Why do oral surgeons stick to the conventional method then? Does the “one-day” procedure suit everyone, or are there limitations to consider? Let’s find out the clues!

What Is Immediate Dental Implant Placement?

Instant implant placement is a surgical procedure commonly performed under local anesthesia. It implies inserting a titanium post in the jawbone at the same appointment you have a decayed tooth extracted. An oral surgeon places a dental implant directly in the extracted tooth socket, which shortens the treatment process and is more convenient in terms of scheduling.

The procedure’s success depends on specific factors, such as sufficient jawbone density, absence of infection, and credible implant type. If you are not eligible for extraction and implant same day positioning, you should wait 6–10 weeks after tooth removal to let your body heal properly.

Benefits of Tooth Extraction and Implant Same Day

A dental implant same day as extraction provides a patient with several advantages:

• Single-session surgical intervention. Consequently, you’ll get an artificial tooth faster.
• Reduced time of having a tooth gap. The procedure saves you from the lasting discomfort of having your tooth missed.
• Jawbone density preservation. The jawbone in the affected area starts to gradually compress after tooth removal due to the lack of stimulation from the extracted tooth root. Bone resorption directly impacts the success rate of further implant procedures and aesthetic outcomes. The 6–10-week healing period after tooth extraction isn’t enough for sufficient bone loss, but molar extraction and implant same day preserves jawbone to the maximum.
• Averts adjacent teeth from moving. When you lack one or several teeth in the dental arch, other teeth may shift to the vacant place. A timely placed dental implant stabilizes the tooth row and prevents malocclusion. 
• Fewer visits to a dental office. A single-day procedure induces you to take fewer days off from work or study.

The immediate treatment might seem a more enticing experience than the traditional method, but can tooth extraction and implant be done at the same time in your case? Let’s clarify!

Who Is a Candidate for Same-Day Extraction and Implant

This dental procedure is quite demanding to a patient’s oral health, and it doesn’t suit everyone. You befit to the “lucky” category if you:

• Are blessed with sufficient jawbone density;
• Don’t have a history of systemic diseases, including severe gum infections and cancer;
• Have healthy teeth and gum tissues; 
• Aren’t pregnant;
• Don’t take medications that might hinder recovery;
• Maintain thorough oral hygiene;
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol for no less than a week before and 2 months after immediate implant surgery;
• Don’t suffer from teeth grinding.

The final decision should be taken only after consulting an experienced dentist specialized in single-day implant treatment. The doctor will thoroughly examine the condition of your oral cavity and assess the results of your dental X-rays to conclude whether the procedure fits your case.

Procedure Overview

Immediate dental implant placement may involve several stages:

1. Taking pre-surgery diagnostic tests. Common tests include dental X-rays, 3D Imaging, and blood tests, though a dentist may adjust the options according to your case.
2. Expert evaluation of test results, your health history, and your oral cavity. This helps a specialist develop a comprehensive treatment plan. 
3. Administering local anesthesia to the treated area. It decreases pain and discomfort during the procedure. 
4. Extracting the decayed or severely damaged tooth. A doctor will also clean the gum tissue to ensure the site is free from infection.
5. Inserting the implant into the jawbone.
6. Providing you with medication prescriptions and post-operative aftercare tips. 

You have to follow professional guidelines and take good care of yourself to ensure the implant heals properly.

Same Day Extraction and Implant: Risks and Considerations

The one-day surgical procedure poses higher risks of complications for a patient than conventional implants:

• Implant loosening;
• Infection emergence;
• Unsuccessful osseointegration and subsequent implant loss;
• Potential nerve damage;
• Peri-implantitis.

The titanium post is positioned instantly after extracting a damaged tooth, so the jawbone has to heal in the short term. The method carries an enhanced risk of infection in the treated area and requires solid expertise and professionalism from an oral surgeon.

Recovery and Aftercare Tips

Implant lifespan depends on the material quality, your health condition, the dentist’s expertise, and post-placement care. Always prioritize your doctor’s guidelines above the instructions on the Web to enhance the likelihood of the procedure’s success. Common aftercare recommendations include:

• Rest well. Have plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities for a week after the procedure to minimize the risk of bleeding. Swelling and discomfort are considered normal and will diminish in 48–72 hours after the surgical intervention.
• Keep your head elevated. Sleep on a high pillow in the first 3–4 days to manage swelling.
• Take medications as prescribed. Take pain relievers and antibiotics to reduce soreness and prevent infection.
• Consider dietary limitations. Eat soft foods for a week following the treatment. Avoid chewing hard, crunchy, and sticky foods on the treated site. Refrain from excessively hot or cold foods and drinks till the area entirely heals. Limit the consumption of sugary foods.

• Give up smoking temporarily. Don’t use any tobacco products till the doctor places a permanent crown.
• Maintain thorough oral hygiene. Keep your mouth clean to prevent infections. Be gentle while rinsing your mouth with water after meals: no harsh moves are allowed.
• Don’t use a straw. It can dislodge blood clots that are vital for seamless healing.
• Don’t blow your nose. This is especially important if you have an implant in your upper jaw.
• Don’t puff out your cheeks. Your oral cavity should be left undisturbed for smooth recovery.
• Don’t touch the operated site. Don’t use your tongue or fingers to examine the implant.
• Refrain from alcohol. Wait for 2+ weeks after the dental surgery before you drink alcohol.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Routine dental check-ups ensure the healing process goes as planned and your implant is in order.

The same-day procedure recovery is similar to average dental implant aftercare, so it might be beneficial to acknowledge it too.

Сan you pull a tooth and put an implant in at the same time? It is possible if your candidacy fits the aforementioned criteria. A trusted dentist can help determine whether an immediate dental implant is favorable for your case or if it’s better to turn to a conventional, multi-stage method. Don’t hesitate to contact our Dental Office in Forest Hills, NY, to clarify your concerns and save time on idle speculation. 

Additional Resources

We’ve mentioned the hazardous impact of smoking on implant healing. Learn the risk of failure in this systematic review.