You are facing a tooth extraction. You have been wondering whether the implant could go in at the same time. That is a reasonable question to ask. Let us look at how it works.

An immediate implant is placed in the same session as your tooth extraction. Rather than waiting months for the socket to heal before putting in the implant post, your dentist does both procedures in one visit.

This sounds convenient, and it can be. But it is not the right choice for every patient or every situation.

Your dentist will consider several factors before recommending an immediate implant.

The socket where your tooth was removed needs to be in good condition. If infection is present, the site needs to heal first. Your jawbone must be thick and dense enough to hold the implant firmly from day one.

If your tooth has been lost due to trauma rather than decay, immediate placement is more often feasible. The surrounding gum tissue also needs to be healthy.

Immediate implants are not suitable when there is active infection in the bone or gum around the tooth. If you have uncontrolled gum disease, diabetes, or smoke heavily, your dentist may advise waiting.

Front teeth are the most common candidates for immediate implants because aesthetics matter and the wait for a temporary tooth can be inconvenient. Back teeth experience more chewing force, which makes immediate placement riskier in some cases.

Your dentist extracts the tooth and immediately places the implant into the empty socket. A temporary crown may be attached on the same day, or a healing cap is placed while your gum heals.

You will still need time for the implant to fuse with your bone. That process takes a few months regardless of when the implant was placed.

The main risk is that the implant does not integrate properly because the site was not ideal. There is also a slightly higher chance of infection compared to delayed placement.

Your dentist will discuss whether the benefits of doing both procedures at once outweigh the risks in your specific case.

Ask your dentist at your consultation. Bring up the option if it interests you. Your dentist can assess your tooth, your bone, and your overall oral health and tell you whether simultaneous extraction and implant placement is a realistic option.

Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com

Meads Village Dental Practice