Sometimes to get the right answer about your oral health, you have to ask the right question. If your question is “Is it possible to perform a dental implant in one day?” the answer is a definite yes. However, if your question is “Can I have a dental implant done in one day?” the answer is a solid maybe.
Over the past few decades, dental implants – whether to replace one tooth or an entire arch of teeth – have become a popular alternative to dentures. However, a dental implant is a complex procedure. Your dentist or oral surgeon will need to conduct a thorough examination of the state of your teeth and gums to determine if a single-day implant would be successful for you in the long term.
Factors That Determine Whether A Single-Day Implant Process Is Possible
- How many natural teeth need to be replaced. The greater the number of failing or missing natural teeth, the more pre-treatment assessment planning it will take to ensure the success of a single-day implant. If failing teeth are to be extracted at the same time as the dental implants are placed, this will also impact how your dental team approaches the procedure.
- The bone density of your jaw. Dental implants are secured by metal posts or fixtures that are placed in your jawbone. If you need numerous implant posts to support the crowns that will replace your lost teeth above the gumline, you may need to undergo bone grafts to increase bone density.
- Your gums and remaining teeth must be healthy. For a single-day dental implant procedure to succeed, your mouth should be free of gum disease and infected or damaged teeth.
- You can commit to a significant healing period after your single-day implant is delivered. After a dental implant procedure, you must carefully watch what you consume for six to eight weeks, while your implants integrate into your jaw.
“Advancements in both technology and dental implant techniques allow us to place dental implants faster and with far less discomfort than ever before,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, an endodontist in practice at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our staff can evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums and provide an accurate estimate of how long your dental implant may take to complete.”