, patients who need to replace all of their teeth can use a denture that is supported and stabilized by dental implants. This type of denture is generally more comfortable than a traditional full denture, offers much greater stability, and makes biting and chewing feel as natural as possible.
Unlike fixed implant bridges, this type of prosthesis is typically removable. Patients can take the denture out daily for proper cleaning and maintenance.
Tooth Extraction and Implant Placement
If a tooth needs to be extracted, this may be done either several weeks before the implant surgery or on the same day as implant placement. The decision depends mainly on the amount and quality of existing bone in your jaw and will be clearly outlined in your treatment plan.
The Extraction Procedure
Tooth extraction is usually performed under local anesthesia. The tooth is gently loosened and removed with as little trauma as possible. Any infected tissue or diseased bone is carefully cleaned out during this process.
The goal of any tooth extraction is to remove the tooth while minimizing damage or tearing to the socket, surrounding gum tissue, and neighboring teeth. When performed successfully, this type of careful extraction helps create a favorable site for inserting the implant fixture (the threaded titanium post). This is especially critical when the implant will be immediately loaded with a temporary prosthesis after surgery.
Dental Implant Surgery
If multiple implants are being placed, the procedure can take several hours. On the day of surgery, you will be anesthetized either with local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia, depending on how many implants you are receiving and your level of anxiety and pain tolerance. Your dentist or surgeon will recommend the safest and most appropriate option for you.
Once you are numb and comfortable, the surgery begins. Depending on the complexity of your case, implants may be placed freehand or using a fully customized, digitally designed 3D surgical guide. This guide helps position each implant at the ideal angle and depth.
Surgical guides are especially useful for complex cases, as they allow the dentist to place the implants with high precision and safety margins. After preparing the implant sites, the implants are inserted into the jawbone.
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Healing and Follow-Up Visits
Osseointegration and healing are essential phases in any implant treatment. During this process, the implant fuses permanently with the jawbone, stabilizing it firmly in place.
Osseointegration typically takes about 4–6 months after implant surgery. During this time—especially in the first eight weeks after immediate implant placement—you will need to follow a soft‑food diet and avoid overloading the implants.
You will also need to return to the clinic after a few weeks to have the final prosthesis placed and any sutures removed.
Afterward, your dentist will perform another check‑up to ensure the implants are stable and properly integrated with the bone.
Your dentist will then usually recommend follow‑up visits every six months to examine and maintain your implants and overall oral health.
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In Summary
Based on your individual needs and expectations, your dentist will recommend the most appropriate implant solution for you. Immediate dental implants can be a viable option for replacing missing teeth in selected cases, but they are not risk‑free.
Most dentists still generally prefer the traditional delayed‑loading protocol, which allows more predictable osseointegration. Ultimately, dental implants are a long‑term investment that can last many years—often a lifetime—if properly cared for and maintained.
For this reason, most dentists agree that the long‑term stability and success of implants usually outweigh the short‑term advantages of immediate loading, which carries higher risks. Nonetheless, in certain situations and with the right candidate, immediate loading can be highly beneficial.
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The dental clinic at Batal Specialized Complex is equipped with advanced tools and technologies to help anyone suffering from dental pain receive effective treatment at the hands of highly skilled dentists. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment at the dental clinic of Batal Specialized Complex.
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