Thanks to advancements in dental technology, patients can now replace missing teeth with durable, functional, and aesthetically appealing dental implants. There are several types of implants to choose from, including an approach that allows you to leave the office with a fully restored smile in just one day.
Cheng H. Tai, DDS, understands that making the right treatment choice can feel daunting. That’s why we’re here to explore the pros and cons of same-day dental implants.
Of course, the best way to create a personalized treatment plan is to visit our office in Midtown Manhattan, New York, where we can discuss your specific needs and goals.
No matter the implant style you choose, the first step is always an in-person consultation. During this visit, Dr. Tai examines your teeth and collects imaging to better assess your bone health. You’ll discuss various treatment paths to find the best possible fit.
Traditional dental implants require multiple office visits to complete the treatment. During your initial visit, Dr. Tai numbs the treatment area before creating an incision in your gums to access the underlying bone.
He then drills a pilot hole to guide placement of the titanium post, which replaces the root portion of your natural tooth.
Dr. Tai closes your gum tissue, allowing the healing process to begin. Over the next few months, your bone tissue fuses to the implant, creating a strong foundation. After you’re healed, you return to the office to have your artificial crown secured to the post.
With same‑day dental implants, you leave the office with a temporary dental crown attached on the first day of treatment. The procedure begins the same way as a traditional implant: Dr. Tai places the implant post directly into your jawbone.
Instead of closing the gum tissue to heal, Dr. Tai secures a temporary crown to the post right away. This allows your smile to look complete after just one visit. Your jawbone will still need time to heal and fuse with the post, but this process can take place while the temporary crown is in place.
You return after a few months to have your permanent crown attached. Until then, it’s important to avoid placing undue strain on the temporary restoration. That means no chewing or biting down on ice or hard foods.
While same-day implants are a great option for many patients, not everyone is a good candidate. To begin, you need to be in relatively good health to move forward with this approach. Health problems such as chronic diseases or autoimmune disorders can complicate the healing process.
Same-day dental implants are also better suited for nonsmokers. Smoking robs your body of the healthy circulation necessary for optimal healing and can increase your risk of complications.
The most important factor for same-day implants is the density and quantity of your bone tissue. There must be sufficient bone to hold the implanted post in place.
If your bone tissue in this area is weakened or thinner than normal, bone grafting may be necessary before moving forward with dental implants.
If you’re ready to take action to replace one or more missing teeth, the best way to get started is with a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Tai.
When you’re ready to begin, we offer two ways to connect with our care team. You’re welcome to call our office to check appointment availability, or you can use our online booking tool to schedule your consultation any time.
