Losing a tooth is never pleasant. Fortunately, there are reliable and aesthetically pleasing solutions available today, such as dental implants. A common question is whether a dental implant can be placed immediately—for example, during the same appointment as the tooth extraction. And what about placing a crown on the implant right away? In this article, you will find clear answers to both questions.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that acts as an artificial root for a missing tooth. It is inserted into your jawbone and serves as a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or overdenture. For a long-lasting result, it is essential that the implant properly fuses with the bone—a process known as osseointegration.
Immediate implant placement after tooth extraction
With immediate placement, the implant is inserted during the same session in which the tooth is removed. This means you do not need to wait for the bone to heal first, which significantly shortens the overall treatment time. However, this approach is not suitable for everyone. Your situation must be carefully assessed, and the following conditions must be met:
- Your jawbone must have sufficient volume and quality
- The area must be free from infections or inflammation
- The extracted tooth must not have severely damaged the surrounding bone
- Your general health and oral hygiene must be in good condition
Can a crown be placed immediately on the implant?
In some cases, not only is the implant placed immediately, but a temporary crown is also attached during the same appointment. This is known as immediate loading. The benefit? You leave the clinic with a natural-looking temporary tooth. However, this is only possible if the implant achieves sufficient initial stability in the bone. If that stability is lacking, it is safer to wait a few months until the implant has fully integrated before placing the crown.
What are the advantages of immediate placement?
If you are a suitable candidate for this approach, immediate placement offers several benefits:
- A shorter treatment time with fewer surgical procedures
- Preservation of the natural bone structure and gum contour
- A pleasing aesthetic result in the short term
- A single healing period instead of multiple phases
Still, caution remains essential. Not every patient qualifies for immediate placement. When in doubt, it is often better to opt for a phased treatment plan, which typically yields the best long-term results.
A beautiful smile without the wait
In some cases, it is possible to place both the implant and a temporary crown immediately. Whether this is an option for you depends on various medical and dental factors that must be assessed on an individual basis. Based on this evaluation, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is both safe and durable—with the goal of achieving the best possible functional and aesthetic outcome.
Would you like to learn more about dental implants or find out whether immediate placement is an option for you? Contact us. We are happy to help!
