Dr O Dadashian
When a tooth needs to be removed, one of the options available is immediate implant placement - putting an implant in right after taking the tooth out. While this might sound like an ideal solution, it's important to understand both its benefits and limitations. Let's explore why we often prefer a more measured approach with delayed implant placement.
Understanding Immediate Implant Placement
Immediate implant placement means:
• The implant is placed the same day as tooth extraction
• It potentially reduces the number of surgical procedures
• It might help preserve some bone structure
• Treatment time could be shorter
The Promise vs. Reality
Recent research shows some interesting findings about immediate implants:
• They don't necessarily prevent bone loss significantly better than delayed placement
• The success rates are similar to delayed implants
• They can have more complications
• They require very specific conditions to work well
Why We Often Prefer Delayed Placement
At our practice, we typically recommend delayed dental implant placement because:
1. Better Predictability
• The extraction site has time to heal properly
• Infection risk is reduced
• Bone quality can be better assessed
• Treatment planning is more precise
2. Improved Risk Management
• Less chance of complications
• Better control over the final aesthetic result
• More predictable outcome
• Reduced risk of implant failure
3. Scientific Evidence
Recent studies show:
• Similar bone levels between immediate and delayed implants
• Better soft tissue stability with delayed placement
• Fewer complications in delayed cases
• More predictable long-term results
When Immediate Placement Might Be Considered
We might consider immediate implant placement when:
• There's no active infection
• Bone quality and quantity are excellent
• The surrounding gum tissue is healthy
• The patient's overall health is good
• The tooth is in a less aesthetically demanding area
The Delayed Approach: Our Preferred Method
Here's why we typically choose delayed implant placement:
1. Healing Phase Benefits
• Natural healing can improve tissue quality
• Better assessment of bone condition
• More predictable outcome
• Reduced risk of complications
2. Treatment Planning Advantages
• More time to plan the ideal implant position
• Better ability to manage aesthetic considerations
• Opportunity to build proper bone structure if needed
• More predictable long-term results
Making Your Decision
When considering implant options at your dentist in Catford, remember:
• Both immediate and delayed implants can be successful
• The choice depends on your specific situation
• Long-term success is our primary goal
• We base our recommendations on scientific evidence
The Bottom Line
While immediate implant placement might seem attractive due to potentially shorter treatment time, our experience and current research support delayed placement as the more predictable option for most cases. This approach allows us to provide the best possible outcome for our patients, with fewer complications and more reliable long-term results.
References:
1. Couso-Queiruga E, Stuhr S, Tattan M, Chambrone L, Avila-Ortiz G. Post-extraction dimensional changes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Periodontol. 2021;48(1):126-144.
2. Gaddale R, Chowdhary R, Mishra SK, Sagar K. Soft and hard tissue changes following immediate implant placement and immediate loading in aesthetic zone. Evid Based Dent. 2024.
3. Apaza-Bedoya K, Magrin GL, Romandini M, Blanco-Carrión J, Benfatti CAM. Efficacy of alveolar ridge preservation with xenografts and resorbable socket sealing materials in the esthetic region. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2024;26(1):4-14.
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