A missing tooth can cause a host of medical and non-medical problems. Increased risk of gum disease, difficulty chewing, speech issues, and chronic pain are all common for people that delay dental care after losing teeth. Your teeth can also shift while trying to fill in the gaps left by the missing teeth, resulting in further bite problems. Luckily, same-day implants have improved and become very popular in the implant dentistry community. Whether or not you lost teeth in an accident or recently had teeth pulled, same-day dental implants are an important option for getting the most out of your recovery. 

What are Traditional Dental Implants?

Traditional dental implants are fairly complicated surgical procedures. First, your dentist must wait a few months while your sockets heal. Then, they drill a titanium screw into your jawbone. The screws need 4-6 months to fully fuse to the bone, a process known as osseointegration. After this process is complete, they can place a crown, the aesthetic portion, into the implant. The whole process can take up to 10 months. 

Benefits of Same-Day Implants

In stark contrast to the traditional implant process, same-day implants can usually be done in a single procedure. The time spent in the dentist’s office often just ranges from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the number of implants. Patients always leave the office with a full set of teeth. Good candidates for this procedure are patients that want to restore all their teeth as soon as possible. These crowns need to be replaced a few months later because like traditional implants the smaller screws still need some time to fuse to the jawbone. After 3 months pass, the patient needs to replace the temporary crown and get the permanent crown attached to the implant. The main benefits of same-day implants include:

• The soft tissues and gums are covered and have more protection. This means that they heal faster and have less time to recede. The likelihood of permanent damage is decreased. 
• The implant still goes through the process of osseointegration and fuses to the jawbone. 
• The temporary implant facilitates the healing process by keeping food and other contaminants away from the socket left behind by the tooth. 
• The restoration is immediate, and no one will notice a gap or missing tooth the same day you leave the office. 
• Today’s implants have an extremely low failure rate. 

Speak with a San Diego Dental Implant Specialist Today

Dental restoration can make a huge change in a patient’s life. A dental implant is a great way to restore a smile while also improving the health of your mouth. Same-day dental implants are not right in every case, so it is important to consult an experienced dentist. Dr. Michael McBride is one of the 3 dentists in San Diego County that is certified by the American Board of Implant Dentistry to place and repair all types of dental implants. Schedule an appointment at McBride Family Dental to learn if you can benefit from same-day dental implants. Call 760-471-1003 to make an appointment today.