Implant dentistry has been used for decades to help people improve their smile after a tooth is lost or extracted. While we still use some of the same basic techniques to place implants as dentists did in the past, we also have the added advantage of new advancements in dental technology that make these types of tooth restorations easier and more comfortable to place for patients. In Los Angeles, immediate dental implants are one of the most frequently requested services that we perform, and understanding how they work helps you make the best decisions about your treatment.

Stages Involved With Implant Placement

There are several main stages that are involved with implant placement. The first stage is to have the decayed or broken teeth extracted. During the extraction process, anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable, and the dentist uses great care to minimize damage to the bony socket or surrounding gum tissues. When the extraction is done carefully, it is often possible for us to place the implant post immediately into the socket. In the past, the next stage of the implant process used to involve waiting for healing to occur before the crown was placed on the post, but we can now move forward and place it right away in many instances.

Factors That Influence Who Gets Immediate Implants

There are some cases where you may need to stick with traditional implants. This is usually recommended if you are already starting with thinner bone or gum tissue that is ideal. However, there are treatments available to help with these issues, and you may still be a candidate for immediate implants if you can comply with all of the recommendations that we include in your treatment plan. Since the implant will be placed before the bone and post have fully fused, you will need to be cautious to avoid placing too much pressure on the treated tooth for a specific period of time.

The Importance of Supplementary Grafting Treatments

All types of implants need a strong and stable base for the post to stay in place. When you have severe decay, gum disease or missing teeth for a long period of time, it is common to have related issues such as bone and gum tissue loss that affects your treatment. Bone and gum grafting treatments help to restore these parts of your mouth so that you have a better chance at having implants placed successfully.

Benefits of Immediate Dental Implants

The most obvious benefit of immediate dental implants is to be able to replace a tooth with minimal downtime. In most cases, you can enjoy fewer visits to our office, and you can look forward to being able to eat and smile normally. Although the first crown placed on the post is temporary and slightly smaller than the original tooth, it will blend in with the rest of your teeth without you having to worry about wearing a prosthesis such as dentures.

Immediate tooth replacement helps to prevent many of the potential issues that can occur if you lose one or several teeth. When you need to replace a tooth, we offer a 100 percent free dental implant consultation to help you determine if you are a good candidate for immediate implants that let you start loving your smile again right away.