Immediate implants

When a tooth needs to be extracted, one of the patient's main concerns is How long will she have to wait to get her smile back?. In some cases, It is possible to place the dental implant in the same procedure. where the extraction takes place.

This is what is known as Immediate implant. This protocol reduces some of the phases of treatment, but it is not indicated for all patients. The decision depends on the condition of the bone, the gum, the stability of the implant, and precise prior planning.

The goal is not to shorten times without criteria, but to advance more quickly when clinical conditions allow it to be done safely.

In Doctor Dent, Dental clinic in Sitges, We study each implantology treatment individually to determine if immediate implantation is a safe and suitable option for the patient. We offer care both in Spanish as in English and we clearly explain each phase of the procedure from the first assessment.

What is an immediate dental implant?

A The immediate implant is placed right after the tooth is extracted., taking advantage of the same space that the root occupied.

In conventional treatment, a healing period is allowed after extraction before the implant is placed. With the immediate protocol, both phases can be performed in a single procedure.

This does not necessarily mean that the final crown will be placed that same day. In some cases, a temporary crown can be added, while in others it is necessary to wait for the implant to integrate properly with the bone.

Immediate implant does not mean "a permanent tooth in one day"“

It is important to differentiate between placing the implant and placing the final tooth.

The final crown is usually placed once the specialist confirms that the implant is stable and the tissues have healed properly. Therefore, messages like "teeth in a day" can create unrealistic expectations.

When can an immediate implant be placed?

Before prescribing this treatment, it is necessary to study several factors.

Sufficient bone and in good condition

There must be an adequate amount of bone to place the implant in the correct position and achieve good initial retention.

Not only does the quantity matter, but also the quality of the bone and the condition of the walls surrounding the tooth.

Healthy gums

The gums must be in good condition. If there is inflammation, significant tissue loss, or very thin gums, additional treatments may be necessary before or during implant placement.

Good initial stability

The implant must be firmly secured from the outset. This stability is key for it to integrate correctly with the bone and to assess whether a temporary crown can be placed.

Prior planning

The decision is not made during the extraction. Before intervening, a complete examination and a 3D radiological study are performed to analyze the bone, the position of the roots, and the nearby anatomical structures.

Advantages of immediate implants

When the case is well indicated, immediate implants offer several benefits:

They reduce the number of interventions.
They shorten some phases of the treatment.
They avoid waiting for the socket to heal before placing the implant.
They can help preserve the gum contour.
They facilitate aesthetic recovery in visible areas.

However, these advantages do not make immediate implantation the best option for everyone.

What happens if it cannot be placed immediately?

When there is not enough bone, the gum is compromised, there is a significant infection, or good stability cannot be achieved, the safest option is to wait.

In these cases, the treatment is carried out in phases:

Tooth extraction.
Bone or gum regeneration, if necessary.
Healing period.
Posterior placement of the implant.

In some cases, respecting healing times allows for better preparation of the area and promotes a more stable and lasting result.