Baby Boomers are curious about same day, or one day dental implants, and want to know more. Modern technology now allows specially trained dentists to combine the surgical placement of dental implants with the placement of teeth onto those implants in only one visit. Teeth in one hour technology is a reality for today's patients.
This procedure is not as elusive at it may appear. The surgeon may first extract any unsalvageable teeth. After preparing sockets in the bone for the implant placement, implant fixtures are placed in the jaw. Implant placement is tested to ensure that the implant is firmly secured in place, after which an abutment is placed on top of the implant to provide base support for the subsequent crown, similar to the post and core placement used for crown support in traditional root canal procedures. Thanks to new advances in hard ceramic materials, abutments made of white zirconium, rather than silver titanium, are placed on top of these implants, to avoid graying and unsightly discoloring of the underlying gum tissue. A temporary crown is placed on top of the zirconium abutment, and about a month later, the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent crown. A missing tooth can be entirely replaced in only one office visit because today's implants are designed to derive adequate anchorage from the surrounding bone for immediate abutment and temporary crown placement. Once the procedure is completed, x-rays are taken of the implant to verify proper implant placement.
Many patients now opt for one day implants because of their success, convenience, and efficacy. Unlike traditional implants, patients no longer need to wait for the bone to attach and grow around the implant, a process called osseointegration. Implant placement prevents bone loss resulting from missing teeth because implants are taking the place of natural roots and preventing atrophy of the jaw bone. Patients also feel less self-conscious about missing teeth because of the same day temporary crown placement.
Patients are finding implanted teeth aesthetically pleasing and consistently comment that their new teeth look beautiful and blend in naturally with their own teeth. Moreover, for many patients, implants function just as nicely as the natural teeth they had earlier in life. In my own practice, I cannot tell you how wonderful I feel when patients tell me how satisfied they are with their new implants. Patients smile more often because of how comfortable and beautiful their new teeth and new smile are. Many patients look and feel more youthful after they replace missing teeth with implants. They gain more self-confidence and a renewed quality of life.
Some people worry they may not be a candidate for one day implants because of bone loss. The best way to find out if you are a candidate for one day implants is to schedule an appointment with a specially trained dentist for a diagnostic evaluation. The dentist will take the necessary x-rays or CT scans and conduct a full examination to determine if this option may be ideal.
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