An immediate dental implant refers to a dental implant procedure where the placement of the implant takes place immediately after the extraction of a tooth. Instead of waiting for the extraction site to heal for 2 to 3 months before inserting the implant, the implant is placed directly into the socket of the extracted tooth during the same appointment.

The immediate implant procedure offers several benefits:

• Time Efficiency: It reduces the overall treatment time as both extraction and implant placement are performed in a single appointment.
• Preservation of Bone and Gum Tissue: By immediately filling the socket with an implant, the bone and gum tissue in the extraction site are better preserved. This helps to maintain the bone volume and prevents the collapse of surrounding tissues.
• Aesthetics: Immediate implants can help to maintain the natural appearance of the smile by preserving the contours of the gums and preventing the adjacent teeth from shifting.
• Convenience: Patients do not have to wait for the extraction site to heal before proceeding with implant placement, reducing the number of appointments needed for treatment.

Despite the shortened treatment time, immediate implants have an equal success rate compared to the traditional approach, when performed with the right protocols and techniques. For replacement of front teeth, we place the implant and a provisional tooth immediately about 90% of the time.

Dr Leo is highly experienced with immediate implant procedures, with a large portion of his implant placements being done on the same day as the day of tooth removal. In some cases, a temporary tooth is placed on the implant on the day of placement. This tooth is replaced with a definitive ceramic tooth after 3-4 months of healing. This means that the patient can have the problematic tooth removed, an implant placed, and walk out with a new tooth – all in a single appointment. 

Immediate implants may not be suitable for all cases. Factors such as the condition of the extraction site, bone density, and the patient’s overall oral health need to be evaluated to determine if immediate implant placement is appropriate. Have a tooth that needs immediate replacement? Contact us to arrange a consultation.