Immediate vs. Delayed Implant Placement
Tooth loss is a serious oral health problem. Missing teeth make it difficult for patients to bite, chew, or speak properly. In terms of tooth loss treatment, there is no dental procedure that offers more security, stability, or comfort than dental implants.
Dental implants are surgically implanted into the jaw where they fuse with the natural bone tissues to provide a stable anchor for a wide range of dental restorations. Understandably, most people want to address tooth loss right away. In many cases, dental implants can be placed immediately after a tooth is lost or extracted. However, in some situations, delayed placement is necessary.
Experienced implant dentist Yamen Akhras discusses immediate vs. delayed implant placement with his Orland Park, IL patients, and helps them understand which is most appropriate for their unique circumstances.
Immediate Implant Placement
Whenever possible, it is best to undergo dental implant treatment as soon as possible after tooth loss or extraction has occurred. Early treatment is preferred because the longer a missing tooth is left untreated, the greater an impact it will have on the overall health and structure of the mouth.
Without the support of the missing tooth (or teeth), adjacent teeth are likely to shift and collapse.
Missing tooth roots also affect oral health. One of the primary functions of a tooth’s root is to absorb the shock of a bite. In turn, the tooth roots provide stimulation to the jawbone that encourages the continual growth of healthy bone and tissues. If the roots of a tooth are not replaced, the jawbone will eventually weaken and deteriorate.
When appropriate, immediate dental implant placement can benefit patients in the following ways:
- Immediate dental implant placement preserves the strength, function, and aesthetics of the smile
- Immediate implant placement maintains the strength and integrity of the jaw
- Immediate dental implant treatment can prevent the need for further surgical procedures, such as a bone graft or sinus lift
Delayed Implant Placement
Although there are many advantages to immediate implant placement, it is not always possible to treat tooth loss right away. Since the primary goal of implant treatment is to ensure it will be a success, it is important to consider when delayed implant placement may be the better option for patients.
In the following situations, it is best to delay implant placement until the gums and jaw can properly support dental implants:
- When an infection or other dental complications are present
- When the patient has experienced jawbone degeneration at the site of tooth loss
- When a molar or premolar has been lost (these teeth have larger roots, and data suggests immediate implant placement may not be the best option for these teeth)
In these cases, implant placement should be delayed by a few months so that the surrounding tissues can heal, or other potential sources of implant complication can be addressed.
Learn More
If you’d like to learn more about dental implant placement, contact us at your earliest convenience. Set up a consultation with Dr. Yamen Akhras by calling (708) 329-8492. Dr. Akhras is happy to answer any questions you may have about dental implant treatment, and whether immediate or delayed implant placement is right for you.
